Do you know how oxytocin, the hormone that is activated by hugs, works?

You’ve probably heard of oxytocin, a hormone associated with many of our affectionate gestures, such as hugs. Its fame is well deserved. This is a very valuable scientific finding, which corroborates something that we have all known forever: hugs comfort, heal and make life happier.

A few decades ago it was discovered that when women give birth they secrete strong amounts of oxytocin. This hormone attenuates the pain of childbirth and, on the other hand, facilitates the appearance of an intense feeling of affection for the newborn. It translates into desires to hug, to give kisses, to caress.

The best came later. With different experiments that were carried out around the world, it was found that there were many more situations that activated the production of this hormone. It was discovered, for example, that a 5-second hug stimulates her; but one of 20 seconds activates it and is equivalent to a month of therapy. Wonderful, right? But the thing doesn’t stop there. Kisses that are perceived as a manifestation of love also release oxytocin.

Emotional well-being is not the only positive consequence of the secretion of this hormone. It also has a decisive impact on physical well-being. It helps you get sick less and heal faster, in case something affects you. Strengthens the immune system and improves the functioning of your heart. It is a small chemical wonder that enriches your life.

How to activate the hug hormone?

Oxytocin is a hormone that is activated primarily through physical contact. It is easily released through hugs and kisses, but also responds to other stimuli such as a kind word or even a simple pat on the shoulder.

We all have receptors in our skin called Meissner corpuscles. These components allow us to perceive temperature, the texture of things, caresses, pinches, etc. As soon as they receive the stimulus, they send a signal to your cerebral cortex that interprets what kind of stimulus it is. Well, we have more of these corpuscles on our hands and lips.

In an experiment carried out at the University of California, the brain functioning of a group of volunteers was monitored through functional magnetic resonance imaging. Thus it was found that a hug significantly stimulated the production of oxytocin. In the group studied, said hug had to come from a person for whom they did not feel sexual attraction or in love. This study also proved that The more oxytocin, the less cortisol, which is the stress hormone..

Facts you may not know about the hug hormone

So that you better understand how the hug hormone works, below we share some data that you may not have known and that will allow you to understand why. Oxytocin has become the center of interest in many studies.

The hug hormone is produced in the pituitary gland. It is regulated by the cells of the hypothalamus, which in turn affects all the glands of the body. As they say: it has to do with the whole body.When oxytocin is produced, it appears in the blood. If that happens, the amygdala triggers a series of reactions that result in more generous and calm behavior.In 1998 it was discovered that autistic children have lower levels of oxytocin. In 2003, an experiment was carried out in which this hormone was administered intravenously and a decrease in the automated behaviors of these children was observed.Oxytocin is an excellent antidote to social fears and phobias. In other words: if you are in a social situation that causes you fear, a hug from someone you are close to at that moment will probably comfort you.Hugs help reduce sadness and improve blood pressure functioning. On the other hand, kisses have an effect similar to that of a painkiller, but they also help burn calories and reduce wrinkles.The hugging hormone also contributes to the production of more serotonin and dopamine. In more common words, it reduces stress and helps you have a more positive attitude towards life.

The pharmaceutical industry allows us to increase our oxytocin levels through drugs. But why deprive yourself of hugs and kisses? You don’t have to look for them in any pharmacy, they are free and they also help you break those barriers of loneliness. Barriers that are often the enhancers of your anguish.

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