What's your thoughts on acupuncture, hypnosis.. alternative methods with things like chronic daily migraines with aura, cfs and fibromyalgia. Meds don't work more than a few months then I'm back in the dark and quiet trying to lessen the migraines. Any thoughts or suggestions would be so gratefully received 🙏

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Acupuncture and hypnosis are alternative methods discussed on the for their potential therapeutic effects on conditions such as chronic pain, which might be applicable to migraines and fibromyalgia.

Regarding acupuncture, there is evidence suggesting that it can both alleviate and sometimes exacerbate pain through specific pathways. It has been successfully used to treat things like headaches and gastrointestinal issues. Acupuncture may modulate the autonomic nervous system, influencing alertness and calmness, and can help manage pain through its effects on the somatosensation system 1 2 3. For headaches, acupuncture has shown to be quite effective, especially when inserted at precise locations that activate sensory neurons and reduce inflammation 2.

Acupuncture Mechanisms

Andrew discusses the rigorous experiments conducted by Professor Chufu Ma at Harvard Medical School to understand how acupuncture works. He explains that acupuncture can both relieve and exacerbate pain and that there are discrete pathways connecting neurons to adrenals. Andrew also highlights how acupuncture illuminates the cross talk between the somatosensory system and the autonomic nervous system, which regulates our levels of alertness or calmness.

Huberman Lab

Control Pain & Heal Faster with Your Brain | Huberman Lab Podcast #9
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Hypnosis, especially self-hypnosis, is recognized as a powerful tool for managing chronic pain. It can influence how painful experiences are interpreted and has been supported by peer-reviewed studies. Hypnosis can modulate prefrontal cortex activity, potentially helping individuals experience less pain 4 5. Remarkable shifts in patterns of chronic pain relief have been clinically shown through self-hypnosis methods like those developed by Dr. David Spiegel 6.

These methods are grounded in growing scientific evidence and are increasingly recognized for their potential benefits. Always it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment method, especially for chronic conditions. For more detailed information or related topics, considering listening to specific episodes might provide deeper insights 7.

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