A surprising trick for natural pain relief

In this Health Smarts video, Robin Miller, MD, shares a simple, natural tip to relieve pain: Just gaze at a photo of your sweetheart.

Transcript

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Romantic photos decreased activity in the brain's pain processing areas and lit up the reward pleasure centers.

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And here's a fascinating twist. Photos of loved ones worked even better than the real thing. [UPBEAT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC]

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Dr. Miller here with a natural pain relief tip. Just gaze at a picture of the one you love. In one study, gutsy volunteers were asked to rate

00:32

the pain of moderate to hot heat on their arms. They found it didn't hurt anywhere near as much when they were looking at pictures of their romantic partners

00:40

as it did when they gazed at photos of attractive acquaintances. The romantic photos decreased activity in the brain's pain processing areas

00:48

and lit up the reward pleasure centers. And here's a fascinating twist. Photos of loved ones worked even better than the real thing.

00:57

When pain kicked in while volunteers were holding hands with their partners, the touch of their sweethearts helped. But looking at photos of their partners

01:05

was the best painkiller of all. Researchers aren't sure why, but it could be that the real-life lovers aren't

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all that dependable in their ability to cope with a partner's pain. Photos are a steadier presence. One thing is for sure, next time you're going to the dentist,

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grab a photo of your honey. For more ways to stay pain-free, watch all our smart tips right here.

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[HEART BEATING] [AUDIO LOGO]