Oxytocin

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone mainly produced during pleasant physical contact (consented hugs) lasting at least 20 seconds. Oxytocin impacts the mind and many body systems.

Although a sufficient and regular intake is beneficial, even necessary for good physical and mental health; a high of oxytocin can carry certain risks including leading to an oxytocin drop.

Learn more about…

What are the benefits of oxytocin?

Oxytocin has many beneficial effects on both body and mind; this is why a regular and sufficient dose of oxytocin is necessary for the proper development and maintenance of good physical and mental health.

The talents of OXYTOCIN

Reduces stress, anxiety and depression

Oxytocin reverses the effects of cortisol which is the stress hormone1. In addition, it promotes serotonin which in turn fights anxiety and depression2.

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The talents of OXYTOCIN

Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease

Not only does oxytocin play a role in controlling blood pressure1, but it also helps reduce oxidative stress and vascular inflammation, which lowers the risk of heart disease2.

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The talents of OXYTOCIN

Improves interpersonal relationships

Oxytocin being the hormone of attachment, couples who cuddle more have a more harmonious and satisfying relationship1.
For singles?
Oxytocin also helps people (including those on the autism spectrum) interact better with each other!2

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The talents of OXYTOCIN

Improves immune system health

Oxytocin plays an essential role in the neuroendocrine immune system1; so more hugs also equals a better immune system!

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The talents of OXYTOCIN

Reduces withdrawal symptoms

Since oxytocin provides a sense of satisfaction, cravings for alcohol, drugs, and even sweet treats are no longer as imperative.1.

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The talents of OXYTOCIN

Soothes the pain

Oxytocin can soothe pain by improving healing1, controlling inflammation1 and releasing endorphins2.

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The talents of OXYTOCIN

Could help against long-COVID

The symptoms of long-term COVID seem to be associated with a lower concentration of plasma oxytocin since the virus attacks, among other things, the hypothalamus and oxytocinergic neurons. The hypothesis has therefore been proposed that oxytocin administered in nasal form could relieve the symptoms of long-COVID. However, further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.1

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The risks of an oxytocin high

An oxytocin high might…

  • …give a feeling of well-being and the impression of floating on a cloud, to the point where you forget to drink and eat and where it can become risky to drive a vehicle.
  • …give the impression of falling in love with the other. We must then remember that it is not really the person who has this effect on us, but the oxytocin. (For more information, see the limits of Cuddle Therapy.)
  • …lead to a drop in oxytocin…

An oxytocin drop might…

  • …in some people, in the 1 to 3 days following an oxytocin high, there may be a drop in oxytocin characterized by a feeling of isolation, depression, lack of affection, lack of energy, etc. (See the next section to discover different strategies to combat a lack or drop in oxytocin.)

Different oxytocin management strategies

Among the various oxytocin management strategies, some aim to produce extra oxytocin through physical contact, while others focus on the production of other happiness hormones. Here are some tips that Calia has concocted for you:

  • A 5 steps DIY for a self-cuddling session at home to help you get an oxytocin boost.
  • Different resources on consent in order to be able to make consented hugs with other people (only physical contact that is consented can produce oxytocin; this is why Cuddle Therapy is all about teaching consent!).
    • The Guide to Consent used in Cuddle Therapy.
    • The FIRES acronym allowing you to validate consents in any situation.
  • A list of different ways to increase your happiness hormones which can compensate for the lack of oxytocin and hugs.

When the feelings of loneliness and depression are too strong, several resources are there to support you.
Here are a few; don’t hesitate to use them: