If you experience migraine, you know how debilitating this chronic illness can be. The headaches, photophobia, nausea, and other symptoms can often incapacitate migraine patients for days at a time. You also probably have researched many available treatments and remedies. 

‍

However, there is a natural tool, light therapy, that has been recognized for decades as a useful solution for improving human lives. Could it potentially be a key part of your headache toolbox? Here’s everything you need to know:

‍

Key Takeaways:

• What does green light therapy do? It uses a specific narrow band of green light (around 520nm) to help reduce migraine pain and light sensitivity
• Benefits include: improved sleep, pain relief, migraine symptom reduction, and skin improvements
• Research shows green light produces smaller electrical signals in the brain compared to other light colors, making it soothing rather than pain-inducing
• Unlike blue or red light, green light doesn't exacerbate migraine symptoms

‍

What Is Green Light Therapy?

Green light therapy is a treatment that uses a specific narrow band of green light (around 520nm wavelength) to help reduce pain, improve sleep, and ease migraine symptoms by producing smaller electrical signals in the eyes and brain compared to other light colors.

‍

Light therapy has a long history of practice, dating back to when the Inca and many others worshiped the sun as a health-bringing deity. Later, Indian medical literature from 1500 BCE, Buddhist literature from 200 CE, and 10th-century Chinese documents all describe a treatment combining herbs with natural sunlight to treat non-pigmented skin areas. 

‍

Skip ahead hundreds of years and scientists are still fascinated by the power of light. Research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in May of 2010 showed that by dynamically manipulating the color, duration and pattern of light, new therapies could play an important treatment role for disorders including circadian rhythm sleep disorders, seasonal affective disorder, and dementia. 

‍

Even more recently, several studies published over the past few years found that green light has some amazing properties, including not exacerbating migraine headaches as much as other colors of light, and potentially easing the photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light) of migraine sufferers. 

‍

Why Green Light Works

It’s no surprise that the color green could impact humans in such positive ways. Green creates an atmosphere of serenity and calmness, drawing from its reflection in the natural world. And a large body of evidence has shown that spending time in nature, where green is prevalent, is responsible for many measurable beneficial changes in the body. 

‍

For example, a large June 2016 study found that visits to outdoor green spaces of 30 minutes or more during the course of a week could reduce the population prevalence of high blood pressure by up to 9% and depression by 7%.

‍

Additional benefits of time in nature include:

• Improved heart health
• Reduced symptoms of depression
• Lower cortisol levels

‍

What Are the Green Light Therapy Benefits?

The benefits of green light therapy include improved sleep quality, pain relief, reduced migraine symptoms, and better skin appearance.

‍

Research also suggests potential benefits for depression and overall mental wellbeing.

‍

1. Green light therapy for improved sleep

Researchers have found that green light promotes sleep while blue light delays it. In a study conducted at Oxford University, green light produced rapid sleep onset in mice - between just 1 and 3 minutes. 

‍

2. Green light therapy for pain relief

Research by Mary Heinricher suggests that light has the potential to engage pain-modulating systems such that normally unharmful inputs are perceived as painful. Her experiments documented substantial light intolerance in patients with fibromyalgia, and raised the possibility that this abnormal photosensitivity could be explained by abnormal engagement of pain-facilitating systems by light.

‍

3. Green light therapy for migraine

Harvard Medical School Professor Dr. Rami Burstein found that a very special narrow band (520nm +/-10) of green light can help people who suffer from migraine by producing smaller electrical signals in the eyes and brain. This precise band of light’s soothing glow can help them get back to their everyday lives, but interestingly any light outside of that band can actually diminish or even negate the effects.

‍

4. Green light therapy for skin

In LED light therapy for skin, green light targets dark circles, pigmentation, broken capillaries and sunspots, and as a result could have an impact on skin pigmentation. It also calms irritated or over-stimulated skin.

‍

Green Light Therapy For Headache and Migraine: What Are the Benefits?

Research has shown that green light therapy can help reduce migraine pain and light sensitivity, with studies demonstrating that a specific narrow band of green light actually eases headache intensity rather than worsening it like other colors of light.

‍

Understanding Migraine and Light Sensitivity

Migraine is a complex neurological disorder most commonly recognized as a one-sided headache that is accompanied by throbbing, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to light, noise and/or smell. But migraine is more than a headache.

Common migraine symptoms include:

• Difficulty finding words
• Irritability and anxiety
• Stress
• Disabling light sensitivity that interferes with careers, schooling, and daily life

Migraineurs often avoid light because of the disabling pain it causes. In fact, light sensitivity affects 85 to 90% of those living with migraine.

‍

The Breakthrough Discovery: How Light Affects Migraine Pain

One such study, published in Nature Neuroscience in 2010, revealed how light contributes to pain. Researchers had known for years that light increases the intensity of headaches: after all, light sensitivity affects 85 to 90% of those living with migraine. So to explain this phenomenon, Dr. Rami Burstein and his colleagues found inspiration in some unexpected results from blind migraine sufferers.

