Pain Evolution

Pain for most people is something that must be avoided at all times. We spend much of our lives consciously avoiding things that might cause us pain both emotionally and physically. We separate our body from our mind and yet, they are one in the same. Physical pain causes emotional distress and emotional pain manifests in our bodies as a multitude of pain sensations, some developing into actual pathologies or dis-ease. The market for pain medication is probably the biggest cash cow for the pharmaceutical industry; as soon as pain comes up we must get rid off it! And why not, who wants to suffer?

Pain though, is our nervous system telling us something is not right in our body. That is an over simplification however, of a vastly intricate and intelligent system. We could say that pain is a voice from within, part of a deeper language that most of us do not understand and so we resist, cover our ears, and want it to stop. There are many things that cause pain and most are not serious, but should be checked out by a doctor if they persist. Some pain is connected to events in our past that have not been dealt with, previous injuries or traumas that have not fully healed.

Pain and a Different Approach

Alternative approaches see the body as a collective intelligence or perhaps another way to describe it is simply, a body-consciousness. This body-consciousness constantly speaks to us , communicating its needs through stress, fear, and worry for example when something is not right. Yet, we often do not hear what it has to say as we are so caught up in our lives, and we become separate from this vital force. When pain does finally rear its head, it is often the result of our missing a long line of signs to the point that the body-consciousness finally demands to be heard.

A Solution

Bodywork is a great solution, as its very nature of consistent human touch speaks the same body-consciousness language. When you lie on the massage table, you are taking the first step on a new path as this consciousness reverberates both within you and within your massage therapist. A joint listening occurs where you both try and unravel the cause or the root of the imbalance. Massage, like all healing approaches, is not trying to simply get rid of the immediate problem (pain), but rather is working on the root of the problem, to bring you closer to it so that you may move through it (healing). In some cases on the healing path, you have to endure more pain before you discover change.

Body movement is an extension of bodywork and aligns with the same inner voice. Yoga, tai chi and meditation work on the same level as massage therapy. The most difficult step for most people is to first step onto the healing path, as the path itself requires moving towards both emotional and physical pain, as opposed to away from it. With each step on this inevitable path, inner growth expands into your life. The pain evolves and reveals deeper aspects of your self that remained hidden until you step onto the path.