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The Oxytocin Factor: Tapping The Hormone Of Calm, Love, And Healing
In recent years there have been exciting scientific discoveries about a powerful hormone whose role in the human body has long been neglected. Oxytocin is the hormone involved in bonding, sex, childbirth, and breast-feeding, as well as in relaxation and feelings of calm. It is the mirror image of the stress hormone (adrenaline), which triggers the "fight or flight" systems in the body. Much has been written about the latter but the many-sided importance of oxytocin is currently known only to specialists in obstetrics, physiology, and psychiatry. The Oxytocin Factor , y Dr. Kerstin UvnäMoberg, is the first book on the subject for a general audience. The new research findings, as well as the potentially beneficial applications of this hormone in reducing anxiety states, stress, addictions, and problems of childbirth, are not only fascinating but of great significance to all our lives.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
18 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 19, 2008
Interesting, but almost entirely speculative. I had hoped for more than just 200 pages of conjecture based on a handful of animal studies and personal anecdote. Reads more like a self-help book than a summary of actual science.
Still.. it's a very thought-provoking topic, and I hope the author is successful in her research so that future works can delve deeper.
Still.. it's a very thought-provoking topic, and I hope the author is successful in her research so that future works can delve deeper.
November 8, 2016
Great book, despite the overwhelming scientific detail, I as a non-scientist was not overwhelmed. I'm tempted to say I loved it but that might just have been the oxytocin.
February 26, 2016
very informative book about the magical hormone of oxytocin,the responsible of being in love,bonding learning calming nursing and birthing
it is stimulated and released naturally via touch massage sex but with your spouse only and relaxation. however I didn't get it fully when mentioned that alcohol can participate in its release !!!!????hope further researchs can explain that accurately.
it is stimulated and released naturally via touch massage sex but with your spouse only and relaxation. however I didn't get it fully when mentioned that alcohol can participate in its release !!!!????hope further researchs can explain that accurately.
October 12, 2025
I read this book with the expectation to understand deeply the relation between oxytocin in relationships between man and woman, however there are few highlights of it across the book. On the positive side, it is welcome to explain and give an overview of the nervous system and brain structure. The hard work put on the book by the development of the chapters is also visible.
The book is strongly prejudiced towards a woman perspective and maternal instincts. This prejudice is visible by the focus on woman-related subjects and increased importance given between the mother and her offspring, keeping aside relationship between man and woman. And it is okay for that purpose.
Now, two consequences that may not be intended by the author, and it is obvious by the analysis done, are that the book gives us the reason to segregate the division of genders, man and woman, in the daily interactions that can have intimacy, and the a sign of a protective maternal instinct.
Massage, personal trainer, and any other activity that involve touch between the professional and the client can cause an unwanted consequence. By the book it is scientifically proved that touch can release oxytocin, and oxytocin is one of the elements that creates openness and attraction. Then, it is obvious that such interactions can lead to betrayal through time. That old phrase of a woman that "feels confused" by not knowing if she starts liking another man, may be because she was ignorant of these factors that her brain provokes by material stimulus. This could be the seed of betrayal and a challenge to loyalty that destroy relationships today by the woman's ignorance of the interactions between different genders. This is not the "man's mind" imagination, but a scientific proof that cannot be ignored: touch and other ways indeed provoke the release of oxytocin making you risk yourself into new connections. A compromised woman who allows a massage by a man is wilfully risking herself and her relationship by mere naivety and ignorance. Some may counterargument by agency, however this does remove the facts of the relation between the activities, oxytocin, and its consequences. It will be the case of akrasia or a strong will to resist, which the former is the most pleasant way.
These quotes below are a build-up and summed information:
"In one series of studies, we show that oxytocin can easily be released to a similar extent in both sexes through pleasant warmth and rhythmic touch. The oxytocin system is thus by no means strictly a female system, but has crucial significance for both sexes in humans and other mammals."
Page 6
"Sexual behavior is also stimulated by oxytocin. Oxytocin injections have been shown to accelerate mating, perhaps by reducing fear. Mating in turn leads to the release of oxytocin in both females and males. This release is believed to play a role in, among other things, the transport of the egg and sperm."
Page 67
"Oxytocin very likely plays a key role in human sexual behavior, in part because of the intensive touching and oral stimulation of kissing involved, but also because orgasm itself releases a flood of oxytocin into the bloodstream. This is known both as a result of animal experiments and because measurements have been taken in human research subjects after intercourse."
Page 117
"In experiments with rats, injections of oxytocin promote various kind of physical closeness: maternal behavior, sexual activity, and varying degrees of social interaction. The animals sit closer to each other, sniff each other, and groom each others' fur more often. "
Page 122
"Some studies show that oxytocin is released not only in the person receiving the massage, but in the person administering it as well. Massage therapists show typical effects of a high level of oxytocin, such as lower levels of stress hormones and lower blood pressure. Such people often enjoy a general well-being, perhaps related to the nature of their work."
Page 140
The other consequence showed in the book that I think it was not intended is the selection and disposal of partners. The author compares the pill against pregnancy to a non-existent pill to prevent woman to fall in love, or, stop oxytocin to not fall in love for a wrong person. This could mean many things, but for me this seems like a signal of enmeshed family where the mother wants to dictate who her daughter should choose. After all, how do you know the person you fell in love is the "right for each other," or simply wrong one? Would be because the man is "approved" or "preferred" by the woman's parents? You may think it is reasonable because we tend to think in a positive case, like a family preventing their offspring to not have relationship with a "bad" agent. However, this case is also used by enmeshed families and the devouring mother archetype who use her daughter for exploitation, as a resource gatherer. You marry not for love, but for money. So, it can be used for "good" as well as for "evil."
