| |
| |
|
WebsiteAlways |
|
Mindfulness and Pain: Just Say Ouch
What's the best way to manage pain? Just say ouch. That's a simplified description of the role of mindfulness in reducing the experience of pain. The secret isn't in focusing on the painful sensation itself. No, the power is in recognizing our tendency to say way more than ouch. Here's the basic math: Suffering = Pain + Resistance. Can mindfulness reduce the sensation of pain? Not exactly, but it can markedly reduce the total suffering we experience by illuminating--and even eliminating--our resistance. Pain is a warning. It informs and motivates us. If you're resting your hand on a hot stovetop, it's important to feel that pain in order to remove your hand quickly and avoid burns. We need the sensation of pain to protect our bodies from further injury. Pain also teaches us new ways to move. If you are consistently hurting your back on the weekend, your pain is letting you know that 1) you need to rest and 2) you need to learn a healthier way to work or play. Chronic pain is more difficult. It is hard to find any redeeming value in long-term pain. We've learned our lessons already, but it persists, and there's not much that can be done about it. Mindfulness is extremely valuable in alleviating the experience of all kinds of pain but it is especially effective for those likely to hurt on a daily basis. We feel pain. We say ouch--mentally or verbally. Then what happens? We get wrapped up in ways to resist the pain. We start a mental dialogue about how we're going to deal with it (medication, ice, heat, rest, acupuncture, massage, magnetic therapy, etc.). Then, we get caught in thoughts and emotions: ? Disappointment ("Now I can't go hiking.") ? Worry ("I hope it's nothing serious.") ? Fear ("What if it gets worse?") ? Anger ("Why is it hurting now? I already had surgery!") ? Depression ("What if I have to stop playing tennis?") ? Excitement ("I'm going into labor!") Our resistance stirs up a lot more tension, resulting in a much more pronounced experience of the pain. Worrying about pain really does make it worse. This is where mindfulness comes in. By paying attention to the thoughts and emotions that accompany pain, you can learn to separate these from the sensation. Once you've done that, you can actually eliminate the tension and see the pain for what it is--and no more. By seeing the internal dialogue that comes with pain, you can learn to handle it skillfully and reduce your suffering. The next time you feel pain, take a moment to focus on it. Watch your thoughts and emotions as they come up. Breathe. And go back to ouch. Simple pain never felt so good. Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse in Portland, Oregon. Through her company, Real-World Mindfulness Training, she teaches eyes-wide-open ways to get calm, clear and creative. To subscribe to her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, visit http://www.MassageYourMind.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Alternative - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Natural Healing For The Body Back-to-Nature AromatherapyBack-to-nature is a new health initiative by people living in modern society. Aromatherapy, which stems from natural plants, has also became a favourite in modern day living. Magnetic Bracelet Used in Research Study Now in United States At the end of 2004 results from a study on arthritis patients in the UK was published in the British Medical Journal.It stated that it had found positive pain reliving results using a magnetic bracelet. Plain Soap as a Natural Method of Infection Prevention It is estimated that 80 percent of communicable illnesses are spread through touch but only about 30 percent of adults wash their hands after using the toilet and still fewer wash thoroughly. The very people who ought to know better are among the worst offenders. Home Remedies Ever have a bee sting? Try rubbing an aspirin on it. Gum in hair? Soak the gum-coated hair in Coke and it should wipe out easily. Alternative Approaches to Pain Relief Pain. The great leveler. Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally - Cholesterol Through The Mouth If you have high cholesterol, you should educate yourself about the natural options that are available to you, to help lower your cholesterol, before diving head first into taking prescription medications?which are generally loaded with side effects, some of which can be dangerous and even fatal.There are various options available to you, to help lower your cholesterol naturally and reduce or eliminate your risk of heart disease. Purchasing Essential Oil Tips on Purchasing Essential OilsIt is important to purchase your oils through a reputable supplier, food stores are often reputable suppliers of Essential Oils. In other cases you can buy from the manufacture but you must know something about the manufacturers reputation,- Do they belong to the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists?If so, it is a good indication that they are a reputable people. The Truth About Smokers Pleasure Paradox Smokers love excuses. Nothing makes them happier than, 'I can't quit because?'. Get Your ZZZZZZ's Naturally Insomnia - according to the dictionary is a chronic inability to fall asleep or remain asleep for an adequate length of time. We've all experienced this at least sometime in our lives. 3 Quick Herbal Remedies In recent years the issue of Alternative Healing has skyrocketed to the forefront of the medical field. A 2004 government survey concluded that more than one third of adults use alternative medicine and healing. Human Health Modification Using Sun Light and Frequency Human behavior could be modified using light preferably real sunlight. A person could rest in a hammock while a large fan would rotate at a prescribed speed. The Mechanics & Effects of Smoking So exactly what does happen when you smoke?Every puff on your cigarette delivers, via the lungs to the brain a small dose of nicotine that actually acts more rapidly than a dose of heroin an addict may inject into his veins.Because nicotine is a quick-acting drug the levels in the bloodstream drop quickly to about half within a half an hour and a quarter within an hour of finishing a cigarette. The Stammering/Stuttering Speech Course The five day speech course for stuttering/stammering.The first two days of the course are used to learn all of the rules of fluent speech. Back Pain, Joint Pain, Knee Pain, Arthritis and a Host of Other Pain Ailments You Never Have To Suff "The smallest pain in our little finger gives us more concern than the destruction of millions of our fellow beings." William Hazlitt [1778-1830. Superfood or Superfad I have been reading a lot lately on the subject of anthrocyanins. Anthrocyanin is a pigment found in many fruits and vegetables but especially in berries. What Organic Really Means in 2005 The term "organic" is used everywhere. What exactly does that mean?"Organic" refers to the methods by which foods, cottons, woolens, etc. The Healing Effect of Scented Candles In June 2002, I was a bridesmaid at my cousin's wedding when I had my first panic attack (or "episode" as I called it at the time). I managed to get through the wedding without anyone knowing I was having a problem, but in two months I was going to be a bridesmaid at my sister's wedding. Health and Anti-Aging Some words about anti-aging and disease preventionThe aging process is for the greater part no mystery anymore. It consists for a great part of daily damages done on the macroscopic, tissue, cellular and genetic levels. Crystal Healing Ask and you shall receive!! Persuaded by popular demand, I have created a comprehensive list of the magical, healing and vibrational uses of popular crystals and stones. Below I have listed some of the more common and accessible "rocks" out there (let's face it we all can't afford that diamond, emerald or sapphire) that can be bought unpolished or tumbled in New Age or natural science stores. 10 Essential Food Safety Tips For AIDS Sufferers Persons with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are especially susceptible to illness from food-borne pathogens. Because they're at higher risk for severe illness or death, affected persons must be vigilant when handling and cooking foods.
|
| Interesting articles | Home | site map | Link |
| © 2006 |
