For centuries poets have ascribed aphrodisiac qualities to music.  In movies, especially during the 1980's, music was an integral component of what have become iconic love scenes and themes:  Bo Derek and Dudley Moore making out to Ravel's "Bolero" in 10; Kelly McGillis and Tom Cruise's steamy sex scene to the sound of Berlin's "Take My Breath Away" in Top Gun; and "Dirty Dancing" where the entire movie was built around the soundtrack (or vice versa.)  And the trend continues today with movies like "50 Shades Of Grey".  Bottom line is that lots of folks believe that music can set the tone for lovemaking. And now there's scientific proof.

Scientists have known for years that natural opioid substances are produced in the brain when we're enjoying sex.  Researchers at McGill University in Canada devised a way to block those opioid substances in test subjects.  These 17 participants were then played their favorite songs to see if there was any effect.  The subjects reported that while the songs were okay, they just didn't have the same appeal both physically and emotionally. The researchers claim this is conclusive proof that opioids are involved when we enjoy music; ergo music and sex have similar effects on our nervous system and may complement each other.  See more on the study here.

So go ahead, throw on some Marvin Gaye or Barry White to help set the mood.  Just stay away from Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.  It's at the bottom of the list for songs to play when you want to get it on.

 

 

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