How I Deal with Pain

When I was in my 20s, I learned this technique to deal with menstrual cramps. I'm wondering now if I internalized what I learned because I have never dealt with serious pain throughout my MS journey. I do not remember who taught me this, but anyone can try this out and see if it works for them.

I created an image of what the pain felt like. I pictured thick, heavy chains surrounding my entire upper body. Then I let them go and felt them fall down to my feet. I thought of the area of my body that hurt, and I told that part of me, “I love you”. At the same time, instead of tightening or tensing up against the pain, I relaxed and continued to send love to that part of my body.

This is not an instant fix. The first time I used this method, it took a while to work. I believed it would, so I kept repeating the exercise until it did. The more I used it, the more it worked, and the more I believed it would work. That is half the battle. Your mind is a powerful thing, and this is one way of harnessing it to benefit you.

I have not tried this method on what I would consider “serious” pain, but if you allow for at least the possibility of this working, I think it could. Or use this in conjunction with your prescription pain meds. I do know that if you don't believe it will work, it definitely will not. Find an image that is powerful for you and give it a go!