by
Katrina Welch
The human body is nothing short of amazing. Oftentimes, we don’t think about how our body works, we just know that it does. We think, we move around, we speak, we grow, and our features even change with time. These actions are all as a result of the complex systems at work beneath the surface of our skin. Our feelings are an example of such systems at work.
In our last edition, we examined two of the chemicals in our bodies that are considered “feel good” chemicals. These neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, regulate a number of functions within the body, particularly those which relate to our moods such as happiness, anxiety and depression.
This month, we will take a look at two more chemicals which perform feel good functions within the body. These chemicals are oxytocin and endorphins.
Oxytocin
This chemical is affectionately known as the love hormone. As a neurotransmitter messages are transported to specific areas of the body from the brain. This chemical which plays a significant function in the human reproductive system.
As the nickname suggests, this chemical is activated when a person feels love and feels a sense of attraction to another person. It is also released when experiencing orgasms. It is important to note that oxytocin is present in both males and females, but it has different effects on the two genders. These are some of the main roles of oxytocin:
• Inducing contractions in the uterus during childbirth.
• Stimulating the process of lactation to produce milk in the breasts.
• Fostering the bonding process between mother and child.
• Transporting sperm during the process of ejaculation.
• Positively influencing social behaviours such as trust and relaxation.
• Decreasing anxiety and stress levels.
When oxytocin is at good levels in the body, it can help increase the level of attraction between romantic partners.
Additionally, it can also improve the level of communication, even when disagreement ensues. There are many easy ways to stimulate the production of oxytocin within the body:
• Hold hands with a loved one.
• Spend time hugging and cuddling with a loved one.
• If you own or love dogs, spend time playing with a furry friend.
• If you’re not a dog person, playing with a baby is another good option.
• Pay a compliment to someone, friend or stranger.
Endorphins
The fourth chemical to be looked at in this series is endorphins, commonly called ‘the pain killer’ because they are thought to be a natural source of pain relief. An etymological examination of the word “endorphin” reveals that it is made up of two words, “endogenous” which means from within the body, and “morphine” which is a type of opiate pain reliever.
This neurochemical is made in the brain but is also released in other parts of the body such as the central nervous system and spinal cord.
Let’s take a closer look at the role of endorphins in the body:
• The release of endorphins stimulates the social attachment felt to other people.
• During pregnancy they increase in production within the body.
• Levels of stress and anxiety are reduced.
• Feelings of depression are relieved.
• Aids in the enhancement of one’s selfesteem and feelings of self-worth.
• Helps mothers in labour cope with the pain of childbirth.
Apart from relieving pain, endorphins are known to induce feelings of euphoria and boost a person’s level of happiness. As a result, it is released when a person experiences stress and pain but also during pleasurable activities such as eating, sexual intercourse and exercise.
If you want to naturally boost the levels of endorphins in your body, here are some suggestions:
• Enjoy yourself, have a nice long laugh.
• Spend time volunteering and giving back to your community.
• Dedicate time to regular exercise and staying active.
• Watch movies and television shows you enjoy and read good books.
• Practise yoga, meditation and even acupuncture.
• Eat dark chocolate, and other foods which you love.
• Engage in good healthy sexual intercourse.
• Take in the arts, dancing, music and visual art.
Oxytocin
