Let love lead the way…

Eisha Sarkar
Posted on Hello Wellness on Dec 7 2010 3:12PM

Mark Twain once wrote, “True love is the only heart disease that is best left to ‘run on’ -- the only affection of the heart for which there is no help, and none desired.” Love makes you happy, boosts your self-esteem and gives you pleasure. And the longer you stay in a loving relationship, the healthier you become.

On a high, when your BP drops!
A study conducted by State University of New York at Oswego in US reported that when people were with their spouses or partners their blood pressure lowered slightly. Another report, from the Washington DC-based National Institute of Medicine found that intimate relationships tended to add years to one's life. Studies in the US, Scandinavia and Japan have consistently shown that people who are isolated or disconnected from others are at greater risk of dying prematurely.

It's just chemistry!
Caring and loving acts increase secretion of the hormone oxytocin, which has powerful effects on human relationships. Its secretion is stimulated by activities associated with love, caring and sex, such as, hugging, kissing, talking, touching as well as sexual stimulation, arousal and orgasm. By increasing trust, empathy and generosity while reducing fear, oxytocin leads to reduction in anxiety as well as greater feelings of contentment and security around loved ones. In turn, these oxytocin-mediated effects lead to greater attachment and bonding as well as happiness and satisfaction in relationships.

No distress, just happiness
By reducing anxiety and boosting happiness, oxytocin-mediated effects can lead to significant reduction in stress experienced by people in loving and caring relationships. Studies have shown that oxytocin can inhibit release of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is often produced in response to stress. It causes increased production and release of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Oxytocin stimulated by activities associated with love, caring and sex can help prevent the damaging effects of stress to your body.

And when the sex is good…
Regular sex with a committed partner does the body good in a number of ways:

• It relieves stress
• It boosts immunity by increasing antibody production in the body
• It burns calories
• It reduces risk of fatal heart attack
• It improves intimacy between partners
• It boosts self-esteem
• It reduces risk of prostrate cancer
• It strengthens the pelvic muscles
• It reduces pain
• It helps you sleep better

By developing loving, caring and deeply satisfying relationships, you can boost your health and wellness as well as your happiness and satisfaction. Harness the power of love!