In this episode of Huberman Lab Essentials, Andrew Huberman discusses the science of pain and pleasure, focusing on the role of the skin as the largest sensory organ and its network of neurons that detect various stimuli. He explains how these neurons transmit electrical signals to the brain, where the somatosensory cortex interprets them based on experience and innate factors. Huberman explores factors influencing pain perception, such as expectation, anxiety, sleep, circadian rhythms, and genetics, and delves into managing pain through expectation setting, supplements like acetyl L-carnitine, and techniques like acupuncture. He also discusses the role of dopamine and serotonin in pleasure, highlighting the importance of maintaining balanced levels for overall well-being and cautioning against artificially induced dopamine spikes that can lead to addiction.
