
16/03/2025
The 'Butterfly Hug' is a self-soothing/regulation technique used to help manage anxiety. It involves the following steps:
Wrap arms around yourself, with each hand placed on the opposite shoulder or arm.
Close eyes and stay focused.
Inhale and exhale slowly.
Tap your shoulders in a rhythm like a butterfly's wings in flight.
This technique, developed by Lucina Artigas, is a form of bilateral stimulation, which can help calm racing thoughts and promote emotional well-being. It can be used anytime, anywhere to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. It helps activate the parasympathetic system, the calmer side of the nervous system.
Illustration reposted from Dahiana P. Grisales MCSW, LSW