Believe it or not, there is a field of study for that universal gesture of love we call kissing. It’s called philematology. The science of kissing brings enjoyable insights into the delivering power of this romantic expression.
Researchers claim that kissing creates many physical and emotional reactions and provides us with a strong diagram of chemical attraction. They say it can bring a therapeutic boost to the mind, heart and soul.
According to a 2009 study led by Wendy Hill, Ph.D., professor of neuroscience at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., the intimate biology of kissing seems to be what the doctor ordered to soothe away tension.
In this study, Dr. Hill measured levels of oxytocin, which is a hormone that is responsible for bonding. She also measured cortisol, a hormone that is dispensed in response to stress. She used 15 heterosexual couples that were in serious relationships as participants in the study. Cortisol levels decreased in all the couples after they kissed and held hands for 15 minutes. Even better, the longer the couple had been together, the deeper the cortisol fell.
Joy Davidson, a sex and relationship therapist in New York City, is not surprised that kissing brings such a benefit to the mind, heart and soul. She says, “Biologically, the lips are more sensitive and have a greater number of receptors for transmitting messages to the brain than most other areas of the body.”
Now just any ordinary kiss will bring all these benefits. A long, intimate type of kiss is best to get the most stress-reducing effect, so make try to make every kiss one to remember. So cuddle up to the one you love and reap the benefits for your heart and soul.