The Science of Love
Those early pangs of twitterpation are unmistakably energizing. When you first fall in love your mind quickens, your skin radiates, and your energy soars. You feel hope and optimism. Your thoughts are deep–and shallow. The point is that the feeling of love is the feeling of being completely alive. The true power of love lies in learning to keep that music playing for life.
There have been quite a few research studies published in the lst couple of years on love and relationships and their positive effect on health:
It’s the science of love. The botom line of this continually emerging research is that intimacy is a powerful natural tool for staying healthy. Some researchers go so far as to suggest that love, intimacy and being in a supportive relationship have more of an effect on your health than diet, exercise, stress, smoking, drugs, surgery or even your genetics.
A pioneer of sorts in the medical analysis of love and its effect on health, Dean Ornish, M.D. analyzed hundred of studies and wrote a book on his findings in 1998: “Love and Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy.” Dr. Ornish suggests that love and intimacy are as important in maintaining healthy lives as are nutrition and working out.
He says, “Love and intimacy are at a root of what makes us sick and what makes us well, what causes sadness and what brings happiness, what makes us suffer and what leads to healing. If a new drug had the same impact, virtually every doctor in the county would be recommending it for their patients.”
Intimacy in Our Relationships Evidence points to the healing power of intimate relationships in sickness, but mainly in health. Study shows that marriage promotes healthy behavior among elderly couples–particularly men.
The Tonic that Cures Many an Ill Strong bonds, whether with a spouse, sibling or friend, often lead to better health.
Married Couples Joined in Health A study finds the health of your spouse may determine your own health.
When a Man Loves a Woman Surprising things can happen.