Acupuncture Stimulates Oxytocin

Many of us are interested in how we can boost our natural supply of oxytocin. Oxytocin is essential to the feeling of love and connectedness; it's also essential to our general health.

Oxytocin flowing through our veins helps counteract stress while promoting relaxation and healing. So, there's a connection between love -- and any positive interaction with others -- and good health.

It seems likely that acupuncture, which also aims to promote healing and balance, activates the oxytocin system.

Here is a very interesting study from China showing that in rats, acupuncture releases oxytocin into the central nervous system. (The study is published in Neuropeptides, by the way, a highly respected scientific journal in the U.S.) Thanks to Acupuncture.com.au for posting the information.

In the study, researchers at the Guangdong Bangmin Pharmaceutical Co. found that injecting oxytocin into the brains of rats increased the analgesic effects of acupuncture. Injecting a substance that blocked the effects of oxytocin into their brains, on the other hand, reduced the pain-killing effects of acupuncture.

Therefore, it's likely that acupuncture reduces pain by causing the release of oxytocin in rats -- and, likely, in humans.

We can guess, moreover, that in general, acupuncture causes a release of oxytocin, which calms the brain's anxiety circuits while cooling off the effects of cortisol in the bloodstream.

Update, December 25, 2007: Peter, who administrates Acupuncture.com.au, tells me his partner has successfully brought on labor by using acupuncture to stimulate points that release oxytocin.

Comments

[Paul Sunstone]

Is oxytocin typically released whenever we suffer a wound, or is that only true of acupuncture, for some reason?

[Susan Kuchinskas]

Gee, that's an interesting question. And I don't know the answer.

My guess would be that oxytocin was not released when the body is wounded; more likely, fight or flight chemicals. Oxytocin would be released when the animal or person found a safe place to recover from the wound.

I don't think the body recognizes the acupuncture needle as a wound, in any case. They are very tiny and often don't hurt at all. But I could be wrong.

I'll try to find out.

[Curious Cathy]

Have you found a product of this type that is effective? Either sniffing (made yourself) or sniffing purchased, or put on clothing?

I have read all your posts covering the last couple of years but haven't found anything anyone could call definite.

More over, where do you purchase safe product to dilute?

[Susan Kuchinskas]

Hi, Cathy. I don't recommend products or sources, for several reasons. But I will share my experiences in general.

I bought pure oxytocin from a laboratory supply company, mixed it with distilled water and inhaled it. I definitely could feel its effects. But it's very expensive and deteriorates unless it's kept at very low temperature. Unless you are an experienced chemist, you would probably be looking at around $50 per dose.

A year ago, searching for "oxytocin" would bring up several chemical supply companies that would take credit card orders. I don't see such ads now; I suspect that they noticed a lot of oxytocin orders and decided to pull the ads.

A reputable chemical supplier would be the only safe way to buy pure oxytocin.

In order to get the connection and empathy effects, you have to inhale it, so it can go into the central nervous system. Spraying it into the air or on your clothes wouldn't do anything -- and Liquid Trust is not designed to be inhaled.

I really think the best way to up your supply is to do it naturally. Pay close attention to your reactions and try to identify some situation in which you feel safe and relaxed -- and then do more of it.