Control Pain & Heal Faster with Your Brain | Huberman Lab Podcast #9

Emerging Therapies

Emerging therapies in pain management are pushing the boundaries of traditional medicine. Andrew Huberman discusses the potential of stem cells and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating injuries, though he notes the evidence for PRP's effectiveness is still weak 1. He also highlights groundbreaking research on young blood transfusions, which have shown promising results in revitalizing memory and healing in older rodents 2.

The goal of science is to identify and isolate those factors that make that so such that people who would otherwise get dementia or perhaps even have dementia will be allowed to recover.

--- Andrew Huberman

While these therapies are not yet ready for widespread use, they represent exciting avenues for future treatment.

   

Alternative Approaches

Alternative approaches to pain management, such as acupuncture and mindfulness, offer promising avenues for relief. Huberman references rigorous studies from Harvard Medical School that validate acupuncture's efficacy in certain cases, though it can sometimes exacerbate pain 3. He also explores the Wim Hof breathing method, which involves hyperventilation and breath holds to release adrenaline, potentially countering infections and stress 4.

Stress counters infection by liberating killer cells in the body.

--- Andrew Huberman

These methods highlight the complex interplay between the nervous system and pain perception, offering alternative pathways for managing discomfort.