I’m sure you’ve heard of oxytocin, a hormone associated with many of our thoughtful gestures, such as hugging, and its fame is well deserved. It is a very valuable scientific discovery, confirming something we have always known: hugs comforts, heals and makes life happier.
A few decades ago they discovered that when women give birth they secrete large amounts of oxytocin, a hormone that relieves the pain of childbirth and facilitates the appearance of an intense feeling of affection for the newborn, which results in desire to embrace, to kiss. Caress.
- The best came later.
- Several experiments around the world have shown that there are many other situations in which the production of this hormone is activated.
- It has been discovered.
- For example.
- That a 5-second hug stimulates it; but 20 seconds activates it and equals one month of therapy.
- Wonderful.
- Isn’t it? But it doesn’t stop there.
- Kisses perceived as a manifestation of love also release oxytocin.
“I hug you and run gossip; I kiss you and all the grapes release the hidden wine of your heart in my mouth.
Emotional well-being is not the only positive consequence of the release of this hormone, but also has a decisive impact on physical well-being, which helps you get less sick and allows you to heal faster if something affects you, strengthens the immune system and improves the functioning of your heart. He’s a little chemical prodigy that enriches our lives.
Oxytocin is a hormone that is mainly activated by physical contact. It is easily released with hugs and kisses, but also responds to other stimuli, such as a loving word or even a simple touch on the shoulder.
We all have receptors called Meissner corpuscles in our skin. These components allow us to perceive the temperature, texture of things, caresses, pinches, etc. As soon as they receive the stimulus they send a signal to their cerebral cortex that interprets the type of stimulus. Well, we have more of these corpuscles on our hands and lips.
In an experiment carried out at the University of California, the brain function of a group of volunteers was monitored using functional magnetic resonance imaging, so it has been found that a hug significantly stimulates the production of oxytocin. they come from a person for whom the individual had no sexual attraction or passion. This research has also shown that the more oxytocin there is, the less cortisol there is, which is the stress hormone.
To better understand how hug hormone works, we share below some data that you may not know and that will help you understand why oxytocin has become the focus of much research.
The pharmaceutical industry allows us to increase our levels of oxytocin through drugs, but why deprive yourself of hugs and kisses ?, you don’t need to pick them up at any pharmacy, they are free and also help break down the barriers of loneliness. that are often at the root of their anxieties.