Pain, according to the Dorland’s Pocket Medical Dictionary, 24th Edition is defined as, a feeling of distress, suffering, or agony caused by the stimulation of specific nerve endings.

Any form of pain is distressing, but chronic pain can tear your life apart. It can make you depressed, bitter, inverted; even suicidal. Pain is not only felt physically, it can be felt emotionally. Pain has the ability to leave scares on our psyche. Learning how to deal with and manage pain is a crucial part of keeping up the quality of life.

Pain is the body’s way of alerting us that something is not right. When you experience a paper cut on your finger, pain signals go to the brain. The brain releases a substance called endorphins, which are the body’s natural opiate/pain killers. The pain usually subsides on its own with out needing an artificial drug to assist in pain relief.

When artificial opiates, like heroin and morphine are introduced to the body for a long period of time, the brain can stop producing its own natural opiate. When this happens, it creates a dependency for the artificial substance. When the body does not receive these drugs, it can go into a state of withdrawal.

For specific conditions like labor and delivery or the pain that comes after surgery, alternative pain relief is ideal because these situations are only temporary. If you are dealing with a long term or terminal illness where pain is involved, alternative methods can be used with traditional-modern medications. Unfortunately, when pain is so severe, you may have no other choice but to use both methods to manage your pain.

Some alternative methods of pain management are listed below:

• Acupuncture, a Chinese practice, is where thin needles are used to pierce areas of the body along the peripheral nerves to relieve and block pain.

• Electroshock Therapy uses an electrical current to change the pain signals that are going to the brain.

• Hypnosis, which is a passive state of mind, allows increased responsiveness to suggestions or commands. This works by being able to disassociate from the pain.

• Relaxation or Massage Therapy helps relieve pain by releasing tension in the muscles. When pain is present, we tend to tense up, which can increase the pain.

• Meditation and Visualization are also good for pain management. With a relaxed state of mind and body you can accept the pain as it comes and visualize it flowing right back out, letting it go.

Spiritual Suggestion:

Though most of these techniques will cause no harm, you may want to consult with your physician before beginning any alternative methods of therapy. Your doctor should know any medications you are taking, prescription or over the counter. They should also know of any natural herbs, oils or pills that are on your list of healing remedies.