Why 'Tears' is called the Medical Fluid? not symbol of sorrow

Do you know ‘Tears’? They are the pure drop of water that flow down the surface of your eyes, across your face and smear your mascara. They usually happen when you have sadness or pain.

Some people say they never lose their tears since they were born. Even though you sleep, tears are built all the time.  

Actually, you have started crying when you were born. Optical professionals explain that the umbilical cord is the contactable relationship between a baby and his mom. The purpose of crying is like the umbilical cord—a baby wants to send the signal of care to his mom. He wants his mom to take care of him in physical and mental way.

However, he grows up and can use other ways to talk with his parents. This let us feel confused “Why tears still exist?”. 

So we will start to study about tears from…

1. The definition of tears:

Tears are salty fluid which contains full of protein, water, mucus and oil released from the lacrimal gland in your eyes.

2. Types of tears:

• Basal tears: the normal tears in our eyes.The human body produces an average of 5 to 10 ounces of basal tears per day. They drain through the nasal cavity because they contact together. That can answer the question “Why people have the runny nose after they cried?”.

    

Reflex tears: the protector in human body. They can protect the human eyes from harsh irritants such as smoke, onions or the strong dusty wind.                                                                                                         To accomplish this act, the sensory nerves contact to brain stem. Then, the brain send hormone which can control eyes reflex and causes the eyes to produce tears for ridding the irritants.                                                                                                                 

• Emotional tears : the complex tears. It is controlled by Cerebrum, a part of brain. Emotional tears is our main focus.                                                                                                                                                                                     The phrase “Having a good cry can help our health” shows that many people believe crying can actually make you feel physically and emotionally better.                                                                                                                       It is already proved by collecting data of volunteers approximately 85% women and 73% men told that they are getting better after they cried. Some scientists agree with this theory, asserting the chemicals that built up in the body during times of increasing stress. These people believe that crying is the body’s way to decrease and get rid of toxins and waste products. 

     How different between basal tears, reflex tears and emotional tears?

The researchers studied and collected the components data of three types of tears (after peeling an onion, watching sad movie and facing sorrow event). When researchers analyzed the content of the tears, they found the different concentration of components such as water, protein and other chemical components. 

Reflex tears found 98% water while emotional tears mostly found chemical substances [Source: The Daily Journal]. Adrenocorticotropic hormones (increasing stress level hormone) and leucine-enkephalin (endorphin that reduces pain and work to improve mood) are found in emotional tears. It shows that tears can decrease toxics and waste in the body.

"Tears of Laughing"
                © 2013 Rose-Lynn Fisher

"Onion Tears"
© 2013 Rose-Lynn Fisher

  "Tears of Grief"

© 2013 Rose-Lynn Fisher

"Basal Tears"
© 2013 Rose-Lynn Fisher

          In Japan, some people have taken the notation of “a good cry” to restore their health by organizing crying club where they watch sad movies or do something that can make them cried because they believe ‘Tears’ is the medical fluid.  
     
     writer : Panyada Thowcharoen 55010016 

     References:

1.  William Frey, Crying: The Mystery of Tears, Winston Press, Texas, 1977.

2.  Charles C. Kennedy, ‘Tears: Medical Research Helps Explain Why You Cry’, Mayo Clinic Health Letter, February 1992, pp. 4, 5.