Chronic Pain, there are answers.

Chronic pain is a disabling condition that affects every aspect of ones life and well-being. It can have a negative effect on almost every aspect of the body, as well as effecting the cognitive and emotional functioning of the individual.  It has such a profound effect on the individual that it also affects the people in ones life adversely, ones career and extra curricular activities

Prolonged pain affects the sympathetic nervous system causing a detrimental effect on the body.  It achieves this physiological response through the endocrine system and an increase in the hormone production of ACTH, catecholamines, ADH, angiotensin, and glucagon, which adversely affect various body systems.  These systems respond to the stress of unresolved pain by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the demand for oxygen consumption, impairing the GI function, causing respiratory dysfunction and further complications, causing sodium and water retention, causing muscle spasms/impaired muscle function and muscle fatigue, and also a depression of the immune system.

Unresolved pain can also result in an individual experiencing distressing cognitive impairment as well as increasing anxiety levels.  These changes can further interfere with activities of daily living such as diet, exercise, work, leisure and sleep patterns.

Chronic pain requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective treatment.  Counseling can provide education in cognitive and behavioral strategies found to be effective in the management of chronic pain.  Also relaxation training lowers the response level, reduces symptoms and minimizes the physical impact of stress caused by chronic pain. 

I have been in the health field for over 15 years.  In my Counseling I provide an eclectic approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy and Relaxation Techniques.  I help clients see how their cognitions and behaviors affect their pain and its degree.  I help them to uncover unresolved issues / traumas that may be exacerbating the problem, and create new, healthier thoughts and behaviors.  I use Relaxation Techniques such as progressive relaxation and visualizations to assist in this process by forcing the client to directly face their problems and pain, thus learning to release any resistance they may have related to their situation.  It is my experience that when confronted with pain most people don’t want to experience it, creating resistance that leads to more resistance and an increase in symptoms.

What are the benefits to this kind of exploration and treatment?  People can expect a greater sense of peace, ease, and joy.  Also many people experience an increased sense of well-being and empowerment, thus improving their relationships, and their lives.

What about tools that you can use for yourself?  Yoga and meditation is a great start.  And it doesn't matter what kind of meditation.  What matters is that it's the right kind for you; whether that means a walking meditation, or a quiet sitting meditation, or a guided meditation.  Meditation is a great tool for teaching us to be conscious / aware of the present moment in an open and non resistant state of non-judgment.  Give it a try, and be well.

Body Awareness part 2

Exercises on Body Awareness.

First find what word works best for you at this time; mind, awareness, consciousness...each is slightly different, but you can use any of the three or some other word that feels right. I will be using awareness and consciousness throughout this first exercise.

Allow your awareness to move down to your feet. Feel your feet, and how they feel on the ground. Are they comfortable or are they sore from the shoes you wore this day? Allow yourself to feel their weight on the floor, and as you do, take a deep breath.

I will encourage you to breathe, in through your nose and out through your mouth, however, as you start this process you can breathe any way that is comfortable to you.

Now gently and slowly, move your awareness up from your feet and up through your calves to your knees, just being aware of any and all sensations, breathing, in and out, gently perceiving the subtle voices from your body.

As we continue, allow yourself to bring your consciousness up through your thighs and into your hips and sacrum. Feel the weight of your body as you sit in your chair, and continue to use your awareness.

As you move through different areas of your body, sensations, emotions and feelings may surface and come to your attention. Try not to judge them as good or bad, right or wrong. Give them the same space and love as you may a small child. Simply be aware of their presence and observe them as they come to your attention.

Breathing, in through your nose and out through your mouth. There is nowhere more important to go, or no place more important to be at this moment then here, with yourself, lovingly, being.

Continuing to move your consciousness up from your hips through your lower abdomen slowly become aware of this vast space that extends up to your ribs...this is an area that we often associate with strong emotions and sensations, so spend a little extra time there if you wish. Finally before you leave this area bring your awareness to your spine observing how it extends up from your sacrum. Allow yourself to experience it's strength and it's intricate anatomy, and share the gratitude you have for all the years it has supported you. Spend a little time with this thought as you continue to breathe, in through your nose and out through your mouth. No resistance, simply being with conscious awareness.

Continue the same process as you move your consciousness into your chest and through your shoulders, up through your neck, and into your head, finally moving down into your arms and hands. Again, remember the goal is not to change what is happening, rather to observe what is happening with awareness, with consciousness. And lastly breathe, in through your nose and out through your mouth. No resistance.

You may end here, or find some other way to end the exercise to your liking; with prayer, meditation, affirmations, etc. You may like to just return your awareness to your heart, and spend some time allowing yourself to experience the love that is there, allowing yourself to share it with yourself. This is up to you.

To conclude I would like to say there are many books, tapes, and CD's that can offer you suggestions, or similar exercises to this one. Find one that works for you and that you are comfortable with. I have purposefully not included any religious connotations, as I believe people of all religions can practice this and other exercises with benefit. Also though there are many other types of visualizations, there is something personal about getting acquainted with yourself on this level. This is something we typically are not used to doing, and can lead you to a more fulfilling life.

Enjoy.