Advancements in ancient mind-body medicine have delivered promising pain relief that traditional medical professionals can actually agree upon. The National Pain Foundation suggests that you may find pain relief through biofeedback, breathwork, hypnotic suggestion or guided imagery without manipulation of the body or disruptions to other medical treatments. While these approaches may not be suitable for all individuals, many have found significant pain relief and stress reduction using these methods. As always, it is imperative to discuss all complementary and alternative methods with a licensed medical professional before embarking on a new treatment journey.
Breathwork
Breathwork is a method for controlling pain that utilizes focus and deep breathing patterns. The National Pain Foundation describes the pain response as the result of constriction in the blood vessels and tension in the muscles. With a series of deep breathing exercises the blood vessels begin to dilate, allow more oxygenated blood to flow to the extremities, and ease tension in the muscles for relaxation and pain relief. This method has gained in popularity from LaMaze techniques used in labor and delivery to pain management approved for cancer treatments.
Guided Imagery
Guided imagery--or Bensonian Relaxation--uses imagination, suggestion and a focal center to reduce pain response. The National Pain Foundation suggests guided imagery for the stress and anxiety associated with medical treatments. In an effort to reduce the impact of pain, the individual focuses on an object in the room. This reduces the level of pain by removing it as a focal point. For example, in a situation such as labor and delivery, the focal point in the room would likely be an inanimate object brought from home, combined with a series of breathing exercises. The new focal point and concentration on breathing helps to calm the individual and reduce hyperventilation and pain during contractions.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback uses special monitoring devices that display heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, sweating and muscle tension, with the addition of a moderator to monitor response. According to "The Human Side of Cancer: Living with Hope, Coping with Uncertainty," you practice the application and monitoring of skin and physiological response to a stimulus until you learn to regulate pain response and become empowered to self-administer.
Hypnotic Suggestion
Hypnotic suggestion occurs during a physical state of deep relaxation. According to "The Human Side of Cancer: Living with Hope, Coping with Uncertainty," hypnotic suggestion is a technique a hypnotherapist uses to make you more likely to accept suggestive thought channeling. First clear your mind of excess worry while allowing your body to completely relax. This is helpful in directing your attention away from thoughts or memories and allowing you to relax and accept input. It is possible to learn strategies of self-hypnosis for administration in the home and further empower you to return to that place of clarity for the sake of relieving pain and removing mind-cluttering thoughts.
References
- National Pain Foundation: With Every Breath We Take
- National Pain Foundation: Guided Imagery and Pain Relief
- "The Human Side of Cancer: Living with Hope, Coping with Uncertainty;" J. Holland & S. Lewis; 2000
