The Science of Heartbreak: How to Balance Your Love Hormones | Dr. Emilia Vuorisalmi

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Emilia Vuorisalmi, a medical doctor, researcher, and bestselling author known as Finland’s Love Doctor. We dive deep into the science of love, heartbreak, and hormonal balance, exploring how dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin shape our emotions, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Dr. Vuorisalmi shares her personal journey of overcoming love addiction, revealing how heartbreak can physically manifest in the body—and more importantly, how to heal. We discuss somatic therapy, breathwork, meditation, and lifestyle changes that help reset the nervous system and bring balance to our love hormones. Topics Covered: ✔️ How love and heartbreak impact our brain chemistry ✔️ The science behind love addiction and how to break free ✔️ Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin - what they really do ✔️ How to use breathwork and meditation to heal from emotional pain ✔️ The hidden dangers of dating apps and dopamine addiction ✔️ Why boundaries are key to healthy relationships ✔️ The power of manifestation, self-worth, and connection 📖 Dr Emilia Vuorisalmi’s book: The Healing Power of Love Hormones 🌍 Website: https://www.docemilia.com/  📸 Instagram: @docemilia   This is an episode you won’t want to miss—whether you’re healing from heartbreak, looking to build deeper connections, or simply want to live well and be well. Love, Sarah Ann 💛 *** Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!  VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’ For 20% off, use code LWBW20 www.vivobarefoot.com OneSkin | Topical Products for Healthy Aging http://oneskin.co/LWBW Use code LWBW for 15% off your first order  *** If you enjoyed this episode you might also like: Identifying Your Bad Relationship: How to Leave and Find Healthier, Lasting Love | Paul Brunson https://youtu.be/zMYIwp9oUX8?si=KU0pvlcoIbe7dwF0 Simon Sinek: The 8-Minute Rule That Could SAVE YOUR Friendships https://youtu.be/3JCjOQv9Y5E?si=9v8OszGVaogBySXZ Get Over a Breakup, Fix Your Broken Heart & How To Practice Emotional First Aid | Guy Winch https://youtu.be/ocUJTFUOitA?si=C9oJHIW-brSjJSza *** Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:  Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/ *** Highlights: Intro (00:00) Hormones Behind Love Dopamine, Oxytocin, and Serotonin Explained (00:22) Love Addiction When Relationships Become a Dopamine Drug (01:20) Redefining Self-Love Through Neurochemical Balance (09:39) Serotonin as the Molecule of Safety and Self-Worth (13:45) Can You Heal Without Medication Navigating Hormones Naturally (18:56) Oxytocin as a Healing Molecule Why Human Connection is Medicine (20:19) Meditation, Nervous System Reset and Hormonal Rebalancing (24:14) How Long Does It Take to Heal After Heartbreak What the Science Says (25:55) Should You Stay Friends With Your Ex Understanding Dopamine Triggers (26:41) The Real Reason Heartbreak Feels Like Withdrawal (26:52) Yoga Nidra A Tool to Reset Cortisol and Boost Oxytocin (28:10) Holotropic Breathwork How Deep Breathing Alters Brain Chemistry