Endorphins: Nature’s Pain Reliever and Mood Enhancer

OPTUM HCC

Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate specific areas of the body and activating nerves that send signals to the brain. This process enhances the production and release of natural pain relievers, endorphins, created by human bodies. This column focuses on these natural analgesics, specifically endorphins.

Endorphins are often released in response to activities like exercise, excitement, eating spicy foods or experiencing pain. Their pain-relieving properties are comparable to anesthetics and contribute to improved mood and:

• Strengthening immune system

• Enhancing the body's ability to fight off illness

• Improving cardiovascular health

• Rejuvenating aging blood vessels

• Promoting anti-aging effects

• Preventing premature aging

• Pain relief

• Enhancing memory and cognitive function

• Improving mental clarity and memory retention Different brain waves are associated with various states of mind. During the day, beta waves dominate, often linked to stress. At night, alpha waves take over, promoting relaxation. Alpha waves can also be generated when awake during moments of love, happiness or deep relaxation. These waves coincide with the release of endorphins, which combat fatigue, boost the immune system and even fight cancer cells.

Another important hormone, dynorphin, is released during profound emotional experiences, such as hearing inspiring music, witnessing breathtaking landscapes, discovering new truths or falling deeply in love. These moments activate dormant hormone genes, triggering the production of beneficial chemicals like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin.

Recent studies suggest that laughter, a natural endorphin booster, can aid in healing various illnesses. During laughter, the muscles around the cheekbones stimulate nerves and blood flow to the pituitary gland, boosting endorphin production. In addition, because the body doesn’t distinguish between genuine and forced laughter, even a fake laugh can increase endorphin levels. Endorphin production could also be increased by certain foods such as dark chocolate, bananas and milk. Endorphins are a gift from nature, providing pain relief, enhancing mood and supporting overall health. Incorporating endorphin-boosting habits into a daily life through exercise, laughter and a healthy diet could lead to health and happiness.

—Dr. Yeung H. Kwon, L.Ac, OMD, Ph.D.