Swearing Reduces Pain?

I’ve always felt that a good swear word makes me feel better. While I’m not one to cuss at people, appliances and bad hair days, well, I’m all for it. And it turns out I was right. According to a study reported by the Telegraph, swearing can actually relieve pain.

According to the story:

Scientists from Keele University found that letting forth a volley of foul language can have a powerful painkilling effect, especially for people who do not normally use expletives.To test the theory, student volunteers placed their hands in a bucket of ice cold water while swearing repeatedly.

They then repeated the exercise but, instead of swearing, used a harmless phrase instead.

Researchers found that the students were able to keep their hands submerged in the icy water for longer when repeating the swear word – establishing a link between swearing and an increase in pain tolerance.

Pain is reduced as a result of the adrenalin released while swearing, triggering the ”fight or flight” response. The study demonstrates that swearing elicits both a mental and physical response.

”Swearing has been around for centuries and is an almost universal human linguistic phenomenon,” said researcher Dr. Richard Stephens.

So let ‘er rip, just direct your anger towards inanimate objects.

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Related:
7 Creative Ways to Relieve Pain Naturally

By Sara Novak, Planet Green