Physical Intimacy Lowers Cortisol And Blood Pressure, Improving Health
The human body is a fascinating thing that needs to be taken care of and nurtured in order to stay healthy and functioning optimally. One way to do this is through physical intimacy, which has been found to have numerous benefits for both mental and physical health. In particular, physical intimacy can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, strengthen immunity, boost mood, relieve stress, aid sleep quality, and increase longevity. This article will explain why physical intimacy lowers these markers of health, how it does so, what kind of physical intimacy leads to the best results, who may benefit from engaging in it, and some tips for getting started.
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates stress responses in the body. When the body experiences chronic or acute stress, cortisol levels rise, leading to a range of negative effects such as inflammation, insulin resistance, and impaired cognitive function. By reducing cortisol levels, physical intimacy helps mitigate the harmful effects of stress on the body. Several studies have shown that sexual activity can significantly decrease cortisol levels, with one study finding that men who engaged in regular intercourse had 20% lower cortisol levels than those who did not. Another study found that women who engaged in frequent sexual activity also had lower cortisol levels compared to those who did not.
Physical intimacy also lowers blood pressure, improving overall cardiovascular health. Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against artery walls as it circulates through the body. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Studies show that regular sexual activity can lead to long-term reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with some research suggesting that just 15 minutes of sexual activity per week can make a difference.
Sexual activity also has immune-boosting benefits, helping to keep the body healthy and resistant to illnesses. One study showed that people who engaged in sex once or twice a week had higher levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody responsible for fighting off respiratory infections. Other research has linked frequent sexual activity to reduced rates of colds, flu, and other common illnesses.
In addition to these physiological benefits, engaging in physical intimacy can improve mood, reduce anxiety, boost self-esteem, relieve tension, promote relaxation, and increase feelings of well-being. This is due to the release of endorphins and oxytocin, hormones associated with pleasure and bonding. Physical intimacy can also aid sleep quality by reducing stress and promoting restfulness.
Studies have found that sexual activity may even prolong life by decreasing mortality rates in men and women.
So who should consider engaging in physical intimacy? Anyone who wants to improve their mental and physical health can benefit from this practice. Some individuals may be more likely to experience positive results than others depending on factors such as age, relationship status, and health history.
Older adults may see greater benefits from regular physical intimacy compared to younger adults, while those experiencing chronic stress or poor cardiovascular health may see more significant reductions in blood pressure.
Married couples who engage in regular intercourse are often found to report better communication, increased intimacy, and improved overall satisfaction in their relationships.
Getting started with physical intimacy may seem daunting at first, but there are some tips that can help make the process easier. Firstly, try to create a comfortable and safe space for yourself and your partner. This could include setting aside time specifically for physical intimacy, communicating openly about what you each enjoy, and respecting boundaries. Next, experiment with different types of touch, including kissing, caressing, massages, and other activities. Try to focus on being present in the moment and fully immersed in the experience rather than rushing through it or multitasking during sex.
Remember that sexual intimacy is not just about penetrative sex - any form of pleasure-based contact can be beneficial.
Engaging in physical intimacy has numerous benefits for mental and physical health, reducing cortisol levels, improving cardiovascular health, boosting immunity, relieving anxiety, promoting relaxation, enhancing mood, increasing longevity, and improving sleep quality. Anyone looking to improve their well-being should consider incorporating this practice into their routine, and those interested in doing so should set aside dedicated time, communicate clearly, and explore different forms of physical intimacy. With these tips in mind, readers can begin to reap the many benefits of this powerful practice.