‘Bring it on – The ‘love hormone,’ guess I can never get too much of that right?!’
Well…as is everything in life…too much of one thing does not necessarily mean its good; we need a balance.
So what is oxytocin?
It’s a hormone produced in the hypothalamus. It acts as a neurotransmitter and is released when we hug, cuddle, and make love. This feel good hormone strengthens emotional bonds, trust, courage and generosity. It helps keep away the blues and inertia of depression, stress, and anxiety.
Check out this entertaining and enlightening TED talk by Dr. Zak:
If you can relate to any of these signs of low levels or deficiency…
- lack joie de vivre
- anger and aggressiveness
- addicting behaviours
- depression, anxiety, fearful
- lack of compassion, empathy and trust
…Consider the ways you can increase your levels of oxytocin naturally.
- give a gift.
- connect with friends and family, even if through social media or online video conferencing sites.
- physical activity, yoga, dance
- listening to relaxing music
- meditation (esp. loving kindness-metta) and prayer
- soaking in hot tub
- sharing meals leisurely with others
- cuddling, petting, and playing, with animals
One of the best ways to increase levels of oxytocin is with physical touch. This is why those of us who love hugs or massages feel so much better, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. However, in these COVID-19 days, the ability to give hugs and get massages has been significantly reduced.
So for those of you who are not getting enough hugs from others, or are not able to receive enough massages, consider giving yourself a massage. Simply massaging your neck and shoulders, your temples, and your face and jaw, help to not only calm yourself, but reduce tension in these areas.
An Indian Head Massage is a great way to get your oxytocin levels flowing. It is a unique massage that helps to bring you back into balance and feel your bliss. Check out an unique opportunity to learn some techniques on how to give yourself or a loved one a head massage, through this Online Self-Massage offering. You can incorporate a few techniques into your hair care regime. Or make it a part of your mediation or yoga routine, finishing with a lovely head massage with some calming and sensual aromatherapy oil.
O for the shape of the head
O in Shiro means ‘head’ in Sanskrit.
O is how we feel when we are happy and free of worry; ‘O that feels so good.’
O is for oxytocin, the feel good hormone.
Ooooo is how blissful you will feel after receiving or giving a ShiroBLISS Ayurvedic Indian Head Massage
ShiroBLISS 