The Healing Powers of Oxytocin
I listened to Dr. Christiane Northrup speak awhile back and something that she said made my ears perk up. She mentioned the hormone oxytocin and how it is the true fountain of youth hormone.
“Pay attention to this”, she said.
How had I never heard of oxytocin a.k.a. the love hormone?
I found out that oxytocin is produced in your hypothalamus and stored and secreted by your pituitary gland. It acts as a neurotransmitter in your brain.
Turns out this molecule is super powerful and arguably all healing. Here’s why…
Oxytocin has anti-inflammatory properties. So when it is released in your body it helps with cramps, headaches, and overall body aches.
Oxytocin has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in your body. Cortisol is the “stress” hormone, which can cause all kinds of havoc in your body. The release of oxytocin follows with feelings of calm 🙂
Oxytocin is also helpful in overcoming depression and anxiety.
Interestingly enough, oxytocin receptors have been found in your digestive tract. Therefore, it helps improve digestion through improved gut mobility and decreased gut inflammation.
More oxytocin means less cardiovascular stress and an improved immune system.
As I gathered this information I could definitely see why Dr. Northrup spoke of oxtytocin with the suggestion to pay attention to this hormone!
How to Get More Oxytocin
Inevitably the question follows…. So how do we get more oxytocin?
Turns out its pretty simple. Your body releases oxytocin when touching is shared. This can come in the way of a hug, kiss or a simple handshake.
This touch causes your brain to release low levels of oxytocin both in yourself and the person that you are touching. With this connection, oxytocin levels help create a sense of trust.
When your body is sexually aroused or excited then oxytocin levels increase in your brain significantly. With orgasm your brain is flooded with oxytocin!
I understand that for many of us with endometriosis that sex and/or orgasm can be painful. But no need to fret, there are plenty of other ways that we can increase our oxytocin levels.
Simply watching an emotional movie can compel oxytocin release as can singing in a choir, doing karaoke with a crowd or dancing! Playing or cuddling with pets can cause oxytocin levels to increase too.
Another way to increase oxytocin is by verbally expressing your love for all the ones in your life: “I love you!”
Oxytocin is the love molecule but part of its evolved biology comes from the fact that you have to put it out there to get it back.
Because of this energy exchange, giving gifts to others can increase oxytocin levels.
Another way to give to receive is with focused meditation on others. Putting forth positive, focused energy to those in our life that we care about creates a ripple that returns to us with increased oxytocin and yes…. LOVE 🙂
On the Positive Side?
I shared with my husband the power of oxytocin, and its become something we joke about now and again. We both recognize just how powerful this hormone is to calm down tension between the two of us.
Have you ever paid attention to how sometimes a hug makes the stress and anxiety melt away (at least for a moment)? Sometimes all it takes is my husband’s arms around me to make everything better.
I love how oxytocin spreads with the spread of the “L” word. When we give, we truly do receive. Oh by the way I LOVE you dear reader 🙂
I hope this information inspires you to give up some hugs today and share some love.
Yes, love indeed conquers all.
