I like to begin this piece by asking a few rhetorical questions and expatiate on the science of kissing. Did you know kissing has scientific basis? In addition, did you ask yourself why kiss in the first place? On the other hand, what kind of kissing do men like and is it distinct from women?

I am equally trying to figure out the above rhetorical questions when it comes to the Science of kissing. This has excited my curiosity to write this piece on it. This does not suggest anyway my prowess when it comes to practical kissing in a romantic setting.

Although I have done Pure Science including Biology in the SHS at St. Francis Xavier Minor Seminary then and Applied Science in the University, I am not writing this piece as a medical doctor but as a Research-based doctor (Dr. rer. nat).

I will not bore readers with historical and evolutionary biology but rather look at the practical side of the Science of kissing here. There is a 177-page book on ‘Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us’ written by Sheril Kirshenbaum in 2011, which delved into the historical and cultural context of kissing. You may want to look for a copy and grasp the details of it.

Generally, the Ghanaian or African culture is not a ‘kissing culture’ as compared to the Western where kissing is often and openly practised.

I had my first cultural shock when I saw 2 teenagers kissing at a train station in Germany, Nuremberg to be specific in 2006 passionately kissing and I could not stand it. This personal cultural shock was aggravated by my strict catholic seminary training in a boys’ SHS then. Lol!

As many will agree with me, kissing is considered intimate and reserved for indoors in our culture. For adults, kissing is one of the crucial foreplays in a romantic setting to be biologically and emotionally ready before the ‘main meal’ at the other side of the room.

In as much as men generally may arouse without kissing, women on the other hand will deem it crucial as a turn-on in the process. This explains why men can be termed as ‘bamboo fire’ while women termed as ‘charcoal fire’ to illustrate the different reaction times for both sexes.

In the process of kissing, some important 3 hormones are secreted in both participants. These hormones are referred to as ‘feel good’ hormones, creating sugary-like or pleasurable experiences and/or emotional attachment in some cases.

These 3 feel good hormone include oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin responsible for feelings of euphoria, affection and bonding. Even oxytocin is nicknamed ‘love hormone’ for affection and bonding. It is also important to note these ‘feel good’ hormones can be released through cuddling, hugging and other forms of touch among lovebirds.

There are obvious benefits of kissing which include but not limited to stress relief (because the stress hormone, cortisol is subdued due to the production of oxytocin), maximization of pleasure, emotional bonding, mood enhancement, immune boosting, as well as reduction of pain, tiredness and blood pressure.

To enjoy kissing and its benefits, the participating adults must have good oral health in mind. Regular brushing and visits to dentists yearly are helpful to spice up the kissing experience and make it a pleasurable one.

There is more to learn about the importance of the ‘Science of kissing’ to make lovemaking between 2 consenting adults a meaningful and memorable one.

Dr. John-Baptist Naah

Cologne/Köln

Germany.