|
The purpose of this article is to provide information on
methods and techniques on how to cope with pain, or in some
instances, possibly even overcoming pain with the use of
techniques derived from Yoga meditation.
Chronic pain sufferers spend millions of dollars to find
ways of relieving their pain. This article hopes to share a
process that is natural, and free.
Meditation: The Most Popular Alternative Pain Relief
Therapy
According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical
Association, mind-body medicine is the most popular
alternative approach for people in pain. And at the heart of
mind-body medicine lies the age-old practice of meditation;
a quiet, simple technique that belies an extraordinary power
that has scientifically been proven to boost disease
resistance and maintain overall health.
For many people who suffer from chronic pain, spending quiet
time in meditation has proven to be the first step in
learning how to cope with their pain. Over the years,
thousands of individuals have sought help at stress
reduction clinics that teach meditation techniques to people
with pain. Their symptoms vary -from headaches, arthritis,
and back pain to anxiety, eczema, and many other conditions-
but their stories are remarkably similar: For those seeking
help in coping with their problems, meditation works.
How Pain Relief Is Attained Thru Meditation (Why
Meditation Decreases Pain)
The human body can produce its own natural chemical
self-stimulants called endorphins. Among other things, this
group of molecules alleviates stress, reduces pain, and
gives a feeling of pleasure.
During meditation, when the brain is in a highly synchronous
and coherent state (as measured by EEG brainwave biofeedback
machines), it produces large quantities of these
pleasure-causing neuro-chemicals, i.e., endorphins, making
the whole experience pleasurable, giving an overall feeling
of well-being. Many report a feeling of peace, happiness,
connectedness, and a sense of wholeness when meditating.
Scientists have found that when the brain is stimulated by a
pleasurable experience, it is capable of overwhelming or
inhibiting other stimuli. Thus, pleasure can overcome
depression or pain.
Yoga Meditation Methods For Coping With Or Overcoming
Pain
There are many meditation methods and techniques but they
can generally be divided into several categories listed
below. You may experiment with each one, and maybe even
combine them to suit your needs. It all depends on what
works best for you. Meditation is a very flexible tool.
Category 1: Breathing
One of the first steps in meditation is being aware of your
breath. This method involves the use of specific breathing
patterns to bring about relaxation. Essentially, as you slow
your breathing rate, the body relaxes, and the mind calms
down, as well. Based on my own personal experience, the more
relaxed you are, the less pain you will feel.
Category 2: Transformational Life View
Meditation does not only involve breathing awareness. Many
meditation traditions ask you to ponder on life-changing
concepts such as what reality is and who you really are.
Understanding your True Self, and experiencing your True
Self directly thru meditation causes practitioners to
undergo a profound transformation of view. This
transformation of view leads them to a different way of
looking at themselves, namely from a perspective of
wholeness. With this change of perspective, a new and
profound coming to terms with their problems and their
suffering begins to take place. From feeling out of control,
helpless, and beyond help, they develop a sense of inner
peace and acceptance, and even a sense of the possible, a
feeling of calm confidence, and control. This attitudinal
and emotional transformation plays a major role towards
better health and often causes a reduction in physical
symptoms and improvement in a person's physical condition.
This transformational life view brings about an ability to
act with greater balance and inner security in the world,
especially when encountering stress, pain, or illness. This
category includes the popular mindfulness meditation which
is used extensively by stress reduction clinics that have
helped thousands of chronic pain sufferers and people with
illnesses.
Category 3: Visualization/ Imagery
Visualization or imagery is a commonly used technique to
relieve anxiety and pain. It involves imagining a pleasant
and relaxing, or even exciting, place or activity that has
brought you happiness in the past or is appealing to you.
Mentally exploring this place or activity in great detail
can help induce a sense of calm.
Category 4: Prana/ Chi / Life Force
It is said that a life force flows through our bodies,
invariably known as prana or chi, and that this energy flows
through the body within a psychic nervous system composed of
subtle channels. There is an intimate relationship between
our mind and this subtle nervous system and we can control
or direct this energy for improved well-being, such as for
pain relief.
You can also visualize blue, white, or pink healing light
having a positive effect on the painful area.
Conclusion
These Yoga meditation techniques have been used for
centuries for spiritual purposes. However, they can also be
used as natural pain relief methods. By applying the
meditation techniques specifically for pain control,
practitioners are able to have a positive effect on such
severe kinds of pain.
I hope these methods help those of you with chronic pain so
that you can use meditation to lead better lives. |
