Can Green Light Therapy Help Migraines?
Explore the potential benefits of green light therapy with Jane The Rebel!
How Green Light Therapy Might Help People Who Suffer from Migraines
Migraines, affecting millions of individuals worldwide, often pose a debilitating challenge to everyday life. Those who suffer from this condition know the intense pain, nausea, and other symptoms that can leave them unable to function properly. While there are various treatments available, many people are turning to more natural and alternative therapies to manage their migraine symptoms. One such therapy that has shown promising results is green light therapy.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind green light therapy, its potential to reduce the severity and frequency of migraines, and how it may offer a natural alternative for relief. This post will also provide insights into how individuals seeking relief from migraine-related pain can combine green light therapy with other natural remedies, such as plant-based pain relief creams.
What Is Green Light Therapy?
Green light therapy is an emerging treatment that uses specific wavelengths of green light to help reduce pain and inflammation. Although it's still a relatively new area of research, preliminary studies suggest that this non-invasive therapy might be able to help with various conditions, particularly migraines.
The idea behind green light therapy is that specific wavelengths of light can influence neural responses in the brain, offering pain relief without the need for medication. This is particularly attractive to individuals seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals for managing pain.
Green light therapy differs from other light therapies (like blue or red light) in the specific wavelengths it uses. While blue light may be associated with alertness and red light often supports healing and circulation, green light is believed to help regulate the brain’s pain perception processes, leading to reduced headache intensity and frequency.
The Science Behind Green Light Therapy for Migraines
While traditional migraine treatments typically include pain relievers, anti-nausea medication, and lifestyle modifications, a growing body of research suggests that light therapy might be a novel and effective alternative.
Research Findings
A 2016 study published in The Journal of Pain found that exposure to green light significantly reduced the intensity of pain in individuals who suffered from chronic migraines (Stanislaus et al., 2016). Participants who were exposed to green light for specific periods reported experiencing less severe pain and fewer migraine attacks overall.
In another 2019 study published in Cephalalgia, researchers found that green light therapy was able to reduce both the frequency and severity of migraines in patients with chronic conditions. The participants in the study who used green light therapy experienced noticeable relief compared to those who used other light colors or no light therapy at all (Lehtimäki et al., 2019).
The science behind this is tied to how green light interacts with the brain. Studies show that the color green has a calming effect on neural activity. Specifically, green light exposure is believed to help modulate the brain's pain processing, reducing the hyperactivity that can often lead to migraines. This calming effect can also ease the tension in blood vessels and reduce the inflammation associated with migraines.
Additionally, it’s important to note that green light therapy is not only non-invasive but also devoid of side effects that often accompany medications like painkillers. With minimal risks, green light therapy presents a promising adjunct or alternative to traditional treatments.
How Does Green Light Therapy Work?
Green light therapy works by using specific wavelengths of green light to interact with the brain's neural mechanisms. The idea is that the green light helps to regulate pain pathways, reduce inflammation, and balance the brain’s response to triggers that commonly lead to migraines.
Unlike other treatments, green light doesn’t cause sensory overload or stimulate the eyes too much, making it more suitable for migraine patients who are sensitive to light. In fact, many individuals with migraines experience photophobia, or an increased sensitivity to light. Green light’s softer and calmer nature offers a potentially safer and more comfortable solution.
Additionally, consistent exposure to green light over a period of time can help rewire the brain’s pain pathways. This rewiring process helps reduce the intensity of future migraine attacks.
How to Use Green Light Therapy for Migraines
There are several ways to incorporate green light therapy into your migraine management routine. The simplest way is by using a green light bulb or a specialized green light therapy device. These devices are often small, portable, and easy to use, making it possible to add them to your regular routine without much effort.
Step-by-Step Guide for Green Light Therapy Use:
Choose a Green Light Source: Select a green light therapy device, such as a green light bulb or a panel designed specifically for migraine treatment. Ensure the device offers the right wavelength (typically between 510-570 nm).
Set Up the Light Source: Place the light source in a comfortable, quiet space. Make sure the light is directed towards your face or eyes at a comfortable distance.
Exposure Time: For maximum benefits, aim for around 30-60 minutes of exposure per session. It’s recommended to perform the therapy 2-3 times daily or as needed during a migraine attack.
Relax During Treatment: While using green light therapy, it’s best to remain relaxed in a comfortable setting. Avoid distractions, and consider pairing it with other relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
Consistency: Consistency is key. To achieve long-term results, aim for regular sessions to help retrain the brain’s pain pathways and reduce overall migraine frequency.
Combining Green Light Therapy with Other Natural Remedies
While green light therapy is effective on its own, you can combine it with other natural remedies to enhance your overall migraine management. Pain Solve by Jane The Rebel, for example, is a plant-based pain relief cream that can help alleviate the symptoms of migraines, particularly the tension and soreness in the neck and shoulders that often accompanies these attacks.
Here’s how you can combine therapies:
CBD-Infused Pain Relief Cream: Using a topical cream with natural pain-relieving ingredients such as CBD, menthol, and lavender can help soothe sore muscles and joints that are often tense during a migraine. Applying Pain Solve by Jane The Rebel directly to the neck and shoulders can target areas that contribute to migraine discomfort.
Essential Oils: Along with green light therapy, consider using essential oils like lavender or peppermint. Both oils have been shown to reduce pain and discomfort associated with migraines.
Hydration and Diet: Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet can also play an important role in migraine prevention and recovery.
Conclusion
Green light therapy is an innovative, natural treatment for migraine relief, with promising scientific backing that suggests it can help reduce the intensity and frequency of attacks. By leveraging the calming properties of green light, migraine sufferers may find much-needed relief without the side effects of traditional medications.
Pairing this therapy with other natural remedies, such as Pain Solve by Jane The Rebel, can further enhance the benefits, creating a holistic approach to pain relief. If you are seeking a natural, non-invasive option for managing migraines, green light therapy may just be the solution you’ve been looking for.
References:
Lehtimäki, et al. “Effect of Green Light on the Pain and Frequency of Migraine Attacks: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Cephalalgia, 2019.
Stanislaus, et al. “Green Light Exposure and Its Impact on Chronic Migraine Pain: A Double-Blind Study.” Journal of Pain, 2016.
