Love not only brings meaning to your life, it also brings health benefits. This Valentine’s Day, share love and health with the special people in your life.

Love Can Unclog Arteries

Research has found that love can reduce plaque buildup (called atherosclerosis) in your arteries. In studies conducted with rabbits fed large amounts of cholesterol, the rabbits that experienced tender loving care were actually found to have reduced risk of heart attack and atherosclerosis.

Get an Immune Boost with Love

Love is the most powerful emotional experience, and studies show that while you are feeling it, a great number of endorphins and immune cells are produced. Even watching movies about love or altruism has been shown to increase levels of immunoglobulin — IGA — your first line of protection against cold and flu.

Active Sex Life for a Long Life

Studies have shown that sexually active seniors are the happiest men and women of any age group. And it's no wonder: healthy sexual intimacy is nature's fountain of youth. Sex can raise the levels of substances that lengthen your life span, including endorphins, DHEA, and growth hormone; it can also lower those that shorten it, like the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

The ancient Chinese had a tradition that emphasized the productive transformation of energy during sexual activities, called fang-chung. As Chinese research indicates, correct sexual practices yield tremendous physical and emotional benefits that include increased circulation, balanced hormonal production, relaxation, greater vigor, and a good mood.

On the other side of the spectrum, incorrect practices offer no benefit and can actually be physically and emotionally harmful. When sexuality is fulfilling, it not only improves the quality of your years, but also the quantity of your years!

Keep in Touch with Your Loved Ones

Human touch, long recognized as a powerful technique, increases the production of endorphins, growth hormone, and DHEA, all of which lengthen your life span and lower the negative impact of stress.

In fact, studies have found that patients who are regularly touched recover faster than those who are not touched. So give that special someone a hug or massage and feel both of your moods — and health — improve.

Long Life with Loving Family

Centenarians are loved and cherished by their family members; studies show that people that have happy family lives tend to have a longer life span with fewer illnesses. A meaningful relationship with your family does not come automatically, but it is well worth the effort to build and maintain one.

Investing in your relationships will give you a life rich in love, respect, and a sense of belonging. Fill your family with happiness based on trust, mutual help, love, peace, listening, sharing, humility, honesty, and fairness.

Increase Your Love Life

So if love equals health, how to manifest love? Share your time, energy, and self with them. Look for ways to give back to your loved ones and make them happy. For instance, you might cook a meal or do the dishes as a pleasant surprise. Or you might send them a card, listing all of their many special qualities.

It does not need to be elaborate or expensive, but it should show that you care and appreciate them. As you give freely of your love, you will receive meaningful love in return.

By Dr. Maoshing Ni