Part 2: Why are Increased Oxytocin Levels Beneficial for those with Neurodivergent Challenges? Can swimming with wild dolphins enhance the release of Oxytocin?
- Mandy Young
- Mar 15
- 2 min read
In a recent post I mentioned that swimming with wild dolphins, according to an article in Frontiers of Psychology released on 09 July 2012 https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234, increase the release of Oxytocin which has psychological and psychophysiological impacts on humans? I expounded on that to look at the impact of increased levels of oxytocin on social interaction.
I mentioned I would add some additional information on the benefits on increased levels of oxytocin, they are:
A reduction of stress, because increased oxytocin (OT) levels decreases glucocorticoid levels (a stress hormone) in humans and non-human animals (Legros et al., 1988; Petersson et al., 1999; Neumann et al., 2000). This happens in particular with anxiety caused by stress in social situations (Heinrichs et al., 2003; Kirsch et al., 2005). Increased OT levels also decreases high blood pressure and an increased heart rate which is a consequence of stress.
Increased OT levels also reduced anxiety and physical pain, whilst improving immune system functioning. How does it do so - by heightening one's pain threshold, and by having an anti-inflammatory effect (Petersson et al., 1996, 2005), and reduces anxiety (Uvnäs-Moberg et al., 1994; Neumann et al., 2000; Amico et al., 2004; Jonas et al., 2008; Guastella et al., 2009). Again these reductions in anxiety and pain are particularly in relation to reactions to social threats (Kirsch et al., 2005).
An improvement in health because it is associated with increases in the function of the parasympathetic nervous system controlling the endocrine system of the gastrointestinal tract, which is linked to an enhanced digestive function and growth and restoration (Widstrom et al., 1988; Uvnäs-Moberg, 1989, 1994).
Once again I would like to encourage you to join me have fun and swim with wild dolphins so that you can know the impact of more trust, empathy, less aggression, be in a better mood, happier with who you are, improved health, and decreased depression; stress and physical pain.
the up and coming 6 day / 5 night begins on 24th May 2025
only 7 places left
HEALING POWER OF DOLPHINS WILDERNESS ENCOUNTER
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And there is more.....
Before the Healing Power of Dolphins Wilderness Encounter, become NAKEDLY WILD in spirt & soul by adventuring in the most authentic wildlife encounter in Africa.
NAKEDLY WILD WILDERNESS ENCOUNTER
19 May 2025, 12:00 SAST – 23 May 2025, 12:00 SAST
Hluhluwe-Umfolosi National Park, Hluhluwe, South Africa
It’s no by accident that the pristine wilderness of our planet disappears as the understanding of our own inner wild nature fades
This adventure is for those who would like to immerse themselves in the most authentic wildlife encounter I have ever experienced.
Have you ever hiked in a wilderness area, slept under the stars and seen no-one for days? Have you ever done so in an area with no tents, no roads and the highest density of predators in the world?
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