An affectionate caress of the back or neck may bring your loved one far more benefit than just a few minutes'' relaxation.
Scientists have discovered that caressing a
woman in a non-sexual way can lower her blood pressure as much as a
dose of prescription drugs. Regular stroking may, the researchers believe, soon be viewed as an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
As for men, they might as well chill out on the sofa. Stroking has no perceptible effect on their blood pressure.
Doctors have long advised that animal live
healthier lives because stroking a dog or cat lowers both stress and
blood pressure. That was a tonic for the one doing the stroking. The
new research suggests the one receiving the touch can benefit even
more. In each case the woman was asked to sit in
a "loveseat" for 10 minutes while she watched a segment of a romantic
movie and her husband stroked her hands, neck or back. The woman''s blood pressure was measured
before and after the contact. Stroking stimulated the brain to secrete
a chemical called oxytocin which slows the heart down. On average, the
women in the study produced 20 more oxytocin after the stroking.