The Science in Kissing

Your lips touch and sparks fly. You feel like you're melting or that you've been hit with a wave of passion. We all know how a kiss works... or do we really? Have you ever wondered why kissing feels so good? We pondered this same question, so we decided to explore the science of kissing both physically and chemically.

Philematology, the science of kissing, is a true science. It explores the physiology behind the warm and fuzzy feelings that accompany a kiss.

Your lips and tongue are two of the most sensitive areas of you body. Both are packed with a large amount of nerve endings, making them an erogenous zone. When you kiss, these nerve endings are stimulated, causing feelings of passion and euphoria.

Scientifically speaking, kissing releases neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain). These neurotransmitters attach to pleasure receptors in your brain to create these feelings of passion, euphoria and elation. These same types of neurotransmitters are released when you engage in activities such as marathon running or skydiving. It works the same way with passionate kissing, which is why your heart to beats faster and your breathing becomes deep and irregular.

Not all kisses evoke these chemical reactions though. Kissing your grandmother, an actor kissing a co-star on screen, or kissing a friend under a mistletoe most likely won't start your heart fluttering. While these kisses may be pleasurable, you lack the chemical spark that comes with the feeling of passion or lust.

While this scientific chemistry in your brain defines what you feel when kissing, we recommend that you just relax and enjoy the sensations and feelings of passion the next time you lock lips with your partner.