Pain Control

People experiencing pain or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) may be preoccupied and unable to focus - even on methods of pain control. This article offers ways for making a "resourceful space" for coaching people in pain to solve their challenges and achieve their goals. The methods on this page can provide short-term pain relief.

[ Long-term Pain Relief ]

Common ways to relieve pain are to use pharmaceutical or herbal medications, or self-medications such as alcohol and nicotine. Salicylate drugs such as aspirin and acetaminophen are probably the most commonly used. Opiates such as morphine and heroin are stronger (and similar to the endorphins that a human body creates). Opiates require medical prescription and supervision, but due to the psychoactive effects of opiates, people taking them may not be candidates for Soulwork coaching.

Although herbal medications are generally weaker than those from a pharmacy, many people consider their "naturalness" an advantage. "Natural" identifies source, not superiority, although the placebo effect of "natural" medications may balance their lack of pharmaceutical activity.

Herbs can be harmful. Many modern herbalists refer to ancient writings and 16th - 17th century texts (such as Gerard and Culpeper) for therapeutic advice, instead of researching the herbs' botany, chemistry and pharmacology. Herbal medications used for pain control include black cohosh, cloves, mandragora, mint, wild ginger and willow.

• Acupuncture and Acupressure: In Chinese traditions, Insertion of needles into specific points in the skin helps to direct the flow of energies that maintain harmony. Needle punctures and pressures may stimulate and release endorphins and affect sensory nerves in the skin and muscle.
• Aromatherapy: uses various "essential" aromatic oils, often used in aerosols or with massage. Lavender oil is often used for pain control.
• Caring: for children, people, pets and plants may distract a person from their own situation
• Cold: cold water, damp cloths, ice packs etc can reduce both local inflammation and pain sensitivity
• Duty: to family, team, organization, community, country etc. People who value responsibility can forget their pain so as to "do their duty".
• Humor: Laughter has often been called the best medicine. Humor can distract and disrupt the subjective world. Laughing can relax tension, and lead to the release of endorphins, which reduce pain sensations.
• Hypnosis: deep trance-induction followed by authoritative post-hypnotic commands
• Massage: Swedish massage, Thai, shiatsu, lomilomi etc can help to relax and to distract. Local pain can be decreased by surface stimulation. Common techniques include rapid stroking, kneading and circular movements. Long, smooth, slow stokes from the head to the lower back are often utilized for relaxation. Massage is generally safe.
• Metaphor: offering pain control solutions within stories
• Music: An ancient art used as a powerful distraction to help relieve pain and promote relaxation
• Prayer: The essence of prayer is faith in your relationship with a higher power. Physical pain leads to psychological and spiritual discomfort. Spiritual comfort may be restored through prayer and faith, alleviating pain.
• Reflexology: A minimal form of Shiatsu that focuses on your hands and feet, which is relaxing in the same way as massage therapy.
• TENS (transcutaneous electro-nerve stimulation): Applying electricity through your skin

[ Long-term Pain Relief . Psychobiology . Anxiety ]

NOTE: Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to pain, medical symptoms or medical conditions.

Many skills taught in Soulwork Systemic Coaching are useful for short-term pain relief. The following skills are included in Health and Pain Control training.

• Dissociation: moving the sense of self outside the body
• Pain Dissociation: moving pain outside the body
• Pain Displacement: moving pain into another part of the body
• Pain Substitution: transforming pain into something else
• Imaginative Transformation: changing beliefs about the source of pain
• Hypnotic-analgesia: suggested anesthesia - local pain control
• Pain Interruption: interrupt or disrupt automatic pain responses
• Pain Reframing: reframe the meaning of pain
• Time Distortion: accelerates the time in pain, or increase time between pains
• Non-judgment: focus on pain sensations to assist self-control
• Pain Intensity: changing the intensity of pain improves self-control