This is Your Brain in Love
Ever have that feeling, that unconscious attraction, even obsession towards someone to the point that you can't get him or her out of your mind? How many times have you heard a song about it or met someone that has come under the spell of love--or is it really love?
Scientific studies have shown that the brain scans of those who are under the influence of cocaine show exactly the same activity as those who are in love. That feeling you get, that uncontrollable pull towards someone to the point of obsession, just a hangover effect from a love cocktail resulting from a sudden increase in dopamine (that neurochemical responsible for the sudden heightened awareness and boost of energy) and a decrease in serotonin (known as the anti-depressant neurochemical, that also aids in the process of controlling impulsive behavior). Apparently, this concoction coupled with oxytocin that is released when couples start to throw in physical expressions of romance stirs up natural endorphins that leave us with that love high experience that mimics "cocaine-on-the-brain."
So it wasn't just made-for-TV science. The other day while watching the Discovery Channel's presentation of Life, it was noted that high levels of vasopressin (which combines with oxytocin) in mammals were usually found in species that had high levels of monogamy. But are chemicals the real answer to our love problems?
For Dr. Earl Henslin, in his book, This is Your Brain in Love, everything starts in the brain. It's not so much that right thinking leads to right action, but that an awareness and understanding of the brain could help people to grasp their love style and give couples practical steps towards healthy love-making. Through the course of his practice, Henslin has identified five love styles that need science and spirituality to help overcome their dysfunctions:
1. The Scattered Lover
2. The Overfocused Lover
3. The Blue Mood Lover
4. The Agitated Lover
5. The Anxious Lover
I'm not a couple's counselor, but anything that will give me a few scientific phrases to throw around is always fun to read (especially if it's a free read). Seriously, though, emotions are complex enough, but with the help of science and the truth of Scripture it's amazing how dysfunction can be dealt with in a way where people can take responsibility for their actions and understand our human propensities.
