Loving ways boosting oxytocin in your significant other

If could help your significant other by releasing oxytocin, would you know why it’s important and how to do it? The perks of oxytocin, a powerful neurotransmitter also known as the “love hormone,” is commonly associated with empathy, trust, sexual activity, and relationship building. Simple acts such as a touch or an engaging smile, can release oxytocin bringing physical and psychological effects influencing our behavior and emotions.

Fast facts on oxytocin

There are several interesting facts about this important love hormone known as oxytocin which include the following:

·      Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus, located at the base of the brain, near the pituitary gland

·      Women generally have higher levels of oxytocin than men

·      It has a special role regarding female reproductive functions including sexual activity to childbirth along with breastfeeding.  When the nipples are stimulated, that triggers the release of oxytocin.

·      Oxytocin is sometimes used during labor and delivery under the brand name of Pitocin, to help start the uterus contracting during birth or to strengthen the contractions.

How to boost oxytocin in others

Since oxytocin is first and foremost a chemical bonding us together leading to feelings of attachment, you need to take the initiative and time to be with those you love. Research has proven this. A 2012 study found that oxytocin plays an important role during the first stages of romantic attachment that lingers for at least 6 months when compared to single, unattached people. 

It’s already well-known that engaging in sexual activity will release oxytocin and appears to have a role in men achieving an erection along with women having an orgasm.

But are there specific ways we can help bring a boost of oxytocin to our significant others? There is and here is what you can do:

·      Tell your significant other how you feel

To bond with others, means showing vulnerability by expressing your emotions of how much you care. Sharing these feelings can lead to your significant other showing their emotions with a kiss, hug, or hand squeeze. Just this simple act is a great way boosting oxytocin in you and them.

·      Cook and eat together

Sharing food is a bonding experience. Don’t pass up opportunities to prepare food together and then sit at a table enjoying your creations. Not only are you engaged in the act of cooking food you love but also in the act of nourishment for your bodies.

·      Make frequent eye contact with each other

One of the easiest and most powerful ways to make your partner feel recognized, understood, and valued is to look them in the eye. The simple act of holding someone’s gaze has the power to ignite or deepen your bond. Keeping eye contact also shows you are actively listening and paying attention, all designed for a rush of oxytocin being released enhancing your relationship.

·      Share hugs and hold hands

Whenever you can, give each other hugs and hold hands.  The act of wrapping your arms around your loved one in a warm embrace or reaching out to hold hands will ignite a release of oxytocin making you want to stay and cuddle some more.

·      Kiss whenever you can

To really boost your happy hormones, kiss one another. Smooching, releases a surge of chemicals including oxytocin but also dopamine and serotonin. This chemical cocktail makes you and your partner feel euphoric while boosting feelings of affection and bonding.

·      Listen and dance to music

While we each have our own personal preference of music we enjoy, we do know how it makes us feel while it improves our social bonds with one another. This effect also is associated with oxytocin. Even surgery patients who listened to music while on bed rest had higher levels of oxytocin and felt more relaxed than patients who didn’t listen to music, as shown by a 2015 study.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.