Transforming Pain: Healing the Physical and Emotional Components

 

When it comes to pain, it's important to recognize that it has both physical and psychological dimensions. While no one wants to hear that their pain is "all in their head," understanding the interplay between the physical and emotional/subconscious aspects of pain is crucial for effective treatment and relief.

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Physical pain originates from obvious physical causes such as accidents, disorders, or medical conditions. It's the part of pain that can be attributed to a specific injury or illness. However, pain can also be mind-created, influenced by our thoughts, emotions, expectations, and past experiences.

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Emotional or subconscious pain refers to the portion of pain that is generated by our mind, emotions, and subconscious beliefs. For example, in the context of childbirth, a client's anticipation of pain, fueled by self-talk or hearing painful birth stories from others, can actually create and intensify the experience of pain. Our subconscious mind tends to act out what it holds, and the expectation of pain leads to tension, which in turn amplifies the pain. Tension, fear, anxiety, beliefs about pain, previous experiences, and exposure to others' pain stories—all of these factors contribute to the creation of pain.

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Therefore, the key lies in distinguishing how much of the pain stems from a physical cause versus an emotional/subconscious cause. Each type requires appropriate treatment and care.

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I want to emphasize that I never aim to completely eliminate pain stemming from a physical cause. Doing so may pose risks, as pain serves as a crucial signal, reminding us to protect an injured area or seek medical attention. For instance, a broken foot reminds us to avoid further strain and potential complications. A migraine may be a symptom that prompts the client to investigate potential underlying conditions. Removing this pain entirely might lead to the oversight of a serious medical issue. However, through therapeutic interventions, physical pain can be mitigated, transforming into a gentle reminder of our body's limitations or the need for attention.

In contrast, pain that is emotionally or subconsciously caused can be fully eliminated once we uncover and understand its root cause.

 

Here are a few examples to illustrate how emotional or subconscious factors can contribute to pain:

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• A client experiences leg pain as a way to avoid weekend hiking trips with their spouse, stemming from a subconscious resistance to those activities.

• A client self-punishes by creating joint pain as a result of past experiences, preventing themselves from fully enjoying life.

• A client with a sore foot may receive a message from their body, indicating a need to establish boundaries and protect themselves from figurative "stepping on their toes."

• A client seeks connection with a distant family member by developing a similar heart condition, which serves as a subconscious attempt to bond.

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To address your pain, I take a holistic approach. I work with you to modify and reduce the physical sensations, making them more manageable. Simultaneously, I delve into the psychological factors contributing to your pain, aiming to eliminate any subconscious or emotional triggers. By addressing both ends of the spectrum, we can achieve lasting relief and healing.

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Let's embark on this transformative journey together, where we navigate the complexities of pain and unlock the keys to your well-being. Contact me to schedule a consultation, and let's embark on a path towards a pain-free life.