Definition of ENDORPHIN
: any of a group of endogenous (produced or synthesized by the organism) peptides (as enkephalin) found especially in the brain that bind chiefly to opiate receptors and produce some pharmacological effects (as pain relief) like those of opiates. ~ Merriam-Webster
Research in the 1970's was done to see exactly how opiates act in the body to produce pain reduction and even a "high" feeling similar to an elevated mood and increased sense of well being. What was found was that the body naturally has a system for pain control. It's a system of binding agents that bind to pain receptors in the brain to block the pain message impulse. These binding agents are neurotransmitters called endorphins. Endorphins are produced by the central nervous system in response to pain, fear and /or stress. There are 20 different kinds of this neurotransmitter and the most powerful (stronger than Morphine) is called beta-endorphins. Certain things or activities increase these neurotransmitters allowing for decrease in pain and increase in a euphoric feeling and can also give protection from painful/unsafe activity (reaction from the pain of touching a hot stove).
On the flip side, if this system is over-active it can put the fight-or-flight mechanism into overdrive causing increased anger and/or anxiety. Imbalances in this system have also been associated with certain mental disorders.
So, what causes a beneficial increase in these natural pain killers (endorphins)?
exercise
prayer/meditation
controlled breathing (a major component in lamaze technique)
ultraviolet light (being in the sunshine)
aroma therapy
ginseng
laughter
sex
dark chocolate
eating spicy foods
listening to music
loving relationships
It is very important to note that many people have also found the consumption of alcohol to produce the same kind of endorphin increase as with the list above. Those who regularly drink in excess on a regular basis in search of that euphoric feeling could develop an addiction. Please, always be aware of your own personal triggers and limitation. Moderation is key in all things and as always, please drink responsibly.
: any of a group of endogenous (produced or synthesized by the organism) peptides (as enkephalin) found especially in the brain that bind chiefly to opiate receptors and produce some pharmacological effects (as pain relief) like those of opiates. ~ Merriam-Webster
Research in the 1970's was done to see exactly how opiates act in the body to produce pain reduction and even a "high" feeling similar to an elevated mood and increased sense of well being. What was found was that the body naturally has a system for pain control. It's a system of binding agents that bind to pain receptors in the brain to block the pain message impulse. These binding agents are neurotransmitters called endorphins. Endorphins are produced by the central nervous system in response to pain, fear and /or stress. There are 20 different kinds of this neurotransmitter and the most powerful (stronger than Morphine) is called beta-endorphins. Certain things or activities increase these neurotransmitters allowing for decrease in pain and increase in a euphoric feeling and can also give protection from painful/unsafe activity (reaction from the pain of touching a hot stove).
On the flip side, if this system is over-active it can put the fight-or-flight mechanism into overdrive causing increased anger and/or anxiety. Imbalances in this system have also been associated with certain mental disorders.
So, what causes a beneficial increase in these natural pain killers (endorphins)?
exercise
prayer/meditation
controlled breathing (a major component in lamaze technique)
ultraviolet light (being in the sunshine)
aroma therapy
ginseng
laughter
sex
dark chocolate
eating spicy foods
listening to music
loving relationships
It is very important to note that many people have also found the consumption of alcohol to produce the same kind of endorphin increase as with the list above. Those who regularly drink in excess on a regular basis in search of that euphoric feeling could develop an addiction. Please, always be aware of your own personal triggers and limitation. Moderation is key in all things and as always, please drink responsibly.
