Kissing: Function, Task & Diseases

Quite matter-of-factly, a kiss refers to oral, or verbal, contact with an object or living being. In most cultures, kissing is a socially accepted expression of affection, love, and friendship. Kissing initiates processes in the body, such as increasing sexual arousal.

What is kissing?

Kissing initiates processes in the body that increase sexual arousal, for example. The study of kissing is called philematology. It involves the scientific consideration of cultural and social aspects of kissing, as well as physiological conditions. Presumably, the kiss developed from the passing of pre-chewed food from parents to their child. In animals and some peoples, this occurs through mouth-to-mouth contact. Another theory overlaps with the social interaction of animals via touching in the head area. Through this, the choice of partner is made through smell, taste and touch. This could also have affected the origin of the kiss. There are different types of kissing, which have different meanings and functions. Thus, man knows the hand kiss, kiss, nose or air kiss. A more intimate kind of kissing is the French kiss, in which the oral cavity of the partner and his tongue are stroked or played around with one’s own to a pleasant degree. In addition to humans, several species of great apes have been observed French kissing.

Function and task

Depending on the culture, kissing is valued differently. In some cultures, kissing in the open is frowned upon. While in many countries the kiss is considered a rather intimate gesture, in others it is used as a gesture of friendship. In still others, it is classified as a sexual act and associated with sexual foreplay. This is especially true of French kissing. Accordingly, the reasons for kissing can vary. First and foremost, kissing is considered an expression of partnership love or – depending on the type of kiss – family love. The significance of the French kiss is particularly high here, since symbolically the distance between two people is eliminated by the intimate kiss. In many cultures and countries, the kiss is considered a symbol to seal the marriage. In addition, kissing can also be seen as a symbol of affection. Kisses of greeting or farewell between all parties are not uncommon. In France, kisses on the cheek to greet or say goodbye are common. It is similar in Spain, Italy, Poland or Greece. In different countries, the number of cheek kisses also varies. Hand kisses also serve to pay homage and are performed as a symbolic act, among other things. John Paul II, for example, kissed the ground of a country he was entering for the first time to pay respect to the country. Medical experts consider kisses to be more than just a balm for the soul. Some believe kissing is beneficial to health and has a positive effect on the immune system and the heart. When kissing, the body releases a large amount of hormones. Accordingly, a kiss affects the whole body. Blood pressure and pulse rise and, depending on the intensity of the kiss, the physical arousal of the kissers also increases. The circulation is thereby brought into swing and the blood circulation is promoted. In addition, the lungs are exercised during kissing, as the breathing rate increases during kissing. Since almost forty muscles in the face are activated during French kissing, kissing alleviates the risk of premature wrinkling. Thus, kissing serves as a natural beauty remedy. In addition, kissing burns calories. In two minutes, kissing burns an average of fifteen calories. Last but not least, a kiss has a positive effect on the mind. It fights stress and depressive moods. In addition, it drives away fear and frustration. The pancreas secretes insulin, the adrenal gland adrenaline. These substances together fight negative stress hormones. Love hormones, on the other hand, are produced in greater numbers. When lips and tongue touch, nerve impulses lead to the sexual organs and trigger joyful arousal. What only a few know: Kissing has a decongestant effect and can thus also fight annoying hiccups! According to some dentists, the most beautiful secondary matter in the world can also reduce periodontal disease and tooth decay. Additionally, open ]]wounds]]n can heal better with frequent kissing. This is related to the growth factors in human saliva.At the Medical Congress in the spring of 1992, doctors declared kissing as a good remedy for various ailments that occur in everyday life. The reason for this is its analgesic and mood-lifting effect. Finally, a kiss can also be considered as a swallowing vaccination. The body’s own bacteria, which are passed on during kissing, harden and are therefore also the reason for an improved immune system.

Diseases and ailments

Nevertheless, kissing can also transmit diseases. This is due to the exchange of saliva, which takes place, for example, when kissing with tongues. Especially with partners, it can thus come to the infection with various diseases. For example, bacterial infections can be transmitted through kissing. The same also applies to viral infections. Diseases that can be transmitted are hepatitis B, mononucleosis or colds. HIV and AIDS, on the other hand, are unlikely to be transmitted through kissing as long as there are no injuries to the mouth in the process. A disease frequently transmitted through kissing and direct mouth contact is cold sores. This is an extremely contagious viral infection in which blisters form in the mouth area and are filled with fluid.