01/19/2026
Looking for a simple, powerful way to reduce stress and feel grounded—anytime, anywhere? In today’s Mindful Monday, I’m sharing the Butterfly Hug, a gentle self-soothing technique that supports emotional regulation and nervous system calming.
The Butterfly Hug was developed by Lucia (Lucy) Artigas, alongside Ignacio Jarero, as part of trauma-response work following Hurricane Pauline in Mexico. It is now widely used by mental health therapists as a resourcing and calming tool within EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy.
This technique uses bilateral stimulation—alternating gentle taps on the body—to help the brain process stress and restore a sense of safety. Many people find it especially helpful for:
• Stress and anxiety relief
• Emotional overwhelm
• Grounding during difficult moments
• Supporting individuals with PTSD or trauma histories
• Preparing for or recovering from emotionally intense experiences
The beauty of the Butterfly Hug is its simplicity—you can practice it seated, standing, or lying down, and it’s accessible for all ages. It’s a wonderful tool to add to your mindfulness, yoga, or self-care practice, and a reminder that you carry calming resources within you.
✨ Try it with me, notice what you feel, and return to it whenever you need support.
Looking for a simple, powerful way to reduce stress and feel grounded—anytime, anywhere? In today’s Mindful Monday, I’m sharing the Butterfly Hug, a gentle s...