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
Romantic photos decreased activity in the brain's pain processing areas and lit up the reward pleasure centers.
And here's a fascinating twist. Photos of loved ones worked even better than the real thing. [UPBEAT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC]
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
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
as it did when they gazed at photos of attractive acquaintances. The romantic photos decreased activity in the brain's pain processing areas
and lit up the reward pleasure centers. And here's a fascinating twist. Photos of loved ones worked even better than the real thing.
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
was the best painkiller of all. Researchers aren't sure why, but it could be that the real-life lovers aren't
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,
grab a photo of your honey. For more ways to stay pain-free, watch all our smart tips right here.
[HEART BEATING] [AUDIO LOGO]
relationships
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