February—The Month of Love and Human Connection

By Joshua Phillips, ND

Let’s face it, love, relationships and human connection is what makes this whole grand experience on planet earth worthwhile. We even have a holiday to celebrate it—Happy Valentine’s Day.  Some introverts may question this premise, but I will extend this to the love and intimacy we can create in many other ways as well.

It goes without saying that we all experience in some way that deep inner pull to connect with others, to share in the joys and the sadness of life, and to relate with one another the experiences we are having in our lives.  The love that we share with others is a deep and primal thing, described better by poets and artists than scientists, but as it turns out scientists have gotten in on the game as well.

We have discovered that the flood of joy that comes with a loving exchange is not only good for mental and emotional well-being, but it is good for physiological health as well.  That’s right, this is perhaps one of the best examples of mind-body medicine.

Under the influence of love and connection, our entire endocrine systems change immediately—the neurochemistry of our brains support a more balanced set of hormones that in turn signals the adrenal system to counteract stress hormones, which in turn positively effects nearly every organ system in the body.

This supports better digestion, more balanced blood sugar levels, hormones that are more likely to support healthy weight than weight gain, and of course improved sleep, moods and energy levels.  Our immune systems function more effectively and are more likely to create protection and balance with the microbes in our inner and outer landscapes.

And then there is the heart—that all important organ that has, for as long as we can remember, been associated with joy, sadness, grief, and of course, love.  And it is no small coincidence that artists, musicians and lovers have known intuitively for millennia what science has only recently caught onto.

Research suggests that love, positivity, and happiness work to lower the risk of heart disease and heart attacks dramatically. When these qualities are cultivated in our lives the health of the entire cardiovascular system improves, lowering blood pressure, and contributing to hormones that mean healthier cholesterol levels.

By cultivating joy and positivity, and connection with friends and loved ones, we are not only serving an ancient calling that improves our emotional sense of well-being, but we are also literally improving our physical health as well.  So, this Valentine’s day, remember that the connection with loved ones and maybe even the box of chocolates, is real and true medicine—no visit to the doctor required.