Why Crying is Good for You

The Benefits of Tears

Most people feel better after a good cry. (At least most women do.) After shedding tears, there is generally a feeling of relief and renewed strength to face difficult situations. But new evidence suggests that there may be more to crying than just expressing feelings. Scientific research has found that tears produced by emotional crying, may be one of the ways that the body disposes of toxic substances.

Dr. William Frey II, Ph.D., biochemist, and tear expert at the Ramsey Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota has discovered that reflex tears are 98% water, while emotional tears contain much more protein, which includes stress hormones. Dr. Frey and his research team spent many years studying the composition of tears. Their conclusion was that emotional tears released harmful chemicals that had built up in the body, due to stress.

Additional studies hypothesized that crying may stimulate the release of endorphins, substances that elevate our mood and are natural pain killers.

We probably don't need scientists (or tear experts) to tell us the value of tears. They help us heal, and are a valuable aid to restoring inner calmness and peace. All of us have experienced times when we felt our heart would break, if we could not release the pent up emotions of sorrow, pain, anger, fear or disappointment. I remember as a child, having a great aunt, who had a medical condition that prevented her from shedding tears. Even as a little girl, I realized how horrible that must be.