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by Raj Kenshin Norbu
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.
***** Copyright (C), 2005 Raj Kenshin Norbu *****
About the Author
Raj K. Norbu is founder of a site that shows you how to experience your True
Self thru Yoga meditation, enabling you to increase pain threshold and perform
amazing feats. Ebooks available include The Yogic Method For Developing
Supernormal Powers and The Ultimate Yoga Meditation Course. To know more, visit: http://www.PainRelief-Meditation-Yoga.com |
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