15 Mental Tricks That Fight Pain

What Is Pain?

Pain is a characteristically complex issue, involving both the emotional centers of the brain and the nociceptors of the body. When the body undergoes trauma, an external stimulus is relayed from the nociceptors (or pain receptors), to the nervous system. The brain’s limbic system then adds an additional component to the pain, making it emotional in nature-this is why pain is so bothersome. It is interesting to note that when certain emotional brain structures are removed surgically, chronic pain patients report feeling the pain, but are no longer perturbed by it at an emotional level.

Pain is a multidimensional issue that can impair one’s mood, psychological state, decision making, relationships and productivity. It is projected that millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain, and rely extensively on anti-inflammatory medications in order to mitigate these symptoms.  However, the human body can develop a considerable tolerance for pain meds over time, and consistent ingestion of heavy pain med doses can exact a toll on the liver functions of the body.

Mental Tricks

In recent years, the masses have become more acquainted with the mind’s infinite capabilities and its ability to govern the body. People who suffer from temporary or chronic pain can utilize mental techniques to mollify some of their agonizing symptoms. In scientific studies, patients who suffered from severe injuries mentally envisioned increased blood flow to the site of injury, and ended up expediting the healing process. This is a prime example of what the human body is truly capable of.

Using the following metal tricks, you can experience temporary relief from your pain.

#1 Did you know that fantasizing about food can stimulate the production of pain fighting chemicals in the body? In a University of Wisconsin study, students were instructed to place their hands in a bowl of icy water. Then, they were advised to envision delectable foods, such as brownies or ice cream. This vivid mental imagery actually  reduced their pain levels and detracted from the discomfort associated with the freezing water temperatures.

#2 Meditation is among the most potently effective pain mitigation techniques available.Meditation calms the body, and reorganizes the brain, providing it with a more positive, rational outlook. Mindfulness meditation, for instance, is a technique that utilizes breathing control. In a study, this form of meditation was believed to lower the intensity of pain from 11% to 70%, and eliminate the emotional aspect of pain by 20%-93%.

#3 Deep breathing exercises can elicit a parasympathetic response, which counters the response induced by a pain stimulus. Deep breaths centered in the diaphragm can have a calming effect on the body’s pain processing, offering one a temporary relief.

#4 Pain has a variety of useful survival functions, and contributes to our general safety and well being. But when pain is both unremitting and unbearable, a good distraction may serve you well. Consider allocating your attention to something else when your pain arises. For example, you may choose to direct your attention to other body parts, or to simply engage in your favorite activity. The more positive a distraction is, the better you will feel. However, a negative emotional distraction will merely exacerbate your pain.

#5 Mantras have an intrinsically powerful effect on the human body. They have the capacity to stimulate the production of your own organically produced morphine and pain fighting chemicals. A mantra refers to a repetitive word, phrase, or prayer that you repeat. This practice can dilute the intensity of your pain.

#6 Positive visualization is one of the powerful mechanisms of the human mind. Did you know that the brain contains a topographic map of the entire body? This means that your brain is intimately tied to every facet of your anatomical being. One simple technique entails imagining peaceful images, such as that of a sunset or a waterfall. You may also consider envisioning the site of your pain as fully functioning and pain free. For example, imagine that there is a clam, warming sensation hovering over the body part that is in pain.

#7 The body consists of many interlinking nerves and energy fields. Various pressure points correspond to particular regions of the body, and exerting pressure on them can activate a sizable pain numbing response. Some have concluded that massages increase circulation and counteract pain responses to a certain degree. While the basis of pressure points remains unexplained, it certainly works.

#8 Many people who suffer from sudden or chronic pain report  repetitive, negative thoughts that simply increase the intensity of the pain. Therefore, a positive outlook is key to combating main when it arises in the body.

#9 Music has the capacity to remove us from our negative chain of thoughts, and place on into a blissful state of existence. For this reason, it is naturally attuned to combating our pain messages.

#10 According to many studies, people who record their feelings on paper reduce their pain levels and increase their immune function.

#11 Activating your creative faculties can provide you with a temporary distraction from your pain.

#12 Laughter is a wonderful medicine that increases immune function and releases pain fighting endorphins, a natural analgesic.

#13 Affection releases serotonin, or happiness chemicals, in the brain-thereby increasing positivity and fighting pain.

#14 Affirming a healthy and pleasant state of being can reduce your pain levels.

#15 Many people find that they are unable to sleep with their pain levels. If you do, however, fall asleep, you will feel refreshed and renewed upon waking up, as sleep has healing properties that even curb pain.  

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