"The reason for this difference is the female sex hormone estrogen, which, as we saw, reinforces the influence of oxytocin and produces the longer-lasting effect in females."
Page 74
"There is always a risk that emotional bonds will become powerful before the partners know enough to be sure that they are right for each other."
Page 119
The book is strongly prejudiced towards a woman perspective and maternal instincts. This prejudice is visible by the focus on woman-related subjects and increased importance given between the mother and her offspring, keeping aside relationship between man and woman. And it is okay for that purpose.
Now, two consequences that may not be intended by the author, and it is obvious by the analysis done, are that the book gives us the reason to segregate the division of genders, man and woman, in the daily interactions that can have intimacy, and the a sign of a protective maternal instinct.
Massage, personal trainer, and any other activity that involve touch between the professional and the client can cause an unwanted consequence. By the book it is scientifically proved that touch can release oxytocin, and oxytocin is one of the elements that creates openness and attraction. Then, it is obvious that such interactions can lead to betrayal through time. That old phrase of a woman that "feels confused" by not knowing if she starts liking another man, may be because she was ignorant of these factors that her brain provokes by material stimulus. This could be the seed of betrayal and a challenge to loyalty that destroy relationships today by the woman's ignorance of the interactions between different genders. This is not the "man's mind" imagination, but a scientific proof that cannot be ignored: touch and other ways indeed provoke the release of oxytocin making you risk yourself into new connections. A compromised woman who allows a massage by a man is wilfully risking herself and her relationship by mere naivety and ignorance. Some may counterargument by agency, however this does remove the facts of the relation between the activities, oxytocin, and its consequences. It will be the case of akrasia or a strong will to resist, which the former is the most pleasant way.
These quotes below are a build-up and summed information:
"In one series of studies, we show that oxytocin can easily be released to a similar extent in both sexes through pleasant warmth and rhythmic touch. The oxytocin system is thus by no means strictly a female system, but has crucial significance for both sexes in humans and other mammals."
Page 6
"Sexual behavior is also stimulated by oxytocin. Oxytocin injections have been shown to accelerate mating, perhaps by reducing fear. Mating in turn leads to the release of oxytocin in both females and males. This release is believed to play a role in, among other things, the transport of the egg and sperm."
Page 67
"Oxytocin very likely plays a key role in human sexual behavior, in part because of the intensive touching and oral stimulation of kissing involved, but also because orgasm itself releases a flood of oxytocin into the bloodstream. This is known both as a result of animal experiments and because measurements have been taken in human research subjects after intercourse."
Page 117
"In experiments with rats, injections of oxytocin promote various kind of physical closeness: maternal behavior, sexual activity, and varying degrees of social interaction. The animals sit closer to each other, sniff each other, and groom each others' fur more often. "
Page 122
"Some studies show that oxytocin is released not only in the person receiving the massage, but in the person administering it as well. Massage therapists show typical effects of a high level of oxytocin, such as lower levels of stress hormones and lower blood pressure. Such people often enjoy a general well-being, perhaps related to the nature of their work."
Page 140
The other consequence showed in the book that I think it was not intended is the selection and disposal of partners. The author compares the pill against pregnancy to a non-existent pill to prevent woman to fall in love, or, stop oxytocin to not fall in love for a wrong person. This could mean many things, but for me this seems like a signal of enmeshed family where the mother wants to dictate who her daughter should choose. After all, how do you know the person you fell in love is the "right for each other," or simply wrong one? Would be because the man is "approved" or "preferred" by the woman's parents? You may think it is reasonable because we tend to think in a positive case, like a family preventing their offspring to not have relationship with a "bad" agent. However, this case is also used by enmeshed families and the devouring mother archetype who use her daughter for exploitation, as a resource gatherer. You marry not for love, but for money. So, it can be used for "good" as well as for "evil."
"The reason for this difference is the female sex hormone estrogen, which, as we saw, reinforces the influence of oxytocin and produces the longer-lasting effect in females."
Page 74
"There is always a risk that emotional bonds will become powerful before the partners know enough to be sure that they are right for each other."
Page 119
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2020
Love love love this book! It gave me so much understanding on our bodies and minds and how our hormones work to heal and protect us and to bond us together. It was beautifully and scientifically written. Truth and poetry for a midwife! Must read.
April 7, 2024
Creo que lo que rescaté de este libro fue... abracenme y haganme masajes por favor jajaja
April 19, 2024
Aun en proceso de lectura
September 18, 2008
This is an interesting overview of the Oxytocin hormone and ways to use it to enhance your life. Many of the conclusions are conjecture, but it offers a basic layperson's understanding of what Oxytocin is, what it does, and why it's important.
August 4, 2010
I read this because it relates to my research. It was good but there has been a lot of research done since this was published making it somewhat dated.
December 4, 2012
AWESOME book for my chastity research.
March 15, 2013
Totally accessible science written with a poet's touch.
November 16, 2016
REally important work. Technical in some parts.
October 23, 2018
2018 Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt: A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift.
Too speculative, not enough science for my taste.
Too speculative, not enough science for my taste.
October 29, 2019
A lot of interesting ideas that - while plausible - were conjecture at the time of publication.
January 1, 2021
One of my favourite non-fiction. This is so interesting and explanatory of the hormone and really useful in understanding and working with it. Our bodies are amazing.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews