This week’s guest post from Elizabeth Manuel gets a little hot and spicy, all in the name of good health.
Sex: it’s even better for you than I originally thought. This basic human instinct delivers a powerful punch. Orgasms release a flood of feel-great neuro-chemicals, including dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin: a triple cocktail of sublime bliss and happiness.
Do you want to feel closer to your mate or partner? Oxytocin is an important hormone produced in the brain involved with bonding and attachment. Usually low in males, orgasm causes oxytocin levels to soar, helping men to feel emotionally connected.
Please understand I am not advocating you become a sex addict or sex junkie. We do need other components in life for sustainable happiness. I am however urging you to get naked with your partner. Recently, at a get together, the subject turned to sex and most of what I heard was: “Sex? I’m married,” “Don’t have time for that,” or “I wish.” I found that while the comments were candid, they made me sad. How can something so vital be put on the back burner? I don’t understand that whole concept. Oxytocin is a bonding hormone, and is the most powerful uniting force to enhance our primary relationships.
Don’t have a partner? Get naked with yourself. Men take masturbation for granted and most single women I counsel and coach do not take “matters into their own hands” so to speak! While sex with a partner does have a few more benefits in terms of psychological and physiological benefits than solo sex, you still reap the rewards of more positive neural chemistry and stress reduction.
Why are many women still afraid to touch or pleasure themselves? Is it old conditioning, religiosity, social morals, believes, values? Sex is truly an amazing gift for the human being. We are designed to want, need, and desire; every other animal in nature is comfortable with their sexuality. If you are not comfortable, get some help. Try a few new things, be daring and see how you can enhance your experience. Regular orgasm improves moods, sleep, and positive life affirming hormones.
Please note I am also not advocating indiscriminate sex. Random sex is a path to STDs, which can shorten your life and reduce brain function.
“Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania reported that individuals who have sex at least once or twice a week show 30% higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which is known to boost the immune system. Other studies have show that frequent sexual activity is tied to lower risk of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.” Making a Good Brain Great, Daniel Amen
Women please take note: Breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death. In 2004, breast cancer caused 519,000 deaths worldwide. Isn’t it time to take the girls out for a pleasure trip? They are meant to be played with—massage those girls regularly! I recently I had the pleasure of an Abhyanga massage. Abhyanga is a unique rhythmic massage, which deeply nourishes the entire body including your breasts with liberal amounts of warm herbal oil, allowing you to luxuriate in bliss.
Orgasms can also be a wonderful antidepressant. Orgasms cause intense increased activity in the limbic system, the deep emotional part of the brain. Feeling a little blue?
Get naked, girl! Who needs a pill?
If that’s not enough to convince you, then how about this? Regular sex and orgasms will improve your moods, reduce your stress, boost your immune system, and increase the youth promoting hormone DHEA. Sex also increases your levels of testosterone and estrogen.
Need a little help getting aroused? Smell some cinnamon or baby powder. Apparently there is a strong connection between our sense of smell and the erection centre of the brain called the septal nucleus, which sends signals to the lower regions—hint hint!
As far as happiness is concerned, orgasms and physical touch are some of the best proactive and preventative measures I know. It’s a win–win–win situation.
Elizabeth Manuel
Follow @happinessexpert
Working as a professional speaker across Canada, Elizabeth inspires and challenges us to live a meaningful, passionate, and, yes, even happy life! Find Elizabeth online at www.elizabethmanuel.com
Email Elizabeth: metamind@shaw.ca
Blog: www.elizabethmanuel.blogspot.com
