Oxytocin the hormone of love!
A magical hormone that surges through our body when we fall head first in love.
Another function for Oxytocin to make our cup runneth over the sides is preparing the female body for child birth, stimulating milk production so baby can nurse with ease, and creating a deep bond between mum and babe.
In the first few moments after giving birth, a mother receives the largest rush of oxytocin that she'll ever experience in her lifetime. Oxytocin flows between mother and child every time the baby is breastfed, which encourages bonding and attachment.
This hormone plays a big part in men too! Oxytocin is a hormone secreted from the posterior pituitary (but made in the hypothalamus) which has actions all over the body, including but not limited to major roles in birth, lactation, and maternal bonding. The biggest roles that it plays in men is in social awareness, social bonding, trust, and possibly empathy.
How does this affect our Yoga practice?
Just how our emotions impact our biochemistry is extraordinary, and when we are in a state of happiness, our brain acknowledges these patterns of emotions.
A variety of yoga practices such as postures, meditation, breathing and relaxation techniques positively impact the main endocrine glands responsible for the release of the following happy chemicals.
Oxytocin is also present during wound healing and management of inflammation as well as emotions associated with reducing fear and increasing a sense of trust. It is related to how we interact with others, and highlights our need for social interaction as a means of happiness. Oxytocin increases through the act of touch, e.g. when receiving a hug, which is known to boost oxytocin levels as well as relax the cardio-respiratory systems and boost immunity. The first study to identify the effects of yoga and oxytocin was published in 2013. It identified that students showed a significant increase in oxytocin levels as well as social bonding. This is perhaps why we are also drawn more to practising together in a yoga class rather than on our own.
Extra bonus? When we're warm and relaxed, the body releases more oxytocin.
So next time when you peal yourself from Savasana and float home in a world of bliss, enjoy the feeling of the copious amount of oxytocin rushing through your body.
Thanks for reading friends!
Em x
