Why does someone blush

This surgery -- called endothoracic sympathectomy -- has been shown to limit blushing. Science hasn't been able to answer that question definitively, but there are some interesting theories about the reasons for blushing.

Read about those on the next page. If you examine the phenomenon of blushing objectively, it appears a bit strange. What possible purpose could there be for more blood to flow through your cheeks when you feel embarrassed? Blushing has been determined to be universal among, as well as exclusive to, humans. Why would we develop a specific process that physically displays our embarrassment? Where did blushing come from? These are the questions that researchers are trying to answer.

He's concluded that blushing evolved as a means of enforcing the social codes to which we humans must adhere for our societies to function in a friendly manner. By blushing when we're embarrassed, we are showing others that we recognize we've just misstepped socially, and that we're paying the price for it.

Others who see us blushing after an awkward situation understand from experience the unpleasant feelings we're undergoing at that moment, and blushing may serve as a nonverbal, physical apology for our mistake.

Crozier tells the BBC that embarrassment displays emotional intelligence. This empathy and social intelligence appears to develop in humans at an early age, around the time we enter school and we begin to engage in social situations with others. By studying the development of this social intelligence, psychologists have found that blushing from embarrassment develops alongside our consciousness of others. This lends further support to the notion that blushing has a purely social basis.

Since we humans are animals, too, a glance at our neighbors on the Tree of Life shows us that insults can lead to violence. As a result, animals have developed ways of displaying apologetic signs to show others they're sorry for what they've done.

Think about your dog rolling over after being caught digging in the yard. Exposing his or her belly to you shows you the dog is not challenging your anger at the situation -- it's a demonstration of contrition.

For most people, it's pretty difficult to continue to feel anger toward the dog once he or she has rolled over. Why do we yawn? Why do chillies burn? When will the sun stop shining?

How long ago was the Big Bang? What is a black hole? Blood vessels in the face get wider and increase blood flow to the skin, which leads to the characteristic redness of blushing.

In fact, some research has found that just by telling someone they are blushing is enough to induce it. Breathing deeply and slowly will tell the brain to relax. Once relaxed, the body will stop releasing stress hormones, the heartbeat will slow to normal levels, and blood pressure will return to normal.

Sometimes, blushing in response to a stressful situation can be another a source of stress, thereby worsening the facial redness. By acknowledging and accepting the blushing, it may stop this cycle. Interestingly, research suggests that most people overestimate the impact that blushing has on them. In fact, blushing may not be such a bad thing. Some research has found that those who blush are more likely to be forgiven by other people, which can help avert a conflict. According to a study , people who carry out stressful tasks while smiling have lower heart rates following the task than people who do not smile while carrying out the same chores.

Participants who smile also report feeling better during the activity than those who maintain a neutral expression. Blushing is often more severe in warmer temperatures.

To reduce facial redness, move to a cooler area, switch on the air conditioning, or remove some layers of clothing. Sipping cold water can also be effective. Calm down by avoiding eye contact with anyone who may be contributing to the stress or embarrassment.

It's the same way a canine will show its belly or a rabbit will crouch down when they think they are in danger. They are showing that they'd rather not fight and are communicating to the threat that if they retreat they will also walk away.

Humans don't roll over and show their bellies, though — they get flush-faced instead. You might feel like hiding your face when you blush, but it might be important not to. If you're feeling embarrassed or sorry for something, blushing can help you show your remorse.