Strange "Light Trick" Eases Occasional Aches
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 11, 2023
Are you a gambler?
Well, you sure can end up FEELING like one if you’re part of the at least 20 percent of adults who suffer from occasional discomfort like lower back pain.
Because it can feel like you’re spinning a roulette wheel every time you contemplate whether or not you should grab an over-the-counter solution or just grin and bear it. After all, either choice could leave you a loser.
But what if there were a third option?
It turns out “GOING GREEN” could be the safe and effective solution you’ve been looking for. But not in the way you might imagine.
As strange as it sounds something as simple as green light could ease some of your most annoying aches and occasional pains.
In fact, a study presented at an annual meeting of The American Society of Anesthesiologists, researchers PROVED it WORKS.
A group of folks were issued either clear, green, or blue-tinted glasses for the small study. They wore the glasses for four hours a day for two weeks. And the green glasses wearers were the clear winners.
They were FOUR TIMES likelier to report a reduction in their pain-associated anxiety. Plus, their reliance on pills to soothe their aches dropped too.
In fact, some green-light group were reluctant to return the glasses at the end of the study! (And who could blame them?)
It’s NOT the first time we’ve seen this surprising pain-soothing effect, either.
In other studies, sitting in a dark room lit by green LED lights or wearing green-tinted glasses has reduced the severity and frequency of occasional…
- muscle pain
- migraines
- aches and tenderness
One earlier study found that exposing people to 1 to 2 hours of green light for 10 weeks reduced headaches by an incredible 70 percent. And in other research, patients troubled with tenderness had their aches ease around 40 to 50 percent.
You’re probably wondering what’s going on here.
Well, it turns out the scientists are wondering the same thing. They aren’t positive yet WHY the green-light therapy is so effective. But we DO have some clues.
We know nerve pathways start in the eyes and end directly in relevant brain regions. Some of those regions are heavily engaged in pain and pain perception.
Exposure to green light somehow interrupts this cycle in the brain.
Green light also seems to trigger melanopsin. This light-sensitive brain molecule interacts with brain cells to reduce your perception of discomfort.
Before you try this at home you need to know that not any old green light will do. Light of a specific wavelength is required.
Scientists say lower, and higher wavelengths towards the ends of the green spectrum appear to work best.
It’s unlikely that you own an expensive spectrophotometer. So there’s no way to guarantee that any green light or pair of green-tinted glasses you buy is the correct wavelength.
Your best bet is to research products specifically designed to ease occasional pain. Then read lots of reviews and make sure the manufacturer has a good reputation.
P.S. Green glasses aren’t the only way scientists are harnessing the power of light to deliver real relief from occasional discomfort. All over the world, an “in-the-know” group of athletes and celebrities, are depending on the power of Red Light Therapy to feel their best. And now YOU can try it too. Click here for the details.
Source:
Presentation, American Society of Anesthesiologists 2022 Annual meeting, New Orleans, Oct. 23, 2022, asahq.org
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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