Seems like love can literally heal all.
New research shows that romantic relationships could heal wounds faster than normal — especially if you engage in one particular habit.
A study from the University Hospital Zurich and the University of Zurich linked intimate physical contact to modestly faster skin wound healing.
When combined with a nasal spray version of oxytocin — which the body naturally produces in response to physical touch — 80 healthy romantic couples had wounds repair themselves quickly over the course of a week.
Oxytocin, nicknamed the “love hormone” or “cuddle hormone,” is involved in things like bonding and attachment, sexual arousal, and trust.
Published in JAMA Psychiatry, the study looked at heterosexual couples who had been together an average of four years.
After inflicting a blister on their forearms, the researchers then used a nasal spray containing either oxytocin or a placebo.
Some participants were instructed to have a conversation with their partner that focused on mutual positive feedback, gratitude and what they valued about the relationship.
The scientists also followed up with the happy couples over the week to check on their emotional state and any interactions they had, whether they were conversations, affectionate touch, sexual activity, conflict or something else.
The couples who engaged in physical intimacy — both affectionate touch and sexual activity — and received also oxytocin saw much greater improvement in wounds healing than the placebo group.
Close romantic partnerships have often been linked to better health. But even more so if the couple is happy, affectionate and feel supported, than simply being in a relationship.
In addition to its involvement in relationships, oxytocin is plays an important role in reproduction and childbirth.
Released through physical contact like hugging, cuddling, having an orgasm or even eye contact, it can build trust and security in relationships.
And it’s one of the few hormones that has a positive feedback loop — meaning once the body releases some, it keeps producing more.
Regular positive intimate interactions between couples could improve both immunity and longevity, while physical contact also provides stress relief.
Regardless of whether they had gotten an oxytocin spray, the couples also saw lower stress levels, with more frequent sex throughout the day resulting in lower daily cortisol levels.
