Ever wonder why you're so addicted to Salsa?

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peachexploration

Thanks to Fernando Cruz of Salsa-Rhythms.com for allowing us to use part of his newsletter, Copyright © 2005 Salsa Rhythms:

SalsaRhythms said:
There are studies that show beta-endorphins can
activate Human "NK" (Natural Killer) cells that boost the immune system against diseases and kill cancer cells.

Now, beta-endorphins are just one of four different types of endorphins produced by your body. Basically, these endorphins are tiny molecules that get processed by the part of the brain known as the hypothalamus. After that's done, the endorphin is released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland.

Now, the overall effect is that you have a combination of chemicals some scientists say is 200 TIMES STRONGER than morphine...(in fact, the molecular structure of endorphins is almost identical to morphine's structure...)

Can you see how powerful that is?

On top of activating your Natural Killer Cells, these endorphins leave you higher than a kite, without the nasty side effects of other drugs...

But what does this have to do with your salsa dancing?

Glad you asked...

You see, as you're sitting there the blood rushing through your veins is carrying some levels of these endorphins. Not much, but some.

When these endorphins really get flooded into your system is when you're in exercise mode...but not just any exercise.

More specifically, cardio-type workouts.

And guess what?

Salsa dancing has long been recognized as a very effective form of cardio exercise (for more info on salsa dancing as a form of exercise you can view the American Heart Association's web site.

But there's more.

Imagine for a moment that there's this very special sound.

A sound that once you hear it, instantly triggers your brain to produce and release all these addictive, healing chemicals into your body...

What does that sound like?

Well, research has shown that listening to music you especially enjoy I'm guessing salsa music is something you like to listen to...) also produce these types of effects.

Now, imagine what you're doing when you combine both the dancing AND the music.

Another thing to think about is this:

Aside from producing these endorphins which activate your own Natural Killer Cells, make you feel happy, and give you this natural high, salsa dancing is...

...F U N

Some people think that we're crazy because they simply don't understand this passion. But now you have scientific proof that the salsa dancing addiction is REAL...
Click to expand...

:D :D
 
Good!

A scientific explanation describing why I got well after a long time of illness when I started up salsa.

A scientific explanation describing why I become relaxed listening to salsamusic although I am driving in the morning/afternoon rush.

A scientific explanation describing why my muscle tension is getting reduced just by listening to salsa ...I don't have to shiver my shoulders to become relaxed...they relax all by themself remembering how it is to shiver/shake.

/Lucretia
 
peachexploration said:
Salsa Rythims said:
Now, the overall effect is that you have a combination of chemicals some scientists say is 200 TIMES STRONGER than morphine...(in fact, the molecular structure of endorphins is almost identical to morphine's structure...)
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

No wonder I dont get back pains when I'm dancing!! LOL
Nice article
 
Wow Enid you've been digging deep... the first post in six years! Must be a record :lol:

A good find :)
 
Recently there's a book that has come out which explains how addiction works. Forgot the name but heard the authors (who were cognitive neuroscientists) on NPR last month. The chemistry of it is fascinating.
 
I am addicted to Salsa, fascinating how the brain works.
No wonder people dont shoot each other at Salsa Events!!
Whereas in other events tragedies are bound to happen!
 
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