Pain is a complex issue that can be hard to measure objectively. Every individual has a different pain threshold and may respond differently to treatments or methods used to alleviate it. Chronic pain, in particular, can be difficult to effectively treat, with the pain often returning despite long-term use of treatments and therapies. To make a lasting difference, it’s crucial to understand and treat the root cause of pain rather than just the symptom.
The pitfall of chasing pain
When experiencing acute pain, it’s natural to look for immediate relief. Pharmaceuticals can play a role, as they offer short-term reduction in pain. However, it’s important not to rely too heavily on pain killers for chronic pain. Long-term and continuous use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and opioids can lead to negative side effects and contribute to pain rebound effects. Instead, a more effective approach is to uncover the reason for the pain, its trigger, and its mechanism.
Hurdles to root cause
Health care providers hold various beliefs about the root causes of pain. Some focus on easing the pain due to the patient’s complaints, rather than trying to find the trigger or root of the pain. Time constraints, patient embarrassment, and partial disclosure of information may all act as barriers to discovering the root causes of chronic pain conditions.
One way to uncover the root causes of pain for yourself is to engage in a practice of quiet introspection, without external influences or distractions.
Meditation on the root cause
Meditation offers numerous benefits, including reducing anxiety, lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, and managing pain. The following meditation technique can help with pain relief and uncovering root causes:
- Ensure you’re comfortable in a room with a good temperature. Wear loose-fitting clothes and either lie down or sit up, whichever feels most at ease.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose and exhale even more slowly through your mouth.
- Relax and don’t stress about your breathing method or position.
- As you inhale, expand your belly and allow it to deflate as you exhale. Do this gently and without force.
- Instead of focusing on your breath or its sensations, turn your full attention inside your body, imagining and feeling your organs, blood, and nerves from within.
- Keep your attention inside your body and continue to breathe in a relaxed manner, allowing your body to feel what it does.
- Observe any pain you experience, noting whether it’s throbbing, pounding, burning, or something else.
- Engage in this meditation practice to better attune to your body, peeling back layers over time and revealing potential root causes of your pain.
This practice can lead to crucial insights. For example, you may discover that your pain is a symptom of something else, such as tension in your neck or oxygen deprivation from intermittent breath-holding. Understanding the true root cause of your pain can ultimately help you find more effective and lasting solutions than relying solely on external remedies and treatments.
The takeaway
Take the time each day, or multiple times a day, to engage in this simple meditation practice and see what you can uncover about your pain condition. When your medication wears off, rather than chasing more relief, take a meditation journey within and see if you can address the root cause. By treating the source of your pain, you can work towards a more lasting resolution and better overall well-being.
