When you are embarrassed, you blush- the two things just naturally occur together.  Sudden self-consciousness causes the natural flushing response and it’s typically overlooked.

Since blushing can be emotionally debilitating for some people, scientists have worked to better understand the physical process involved so that they can help sufferers alleviate the worst symptoms.  The psychological side of blushing, however, remains a mystery.

Here are the physical reasons why we blush:

Your body’s sympathetic nervous system controls your fight-or-flight response to situations, and works instanteously and involuntarily.  When you get embarrassed your body releases adrenaline, which is a natural stimulant- it speeds your heart rate and breathing, slows your digestive system, and enlarges your pupils.  These effects all prepare your body to fight or run, and they account for the instant of shock you feel when you’re embarrassed.

The adrenaline release also dilates your blood vessels, called vasodilation, to improve oxygen and blood flow to the cells.  This is what actually causes you to blush.  Your facial veins respond to a signal which allows adrenaline to dilate the veins, increase the blood flow, and causing the red cheeks that show others you are embarrassed.

Of course, there are other ways that our cheeks become flushed as well:  being in an overly warm environment, drinking alcohol, and sexual arousal.  These forms of flushing are different, because blushing is only phenomenon caused by adrenaline.

So, why do we blush? Scientists can’t answer definitely, but there are some theories:

Psychologists in the United Kingdom have posited that blushing is one way of enforcing social systems that people have established over the years. Our blushing shows others that we know we’ve made a faux pas, and we are suffering for it. It serves as a physical, though non verbal request for forgiveness. The theory is that being embarrassed shows emotional intelligence, since in order to be embarrassed; you need to have empathy and intelligence to be able to feel how others do.

For a much more detailed guide to why people blush check out Blushing Breakthrough. Blushing is treatable.

When exposed to stressful events, or even when embarrassed, the body’s natural fight or flight system kicks into gear and releases boosts of adrenaline into the bloodstream.  This extra adrenaline helps to widen blood vessels all over your body by relaxing the muscle tone in blood vessel walls, which in turn causes excessive blood flowing into the blood vessels just below the skin.  This is what causes our face, neck, chest, and ears to turn red and blush.  Most people blush when they’ve done something that is embarrassing, like tripping over their own feet or spilling a drink on someone else.  However, some people also blush without any sort of triggering event.

People with social anxiety are afraid that people will see their blushing negatively, as a sign that they are dishonest or weak.  However, it is possible that others will see someone who is blushing as shy or nervous, sensitive, or even ill.  The fear of blushing actually increases the possibility of the physical response, since the fear activates the fight or flight response and therefore the sympathetic nervous system.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Those with bothersome social anxiety would do well to seek assistance.  Therapists trained in cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT can help the sufferer to understand their beliefs and how those around them view their blushing or sweating- it is possible that others might think that the blushing is cute and not a sign of weakness.

CBT often involves having the sufferer confront their fears, and the situations that cause them to fear blushing and sweating.  Lowering the person’s apprehension about the fearful situations will also cause a decrease in the physical responses.

People who suffer from blushing and other social anxiety issues have trouble interacting with other people in almost any social situation, feeling extremely self-conscious in daily interactions with people, and often having chronic fears of being embarrassed or judged by others.  These fears can manifest themselves in physical symptoms, such as excessive sweating, inability to talk, trembling, nausea and vomiting, and extreme blushing.  Obviously, this is a debilitating phobia for those who suffer with it.

The good news is that there is natural relief available for these types of problems.  Slow breathing and positive affirmations to one’s self are often helpful.  There is also psychotherapy and other types of therapy that can have a positive effect without the use of drugs to control the problem.

Herbal remedies are all natural and work for many people who have social anxiety issues.  There are many different types which are used successfully by different people:

Lemon balm is often used as a calming agent to relax nerves and treat insomnia and anxiety.

Passion flower is known as ‘nature’s tranquilizer.’  Not only does it help combat stress, anxiety, and insomnia, it also contains alkaloids, which closely mimic monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are often prescribed for depressed patients.

Kava Kava is popular in Fiji, where it’s been used for a long time. This herb has been called ‘nature’s Valium’ because it produces similar relaxing and calming effects in people who take it.

St. John’s Wort’s history for treating depressed and anxious people is legendary, and it has earned the nickname ‘nature’s Prozac’ accordingly.

Lavender is a powerful herb that’s well known for calming the nervous system, and is used by people combating fatigue, anxiety, nervousness, stress, and depression.

There are many other herbal remedies for social anxiety disorder and blushing: chamomile, valerian, and hops.  (Yes, many people take their hops in liquid form.)

Of course, it’s very important to talk to your doctor and be sure herbal supplements are right for you.

Do not try to combine herbal supplements on your own, but rather allow someone who is qualified in the field to do that for you.  Comprehensive formulas that work together can offer greater benefits than just one herb, if properly combined.  Leave that to the herbal experts!