That magic all begins with a kiss. In other words, there’s a reason we love romantic movies in which star-crossed lovers finally lock lips. Deep inside, we know what the characters are going through, and we love that feeling. We crave it -- again and again.
Expert Sheril Kirshenbaum, author of The Science of Kissing, knows just what that feeling is about. In fact, she gives the dish on how kissing affects our bodies in a self-authored article published by CNN.
Kirshenbaum says that our lips are important when it comes to the science of passion. That’s because they serve as our most exposed erogenous zones. Imagine that!
The Biology of Kissing
Kissing engages five of our 12 cranial nerves that connect with our brain. This communication sets off a storm that helps us choose how far we will go with a lover -- whether it's limited to a simple visit to “first base” or a full-out “home run.” And when it comes to that “first base” concept, statistics even show that a bad kiss can be a deal breaker in the way of relationships.
The electrical impulses that occur during a passionate kiss are what make us feel like we’re on top of the world. They’re what make us curl our toes in anticipation of just what will come next.
Kirshenbaum compares that process to, well, drugs. This is because the dopamine released during a passionate kiss creates a craving for the partner -- we want more and more.