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Eight Reasons Why Oxytocin Is the Most Amazing Molecule in the World (Adapted from a recent article online by George Dvorsky)
Though often referred to as the “trust hormone,” oxytocin is increasingly being seen as a brain chemical that does a lot more than just bring couples closer together. New research is suggesting that oxytocin plays a crucial role in enabling us to not just forge and strengthen our social relations, but also to stave off a number of psychological and physiological problems. But more conceptually, oxytocin is proving to be a critical ingredient to what makes us human. Here are eight reasons why oxytocin is simply the most incredible molecule on the planet:
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| 1. It’s easy to get.
One of the neat things about oxytocin is that you can get your fix anywhere and at any time. All you need to do is simply hug someone or shake their hand. The simple act of bodily contact will cause your brain to release low levels of oxytocin – both in yourself and in the person you’re touching.
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| 2. A love potion that’s built right in.
Often referred to as the “love molecule,” oxytocin is typically associated with helping couples establish a greater sense of intimacy and attachment. Oxytocin, along with dopamine and norepinephrine, are believed to be highly critical in human pair-bonding.
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| 3. It helps mom to be mom.
But oxytocin isn’t just limited to helping couples come together – it’s an indispensable part of childbirth and mother-child bonding. It’s been known to promote delivery and speed up contractions. After birth, mothers can establish intimacy and trust with their baby through gentle touches and even a loving gaze.
4. It reduces social fears. Given its ability to break down social barriers, induce feelings of optimism, increase self-esteem, and build trust, oxytocin is increasingly being seen as something that can help people overcome their social inhibitions and fears.
5. It provides healing and pain relief. Amazingly, oxytocin can also be used to heal wounds (through its anti-inflammatory properties.) Studies have also shown that a rise in oxytocin levels can relieve pain – everything from headaches and cramps to overall body aches.
6. It offers stress relief. Not surprisingly, given its ability to alleviate social anxiety and produce feelings of trust, oxytocin has the peripheral ability to reduce stress. Oxytocin has been observed to reduce cortisol in the body and lower blood pressure.
7. It increases generosity. Oxytocin has been observed to increase generosity in humans. Several lines of research have connected oxytocin to feelings of empathy. In one study that required people to share money with a stranger, infusions of oxytocin were shown to make some subjects as much as 80% (wow!) more generous than those on a placebo.
8. It’s what makes us human. Oxytocin plays a crucial role in forging our ability to spark and maintain relationships, while endowing us with the ability to empathize, trust, and even love one another. Without it, we would be something significantly less than what we are.
So what are you waiting for? Go out and hug someone! |