Tear catchers were widely used in Ancient Persia during funeral processions as it was believed the dead should not be mourned as they had moved to the next stage of the afterlife. Thus a tear shed by those that remain would appear as obstacles on the soul’s passage. In Ancient Rome, mourners filled glass bottles with tears, and then placed them in tombs as a symbol of their respect for the deceased. The more tears collected in tear catchers meant the deceased was important.
Today, nobody likes to cry in front of others. Crying often times leaves individuals feeling vulnerable. When it comes to crying, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Shedding tears is not a sign of weakness, but is a cathartic experience and highly evolved behavior. Crying is a natural way to reduce stress that if left unchecked can have negative physical effects on the body including increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other stress-related disorders.
Research shows that 85 percent of women and 73 percent of men feel less sad and angry after shedding some tears. We produce 10 ounces of tears per day and 30 gallons a year. These tears can either be basal tears, reflex tears, and lastly, psychic, or tears produced by emotion although emotional tears do contain higher levels of stress. Crying offers many different health benefits that may cause some to say that we should be crying more often.
Boosts Communication-Crying can show what words cannot express, especially in a relationship. This is mostly seen when a person in the relationship is having a different reaction to a situation that isn’t transparent until tears begin to show. For example, “Someone may be trying to play it cool, or hold it together, or be out of touch with emotions — that are suddenly apparent when one person starts to cry,”
April Masini, relationship expert and author, told Medical Daily in an email. It is at the moment one person bursts into tears that the flow of the conversation shifts toward the emotional aspect the conversation was covering. Masini believes “The crying can quell a fight, emphasize a point not gotten across in words, or simply underscore the importance of the feelings behind the dialogue.”
Improves Mood-Tears can elevate our mood better than any antidepressant available. A 2008 study from the University of South Florida found crying can be self-soothing and elevate mood better than any antidepressant. The shedding of tears improved the mood of almost 90 percent of criers compared to the eight percent who reported crying made them feel worse. Individuals with anxiety or mood disorders were less likely to experience the positive effects of crying.
Improves Vision-Tears, made by the lacrimal gland, can actually clear up the vision by lubricating the eyeballs and eyelids. When the membranes of the eyes are dehydrated, our eyesight may become a little blurry. Tears bathe the surface of the eye, says the National Eye Institute, keeping it moist, and wash away dust and debris. Crying also prevents the dehydration of various mucous membranes.
Kills Bacteria-A good cry can also be a good way to kill bacteria. Tears contain the fluid lysozyme — also found in human milk, semen, mucus and saliva — that can kill 90 to 95 percent of all bacteria in just five to 10 minutes. A 2011 study published in the journal Food Microbiology found tears have such strong antimicrobial powers they can even protect against the intentional contamination of anthrax. Lysozyme can kill certain bacteria by destroying bacteria cell walls — the rigid outer shell that provides a protective coating.
Releases Toxins-Crying does not only mentally cleanse us. It can cleanse our body too. Tears that are produced by stress help the body get rid of chemicals that raise cortisol, the stress hormone. A study conducted by Dr. William H. Frey II, a biochemist and director of the Psychiatry Research Laboratories at the St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Centre, found like other exocrine processes, including exhaling, urinating, and sweating, toxic substances are released from the body when we cry. Several of the chemicals present in emotional crying are the protein prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormones, and the endorphin leucine-enkephalin, which reduces pain.
Relieves Stress-A good cry can provide a feeling of relief even if our circumstances still remain the same. Crying is known to release stress hormones or toxins from the body, and as a result, reduces tension. Martin believes crying is a healthier alternative to punching the wall or “stuffing your feelings,” which can lead to physical health problems like headaches or high blood pressure. “Crying is a safe and effective way to deal with stress,” he said. “It provides an emotional release of pent up negative feelings, stresses, and frustrations.”
“Tears
are nature's lotion for the eyes. The eyes see better for being washed by
them.” (Christian Nestell Bovee)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“Cry It Out: 6 Surprising
Health Benefits of Shedding A Few Tears” By Lizette Borreli
·
“Go Ahead, Have a
Good Cry: 5 Reasons Why It's Good for You” by Marlo Sollitto
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