However, the sources of the original “natural high,” endorphins and ekephalins, can lose their ability to eliminate pain if the situation becomes chronic. Visualizations can help your subconscious to send reinforcements.
Endorphins and a subtype of endorphins called enkephalins are a major source of pain relief in the body. Many times more potent than morphine, they reduce pain signals in the spinal cord, the thalamus or pain processing center in the brain, and in the cerebral cortex.
Enkephalins prevent the release of acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain that transmits pain. They also trigger the production of GABA, which in turn is an effective neutralizer of both glutamate and substance P, the two main brain chemicals associated with chronic pain.
But if the problem of Level 2 neural firing occurs, whereby less and less glutamate is needed to produce more and more pain, the endorphins and enkephalins can become overwhelmed and lose their power. Windup is very common when you have chronic pain.
Good ways to increase endorphins and enkephalins
Part of any balanced pain relief strategy should be strengthening your supply of these powerful natural pain relievers. Fortunately you have many natural ways to do this. For example:
o You can laugh a lot
o You can eat spicy food
o You can engage in deep breathing or meditate
o You may have a chiropractic adjustment or acupuncture treatment
o You can listen to the music you like the most
or you can eat chocolate
or you can have sex
or you can exercise
Any of these activities can increase the levels of endorphins and enkephalins in the body, giving you an overall feeling of happiness. This may be true for back pain or pain in the neck or other extremities, arthritis pain, fibromyalgia pain, or neuropathic pain (nerve pain).
How the visualization fits
The visualization statements provide an additional way in which you can increase these pain relievers. These statements don’t have the calories of chocolate or spicy food, can be done when you’re in so much pain you don’t feel like laughing or meditating, and avoid the time and expense of a trip to the chiropractor or acupuncturist. .
Visualization statements represent the specific language that your subconscious wants you to read to help ease your pain. They are simple and are aimed directly at the main factors that could bring you relief.
You can get these affirmations by learning to communicate directly with your own subconscious mind. The process is simple and can be done at home by working with a facilitator over the phone. You do not need special skills or previous experience in working with the subconscious.
reinforcing the positive
It is possible to work with the subconscious to obtain visualization statements intended to increase endorphins and enkephalins. We have found that when used with the above methods, visualization can provide a background of ongoing positive reinforcement to your effort to increase these powerful pain relievers.