Incorrigible optimists are sure: he is still alive, who can feel the pain. It is true. To some extend. Writhing with pain on the floor, however, makes a lot of dull pessimists doubt whether this life is worth living. Believe me, it is. Pain is something that we can almost always control. It must not necessarily be done with the help of medical treatment. There are some tips, which can turn us into the skilled magicians to perform miracles on pain and forcing it to fade away.
Relaxation, imagery, distraction, hypnosis, skin stimulation, acupuncture and physical therapy are the most common and popular non-medication methods to relieve pain of different nature.
Relaxation helps reduce anxiety, stress and fatigue. It decreases muscle tension, gives rest to the organism and allows falling asleep. The best way to relax is to sit or lie comfortably, not crossing arms and legs, and to rhythmically inhale and tense the muscles at the same time, then to exhale and relax the muscles. You can try to relax the whole body at once or progressively reduce tension in each body part (feet, legs, back, etc.).
Imagery can be used alongside with relaxation. It is a method, which presupposes creating soothing and pleasant situation or object in your mind. It is like a self-hypnosis. Slow familiar music can be of great help. Usually it is done with the eyes closed.
Distraction works perfectly for severe pain, which lasts not longer than 45 minutes. This method means switching attention from pain to something else, usually things a person enjoys doing: watching TV, listening to the favorite music, reading, painting or even cooking. Anything, which takes your attention, is good. The only warning: do not be over-diligent!
Nobody knows how hypnosis works to relieve pain, nevertheless, it is said to be very effective if done by a skilled hypnotist.
Skin stimulation aims in exciting the nerves endings in the skin and altering the blood flow to the treatment area. Scientists suggest that nerves endings transmit the feeling of pain as well as pressure, heat and cold to the brain. If the latter feelings are present, pain is believed to be lessened or even blocked.
To stimulate skin we can either massage it or apply heat, cold or chemical substances (usually menthol creams, ointments, liniments or gel) to its surface. We should cover either the exact area of pain or nearby territory.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest pain-relief methods. It is fulfilled by inserting thin metallic needles of different length into the specific points of the body, which are believed to control pain sensation. Scientists suggest that acupuncture stimulates electromagnetic points of the body and the central nervous system, releasing opioids natural chemicals in the brain, which have analgesic effect. It is also believed to have positive influence on the immune system.
Physical therapy includes yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates exercising program. All this offers a reasonable amount of stretching and movement, which help improve blood flow in the whole body, therefore providing overall nourishment and toxins flowing out of the organism.
It usually takes pretty much time for a magician to become a real professional. The situation is quite the same with non-medication methods of pain relieving: a person should not expect the immediate results while using any of the described issues for the first time. The most important thing here is to find a method, which will definitely work for you. Try different techniques at first and then stick to the scenario, which seems to suit you best. Practice it twice every day in order your body to get used to it. Hopefully, pain will be deceived by the simple miracles you are going to perform on it.
Ivanna
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