Published by: Priyanka Deshpande
Scientists remain baffled by emotional crying, deemed “purposeless” by Charles Darwin. It’s an enigmatic innate response, transcending culture and time, triggered by various emotions.
An average person makes 15 to 30 gallons of tears each year. Here’s a look at some more interesting facts and health benefits of shedding tears.
Tears come from lacrimal glands above your eyes, then drain into your tear ducts and down through your nose, explaining the familiar sensation of a runny nose after a hearty cry.
Scientists categorise tears into three distinct types, each serving a unique purpose – reflex, continuous, and emotional.
Reflex tears safeguard our eyes by removing debris and lubricating them.
Continuous tears maintain ocular moisture.
Emotional tears contains oxytocin & endorphins, acting as natural pain relievers emotionally & physically. Their unique chemical composition, enriched with proteins & compounds, sets them apart, enhancing their remarkable healing properties.
Crying serves as an essential safety valve for the emotional pressures that life presents. Repressing emotions, or “repressive coping”, has been linked to a cascade of health issues ranging from a weakened immune system to cardiovascular ailments.
Shedding tears offers emotional release, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression risk. Research shows tears strengthen bonds, promoting empathy, closeness, and support.
Rui-katsu, a popular Japanese therapy, involves collective weeping sessions. These gatherings offer a communal space for stress-relieving sobbing sessions, often accompanied by tear-inducing movies.
While tears offer therapeutic release, there are instances when their frequency or absence becomes concerning. Frequent, uncontrollable crying, or the inability to cry, may indicate underlying issues.
In cases of clinical depression, individuals might find themselves unable to shed tears despite the urge. Consulting a medical professional is crucial to diagnose and address these concerns appropriately.
Breaking the skin of onions releases enzymes & sulfenic acid, which combine to form propanethial S-oxide, a lachrymatory agent. This agent stimulates the lachrymal glands in the eyes, leading to tear production to flush it out.