endorphin
Brain's pain relief
Endorphins are chemicals produced by the body that reduce pain and create feelings of pleasure or euphoria.
The brain releases them during exercise, excitement, pain, or orgasm.
The term comes from "endogenous morphine"—morphine made within.
Runner's high comes from endorphins.
The massage triggered a rush of endorphins.
Synaptic chemical messenger
- peptideShort amino acid chain
- opioidMorphine-class analgesic
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- neuropeptideNeuronal protein-like signaling molecule
pituitary · hypothalamus · synthesis · secretion · endocrine · analgesic · opiate · binding
Quick sudden movement
- blissPerfect, serene felicity
- elationIntense triumphant joy
- ecstasyOverwhelming intense delight
- exhilarationIntense joyful excitement
buzz · high · glow · jubilation · rapture · surge · peak · thrill
Reduction of mental tension
- relaxationState of being unwound
- well-beingState of health, contentment
- self-careMaintaining personal wellbeing
- massageSoft tissue manipulation
acupuncture · meditation · yoga · laughter · healing · therapy · holistic · recovery
Nerve signal crossing point
- neuronImpulse-conducting cell
- brainwaveSudden clever idea
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- oxytocinBonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
GABA · glutamate · acetylcholine · neuromodulator · signal · pathway · cortisol · adrenaline
neurotransmitter
Synaptic chemical messenger
neuropeptide · pituitary · hypothalamus · synthesis · secretion · endocrine · analgesic · opiate · binding · hormone
rush
Quick sudden movement
exhilaration · buzz · high · glow · jubilation · rapture · surge · peak · thrill · wave
stress-relief
Reduction of mental tension
- relaxationState of being unwound
- well-beingState of health, contentment
- self-careMaintaining personal wellbeing
massage · acupuncture · meditation · yoga · laughter · healing · therapy · holistic · recovery · resilience
synapse
Nerve signal crossing point
- neuronImpulse-conducting cell
- brainwaveSudden clever idea
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
oxytocin · GABA · glutamate · acetylcholine · neuromodulator · signal · pathway · cortisol · adrenaline · neurochemical
running
Swift foot travel
- cyclingRiding on two wheels
- swimmingLocomotion through water
- aerobicsHeart-strengthening group exercises
jogging · cardio · marathon · HIIT · sprinting · spinning · rowing · dancing · kickboxing · CrossFit
- opioid peptides
- hormonesestrogen, testosterone, insulin, hormone, cortisol
- endo- wordsendocrine, endoscope, endoscopy, endothermic, endocytosis
- secretionssaliva, sweat, mucus, bile, tears
- Neurochemistrynorepinephrine, epinephrine, acetylcholine, GABA, glutamate
- Neurophysiologyneuron, action potential, neurotransmitter, nerve impulse, presynaptic
endorphinsubstance P
Pain-signaling neuropeptide
cortisol · stress hormones · pain signals · prostaglandins · histamine
endorphinsynthetic opioid
Man-made pain-blocking compound
morphine · fentanyl · heroin · oxycodone · pharmaceutical
endorphincortisol
Adrenal steroid regulating stress
adrenaline · epinephrine · norepinephrine · stress hormone · glucocorticoid
- endorphin rushBody's pleasure chemical surge
- endorphin releaseBody's internal opioids activating