Women are different from men in many ways, including their health needs and the ways in which they succeed in their personal and professional lives. Men, for example, thrive on adrenaline and competition while women thrive on oxytocin and collaboration. Perhaps that is why historically women were the gatherers and nurturers while men went off to hunt.
“Adrenaline is released to give us a burst of energy when there is imminent danger,” explains Marilyn Chiarello, raw vegan chef, lifestyle coach and founder of A Taste of Light. “Physically running away from the danger allows the adrenaline to dissipate without causing harmful effects. In today’s world full of adrenaline- producing stresses, it is rare that we physically run from stresses. Instead we internalize the adrenaline, which then contributes to dis-ease.”
When stresses arise that are not life-threatening, being able to access oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone, helps counter the effects of adrenaline and can help women reduce anxiety, promote calmness, increase healing, and lower blood pressure. One way to stimulate the release of this bonding hormone, is with an oxytocin breath.
Chiarello explains, “The breath begins by relaxing the shoulders and jaw, then allowing a deep breath into the belly and exhaling with a pleasurable, audible, elongated HAHHHHHHHHH. The vibration of the sound stimulates the vagus nerve, the longest nerve in the body that stretches from the brain stem to the belly. The vagus nerve is the mind-body connection behind gut instincts. Releasing oxytocin results in feelings of well-being and harmony. Women all over Long Island have been gathering and bonding with each other at Harmony Circles, where they practice this breath and luxuriate in its benefits.”
