Yoga Meditation For Pain Relief 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.
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.comSource:
www.isnare.com
