McKinney Chiropractor Presents: Hugs and Health
Human Connection; Improving Your Mental Health!
By Dr. Travis Downs
As human beings we are naturally a pack species. The more we find technology and industrialization taking over our daily routines, the less we are reliant on the pack and being with others. This can isolate us without us even realizing it. There are many hormones that get released when we interact with each other, oxytocin is one of the most important released. Oxytocin is released at high levels when we hug each other and through touch. Like most hormones there is an opposing hormone to oxytocin, and it is called cortisol. We need both to function optimally but in today’s world we are constantly stressed and our bodies release way more cortisol. Chronic Cortisol release can start to cause; anxiety, depression, digestive problems, heart disease, sleep problems, weight gain, and memory impairment (1,2). Also, high cortisol release means low oxytocin release and when oxytocin is low then tend to feel less connected to others and experience less self-worth. The lack of oxytocin in the amygdala (where social memory is stored) of the brain will produce anxiety and fear. This is why human contact is so important for Improving Your Mental Health!
This has been especially true as we experience so much isolation through the pandemic. The more oxytocin we have in our blood then the less cortisol gets released. This will start to have a positive effect according to the research on our cardiovascular health.
“New findings support the concept that local Oxytocin production in the heart is physiologically relevant. It is conceivable that ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide) released through the activation of OTR (Oxytocin Receptors) slows the heart by inducing a negative chronotropic effect. Early studies also established that Oxytocin and ANP act in concert to control body fluid and cardiovascular homeostasis.”
Some of the multiple research articles on the positive affects of oxytocin are listed here.
Our Message
We love to help our patients in McKinney stay healthy! We are here to relieve back pain, neck pain and headaches while also teaching about how our diet and stress effects our over all health. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as the chiropractic adjustment and getting the proper nutrients to stay healthy. Our Doctors, near the corner of Eldorado Pkwy. and Ridge Rd., want to help you know how to be healthy by making good choices on diet, movement and mental health!