‍

Key findings from blind migraine patients:

• Despite being unable to see, blind migraineurs who were still able to detect light reported that blue light exacerbated their head pain significantly more than any other color
• This revealed a direct connection from the retina into the part of the brain where neurons active during migraine are found

‍

Through his research, he and his team discovered a new pathway in the brain that explains how light makes the headache more painful. The pathway begins in the eye as light signals come in, and ends right in a group of nerve cells that tell the brain a headache is happening. When the light signals travel on that pathway and hit that group of neurons, they make the headache more painful.

‍

Why Cloudy Days Make Migraines Worse

With those findings in mind, Dr. Burstein recognized an intriguing pattern in the conversations he had with his patients: they often said their headaches were worse on cloudy days. And because light on a cloudy day has different color characteristics than light on a sunny day, he realized the color of light might matter. 

‍

Testing Different Colors of Light

During their next study, published in Brain in 2016, the researchers found that white, blue, amber, and red lights generate larger electrical signals than green light, and as a result the brain areas that receive these signals are significantly more active.

‍

Here's what makes green light unique:

• The human retina generates an electrical signal that is smaller in response to green than in response to any other color of light
• The smaller activation of the brain by green light explains why it is soothing to someone with migraine
• It's like being on a calm lake rather than a rocky ocean with large waves

‍

Building on this work, they quickly started testing the narrow band of green light in a headache clinic in Boston, and were amazed to find that green light:

• ‍Did not exacerbate migraine patients' symptoms
• Caused no negative side effects
• Helped patients resume their everyday lives

‍

Managing migraine requires a comprehensive approach. Connect with a Neura Health specialist to build a personalized treatment plan – with or without green light therapy.

‍

How to Add Green Light Therapy Into Your Routine 

Light therapy devices are plentiful and serve a number of purposes. A few of the most common devices include SAD devices, skin light therapy devices, and green light therapy devices.

‍

1. SAD light therapy

SAD lamps simulate sunlight, which helps trigger the brain to release serotonin - often called the feel-good hormone. For example, the Circadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy Lamp features a simple, modern design, and an intensity of 10,000 lux UV-free, full-spectrum white light that’s designed to imitate the sun at noon. It comes complete with three adjustable brightness settings, and the LED bulbs have an impressive ​50,000-hour lifespan.

‍

2. Skin light therapy devices

If you're looking to amp up your skincare routine, skin therapy devices might be the solution. One such skin light therapy device is the MMSphere, a ring of LED lights that’s hands-free. It’s designed by Dr. Ellen Marmur, a dermatologist in New York, and has settings for blue, green, amber and purple light too.

‍

3. Green light therapy devices

Green light therapy devices are uniquely designed to help address pain. One such example is the Allay Lamp, which provides a natural band of light that can help people with light sensitivity get back to their everyday lives. Dr. Rami Burstein and the engineer who designed and installed the lights for NASA on the space station designed this product, which delivers a precise band of light needed at an affordable cost, and can be used by anyone within their own home. 

‍

Special Offer: 

10% off the Allay Lamp with code NEURA10 (visit www.allaylamp.com)

‍

Finding the Right Migraine Management Approach for You

Green light therapy represents an exciting advancement in non-pharmacological migraine treatment. However, the most effective migraine management typically combines multiple approaches—green light therapy, medications, lifestyle modifications, and trigger management tailored to your unique needs.

At Neura Health, our board-certified neurologists specialize in creating comprehensive, individualized migraine care plans. Whether you're curious about incorporating green light therapy or exploring other treatment options, our team is here to help—without the months-long wait times of traditional neurology practices.

Ready to take control of your migraine care? Schedule a video visit with a Neura Health neurologist within days to discuss your symptoms and explore the full range of treatment options available to you.

‍

Schedule Your Appointment

Got Questions?

‍

FAQs

1. Is green light good for anxiety?

Yes. Green light therapy shows promising results for anxiety relief. Research indicates it helps by balancing hormones, increasing serotonin and dopamine production, and promoting relaxation. Clinical studies found that psychotherapy sessions conducted under green light conditions improved anxiety outcomes without any side effects or risks.

2. How long does it take to see results from green light therapy?

Results vary by condition. For pain relief, you may notice improvements within a few sessions. Skin improvements typically appear within 6-12 weeks of consistent use. For migraine and chronic pain management, research suggests cumulative benefits. Spending at least an hour daily produces better results over time.

3. What are the risks of green light therapy?

Green light therapy is remarkably safe with minimal risks. Clinical studies report no side effects in pain and migraine trials. Occasionally, users may experience temporary mild skin irritation, slight redness, or increased sensitivity, which typically resolve quickly. The treatment is non-invasive and carries no adverse effects when used properly.

4. How long does a green light procedure last?

Session length depends on your treatment goals. For skin concerns, sessions typically last 10-20 minutes, 3-5 times weekly. For pain management and mood improvement, 10-30 minute sessions are recommended. Clinical studies suggest at least one hour daily for optimal chronic pain relief. Professional treatments may last 20 minutes to an hour.

5. Does green light affect sleep?

Yes, positively. Green light therapy promotes better sleep by stimulating melatonin production and reducing stress and anxiety. Unlike blue light that disrupts sleep, green light helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. Clinical studies show it improves participants' ability to fall and stay asleep.