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3. The Healing Power of Tears: Nature’s Own Painkiller

Too often misunderstood as a sign of weakness, tears are in fact a natural defense against pain. Emotional crying releases endorphins, reduces stress, and brings physical relief. A scientific and thoughtful exploration of this often-misunderstood human reflex.

Crying. This universal gesture, so often confined to the private sphere or burdened with shame, is in fact one of the most powerful signals the human body can send. We cry in response to pain, loss, injustice or overwhelming emotion – not only to express what words cannot, but also, biologically, to find relief. Emotional tears – distinct from reflex or basal tears – produce a genuine analgesic effect in the body, one confirmed by scientific research. Far from being a sign of weakness, our tears are powerful allies in coping with emotional – and even physical – shock.

Behind every emotional tear lies a real chemical reaction. In 1981, biochemist William H. Frey II, a researcher at the St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center in Minnesota, was among the first to study the composition of human tears based on their origin. He found that emotional tears contain higher levels of proteins, stress hormones – notably adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) – and toxins than reflex tears, which protect our eyes from irritants like dust or onions. In other words, crying literally helps flush stress-related substances from the body.

Crying also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the body after stress. In other words, tears trigger a “rest and recovery” response. A 2014 study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, by Asmir Gračanin and his team found that crying can improve mood, especially when accompanied by social support. The researchers noted that after experiencing sadness or distress, crying aids in restoring emotional balance, acting as a pressure release.

Emotional tears may also have a direct effect on physical pain. According to a study by Lauren Bylsma and Jonathan Rottenberg (University of South Florida), crying releases endorphins – neuropeptides that act as natural painkillers. This phenomenon may explain why we often feel “drained,” yet relieved after crying for an extended period. It’s a neurochemical compensatory response, similar to the one observed after intense exertion or acute pain.

This concept is further reinforced by the work of neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp, who examined the connection between deep emotions and the release of natural opioids in the brain. According to Panksepp, sadness and separation activate circuits similar to those involved in physical pain, with crying acting as a self-soothing mechanism that provides partial relief through the release of endorphins and prolactin.

From an evolutionary perspective, emotional tears are a phenomenon unique to humans. No other animal experiences crying the way human beings do. Psychologist Ad Vingerhoets, a leading expert on crying, explains in his research that tears serve a crucial social function. They signal to others that we are vulnerable, that we need help or comfort. This acknowledged vulnerability fosters attachment bonds and strengthens empathy within the group.

In addition to being an internal regulatory mechanism, crying serves as a non-verbal form of communication that enhances emotional expression. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that individuals who cry in emotional situations tend to receive more support from those around them, which further enhances the relief experienced. 

Despite its many benefits, crying is often misunderstood. It’s socially acceptable for children and women to cry, but much less so for men. A 2011 study conducted in the Netherlands found that most men suppress their tears in public for fear of judgment, which can increase their stress levels. However, the physiological benefits of crying are the same, regardless of gender or age.

Crying also carries a cultural paradox. In some Eastern traditions, it’s perceived as a sign of sincerity or even purification, while in other contexts, such as professional or political settings, it is often viewed as a loss of control. This creates conflicting pressures that sometimes prevents people from fully expressing this natural response, ultimately affecting their well-being.

Crying has such a powerful impact that it’s now incorporated into some therapeutic practices. The concept of emotional “catharsis,” originally introduced by Aristotle and later developed in psychoanalysis, recognizes the liberating role of tears in resolving internal conflicts. In emotional release therapy, tears are often viewed as a breakthrough, signaling the release of long-held tensions.

In fact, many people describe their tears as a form of emotional “reset,” a moment of surrender that allows them to reconnect with themselves. This subjective experience is supported by a deep sense of release and calm, which aligns with what biological studies objectively reveal.

That said, it is important to contextualize this perspective. Crying doesn’t always lead to relief, and certain tears may be linked to prolonged distress or depression. In such cases, the self-soothing mechanism becomes ineffective or overwhelmed. The frequency, intensity and inability of tears to restore emotional balance should be regarded as clinical symptoms. In a study, psychiatrist and psychologist Ronald Kessler (Harvard Medical School) found that frequent crying, when not alleviated by comfort, is often associated with mood disorders that require therapeutic intervention.

It is crucial to differentiate between tears of relief and pathological tears. In the former, they are part of a healthy emotional cycle – tension, expression and release. In the latter, they may signal an emotional blockage, chronic pain or deep emotional isolation.

Far from being a sign of weakness or fragility, crying is a deeply ingrained emotional regulation process in our biological nature and in our humanity. Emotional tears act as a natural painkiller, relieving the body, soothing the heart, and connecting with others. They are not merely an overflow, but an organized, intelligent, and sometimes even life-saving response. Embracing tears as a tool for healing and expression is a way of reconnecting with the body’s inherent wisdom. For in crying, we also find a way to heal, even if just a little.