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How To Think Your Way Out Of Pain!



In the mid 20th century, during the dark days of World War II, military doctors reported that many soldiers who were wounded on the battlefields did not require painkillers!

They deduced that these soldiers felt no pain because they were glad, knowing the injury is their one-way ticket into the safety of a hospital and eventually back home, away from the terrifying war!

The mind-body connection, which remains a phenomenon in the medical world, is one of the most powerful concepts you can take advantage of to improve your health!

Do you know that the degree to which you feel pain, due to physical injury, is related to how much you see the pain as good or bad?

From a biologic point of view, pain does not originate from that wound you see on you but from your brain!

Ask an amputee and he or she will confirm this! An amputee, someone whose hand or leg has been cut off, experiences what is medically referred to as a Phantom Limb!

This is a false and usually painful sensation such a person feels, occasionally or often, from their hand or leg which is obviously not there!

The posterior surface of your brain has an extensive "sensory map" which represents, and is connected to, every part of your skin and the tissue beneath.

So, when a sharp blade slits your finger, a specific point on your brain, representing that finger, is stimulated and chemical substances are released into your blood which induce pain.

Now, this pain you feel is actually for your own good!

It is critical in the process of healing. Sadly, we quickly interrupt this crucial process by swallowing painkillers, such as Panadol. More about this in a subsequent newsletter.

It has now been established that any pain you feel originates from your brain and not the wound!

Now, this is good news! Why so?

It means that it's within your thinking power to lessen the pain you feel! Simply do what those soldiers of old, did!

When you have a cut or bruise, don't set your eyes on the wound. If you see the wound as the worst thing that has happened to you, you'll feel the worst pain ever!

From a biologic perspective, when you think negatively, "pain gates" in your spinal cord open up, which heightens the degree of transmission between the site of injury and your brain.

Literally shift your attention away from it so negative thoughts won't thrive and compound the pain!

Of course, a void will always be refilled with something.

If you repel negative thoughts, you certainly should introduce positive thoughts, by listening to soothing music for instance, or do something positive, like engaging in your hobby, so the pain won't remind you of the wound.

When you think positively, those pain gates are almost shut as your brain directs the release of feel-good hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin, which are natural analgesics that reduce pain!

For minor issues, such as a bruise, that will naturally heal in time, thinking and acting positive will help you cope with the pain.

However, for major or urgent issues, such as a burn, you should quickly address the source of the issue or seek medical assistance to control the situation. Only after this, should you adopt that pain-relieving practice.

Now, it may surprise you to know that a positive mental attitude isn't just beneficial in alleviating pain!

The growing incidence of chronic diseases and the decreasing lifespan of the average Nigerian is partly because we don't rule but are controlled by the negative emotions of doubt, fear, anger among others!

When you assume and maintain a positive mental attitude, it will contribute in activating your self-healing ability which puts you on the path to a longer and stronger life.

Do keep your fingers crossed for the next newsletter wherein the mind-body phenomenon will be dissected even further!

I dream of raising a generation of Nigerians who enjoy a longer, stronger and happier life adopting the Elements of Healthy Living; a generation who take charge of their health rather than be at the mercy of the medical system.

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