The organism is capable of generating very powerful hormones that produce well-being and they are also useful tools for the prevention and cure of ailments. All of this is a consequence of different interactions between the immune, nervous and endocrine systems.
The emotionsthe feelings and the thoughts They create impulses that orient these circuits towards well-being and health, or towards pain and illness.
The oxytocin and the endorphins secreted by the brain They are substances much more powerful than some of the best-known drugs. The discovery of its decisive role is a milestone in the history of medicine and the subject of research in psychoneuroimmunology, which attempts to elucidate the mechanisms involved in these processes.
Oxytocin, hormone or neurotransmitter?
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide Made up of a chain of nine amino acids that plays a vital role in health and well-being, even before birth. It is generated in the hypothalamusand from there it is carried by a protein to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland through nerve fibers. From the pituitary gland it is released into the bloodstream to reach the different target organs.
The oxytocin It can behave like a hormone or a neurotransmitter that influences the activity of the vegetative nervous system. It also intervenes in several physiological processes, activates behaviors at a mechanical level in certain organs and influences different brain areas.
Oxytocin in childbirth
The word oxytocin, which derives from the Greek oxys (fast) and tokos (childbirth), was coined more than a century ago by the neurophysiologist Henry Hallet Dale after observing that a substance extracted from the human brain was capable of causing uterine contractions in pregnant cats. But its chemical formula was not discovered until 1953.
Since then it has been known its role in triggering and sustaining labor contractionsas well as in the dilation of the cervix. Due to the synthesis of this hormone Vincent du Vigneaud He received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1955 and since then highly purified synthetic oxytocin has been available in obstetrics.
It is sometimes called «the love hormonesince its function has been discovered as a creator of bonds in humans and other mammals, and with a fundamental role in sensualitythe affectivity and the sexuality.
Body response states
The human body has two essential response patterns and each of them is governed by hormones and biochemical transmitters that defines and distinguishes them. Both response mechanisms are important for survival and life, and what differentiates them is the time they take up.
1. Ready for action
One of them occurs when the brain perceives a danger or threat and sets in motion what is called the “fight or flight” reaction (attack or escape).
This triggers an alarm function that produces different bodily reactions, such as increased blood pressurethe intensification of cellular metabolism or a greater flow of blood to the muscles of the extremities that enable them for action.
This chain reaction is mediated by the sympathetic vegetative nervous system and hormones of the adrenal cortex: adrenaline, norepinephrine, cortisol. This is a state of contraction. The energy is focused on attack or flight, so the body remains on high alert. It is a circumstantial reaction to a real stimulus limited in time.
2. State of placidity
The other response mechanism is that of calm, relaxation and states of placidity.. In this case it is mediated by different hormones (oxytocin, endorphins, dopamine, serotonin) and is modulated through the parasympathetic vegetative nervous system. It should constitute the basis, the way of being and feeling in everyday life.
This state, which could be called positive biological responsecan be induced and enhanced through conscious breathing, messages from the cerebral cortex, etc.
These responses can be identified by observing the saliva status.
- The state of alarmis accompanied by dry mouth and thick, bitter saliva.
- The state of placidityfrom a wet mouth and transparent saliva.
It is no coincidence, therefore, that extreme stress is associated with dry throat, while the expression “drooling” is associated with states of great admiration and relaxation.
Empathy and emotions
An important part in this type of reaction is the role played by the relationship and affections. oxytocin has the ability to produce empathygives us the opportunity to recognize the emotions of others and respond affectively.
It is secreted simply by eye contact between two people. It is of vital importance at the time of childbirth, because in addition to producing contractions that dilate the cervix and they progress the baby towards birthsets in motion the creation of the bond or imprint between mother and baby.
Oxytocin is the chemical mediator that produces and sustains maternal behavior in women and paternal in man.
Spontaneous release
There are three circumstances in a woman’s sexual life that cause oxytocin release at similar levels: orgasm, childbirth and breastfeeding.
This hormone is secreted by each woman’s body to suit her needs.which is why synthetic oxytocin with its higher doses produces in some cases violent contractions of the uterus (spasms) and intense pain.
It is important to know that Oxytocin is also secreted by stimulation of the nipplea strategy that can be used when labor slows or blocks.
In my experience attending home births for years, I have had the opportunity to see how a blocked dilation resumed when my little sister began to breastfeed.
Oxytocin in breastfeeding
Oxytocin is essential for breastfeeding. It is released in both the mother and the baby when breastfeeding. In this act, a «love hang» occurs mediated by oxytocin and endorphins, which pass from the mother’s bloodstream to breast milk, and from this to the baby. All of this causes the baby to release these same hormones.
The South African doctor Nills Bergman, an enthusiast for research on birth, stressed in Madrid the role of oxytocin in the production and maintenance of maternal-infant bonding. It has to do, then, with he learning the capacity to love. We learn to love through the model of maternal love.
What happens when we produce little oxytocin?
Oxytocin too influences the growth of children and babiesas it stimulates growth hormone (STH) that is released in the pituitary gland. It is not surprising that cases of short stature are related to early separations from the mother.
It has recently been discovered that people with autism have low oxytocin levels and their behavioral patterns improve with an injection of it.
It also favors the development of pleasurable emotional and sexual bonds. There is a peak of oxytocin release and endorphins important at the moment of orgasm.
1. Effects on the body
oxytocin decreases blood pressure and heart ratereduces muscle tension, improves healing and increases the pain threshold. He also participates in the absorption of nutrients through the stomach and intestines and inhibits the release of hormones from the adrenal cortex (ACTH and cortisol).
2. Effects on mood
There are situations mediated by oxytocin that generate states of serenity and bliss:
- Massage: relaxation and touch (contact) produce in our body the activation of the system of placidity, calm…
- Sensual contacts: caresses, hugs and pampering are comforting.
- Pleasurable sexual activity: rosy cheeks, gentle smile…
- Contact with water: Comforting hot baths, relaxing marine thalassotherapy.
- The effect of good food: “My mouth is watering.”
- eat chocolate increases oxytocin and serotonin, hence its antidepressant properties.
- humorous situations: laughter, jokes in company.
- Healthy exercise: walking, running outdoors.
- Contact with nature, animals and also plants.
3. Effects on our social life
Oxytocin is the hormone of sociability and trust. Oxytocin is secreted in various situations of social life: a pleasant meal, a conversation, during a massage…
We have the ability to modulate emotional responses, to send ourselves positive messages from the cerebral cortex. All of this constitutes a great opportunity to influence this complex system and obtain satisfactory answers that increase well-being and health.