Oxytocin

Oxytocin

Articles tagged with "Oxytocin".

Oxytocin and Heart Health: How the Love Hormone Improves Cardiac Function

Tags: Oxytocin, Heart Rate Variability, Cardiovascular Health, Social Bonding

November 26, 2025

How Does Oxytocin Improve Heart Health and Social Connection?

Oxytocin increases heart rate variability (HRV) - a key indicator of cardiovascular health and stress resilience - by enhancing parasympathetic nervous system activity and improving the heart’s ability to adapt to changing demands. Higher HRV indicates better cardiovascular fitness, emotional regulation, and capacity for social engagement, suggesting that oxytocin’s effects on social bonding are intimately connected to its beneficial effects on heart health and overall physiological resilience.

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The Healing Power of Touch: How Physical Contact Reduces Stress

Tags: Social Touch, Stress Relief, Oxytocin, Physical Contact

November 26, 2025

How Does Physical Touch Actually Reduce Stress and Promote Healing?

Social touch activates specialized neural pathways that directly counteract stress responses by reducing cortisol levels, increasing oxytocin production, and activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Research shows that affective touch - gentle, caring physical contact - triggers C-tactile fibers that connect to brain regions involved in emotional regulation, creating measurable physiological changes that buffer stress, reduce inflammation, and promote healing through distinct neurobiological mechanisms.

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