The Physiology of Love – Why Does it Heal

Love is more than a concept. It is a physiological state of safety – profoundly healing. Why? There are many types of love and here are five examples. The common link is being connected to yourself and others. 

· Passionate love (Romantic love)

· Family love

· Friendship love

· Mankind (human race) and things on this earth

· Self Love

Essence of chronic mental and physical disease is prolonged exposure to threat physiology. It is well documented that CHRONIC stress kills. Note the chemistry of love, which is the opposite of the physiology of chronic stress. Chemistry of love consists of:

· Anti-inflammatory cytokines

· Oxytocin – core hormone of love/ bonding – powerfully anti-inflammatory

· Dopamine

· Serotonin

· Growth hormone

· Anabolic

The podcast finishes with an exercise to generate self-love on the run. Self-love is always the starting point. Be kind to yourself.

Connect with David Hanscom, MD and Les Aria, PhD Pain Psychologist

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