If you were to look up Webster’s definition of kissing, you would find that it is defined as, to touch with the lips especially as a mark of affection or greeting. Kissing is in fact, so much more. It can be an erotic experience, a fun way to burn calories, and even a tantric way of exchanging energy.
The scientific term for kissing is Osculation and humans are not the only ones to do it. Bonobos also have been documented to kiss as a way to console and improve relationships. Kissing requires the coordination of 20 muscles working together including the muscle used to pucker, called the orbicularis oris. Kissing can burn anywhere from two to sixteen calories a minute through muscle movement. The lips have over 1 million nerve endings and have been scientifically proven to be more sensitive than our fingers. While we are engaging in a kiss, our brain makes our lips feel extra sensitive and that’s not all our brain is up to.
During a kiss, the brain releases a chemical cocktail made up of dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin…the things that naturally make us feel good. Oxytocin calms the mind, serotonin acts as a natural anti-depressant and kissing also reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. They also light up the pleasure centers of our brains. These feel-good chemicals and hormones released during kissing can help lower stress and cholesterol levels.