Can we heal pain simply by the power of belief?
The short answer to this is yes, absolutely!
But where is the evidence?
Emerging studies in neuroscience and epigenetics have proven that pain is not only processed in the brain but can become chronic through heightened stress states and perceived threats of danger.
When the brain gets stuck in high-alert mode it sends stress signals through the brainstem to the nervous system which impacts the way we experience pain.
Hence the rise in “invisible” illnesses.
Many case studies have shown remarkable findings on the placebo effect, where the belief in something happening has led to it actually happening.
Lisa Ranklin M.D.’s book Mind Over Medicine illustrates some fascinating examples.
One study shows a man being diagnosed with cancer and given one month to live. The man, convinced by the prognosis that he is going to die, passes away at the exact time of his predicted death, only for it to be discovered later that he actually had no physical signs of illness in his body.
The only explanation for his death was that he died because he believed he was going to.
The power of belief is phenomenal!
Lynne Mactaggart has conducted numerous scientific studies on the power of belief and intention, and proven that our thoughts can heal us and others.
This evidence has given rise to such powerful tools for transformation so why it is that many of us are not using these in our lives?
Often it’s only when we hear stories like these that we can sit back in awe and reflect on how we might actually us it to change ourselves.
One of my favourite quotes is:
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
So now you know that belief can change our lives it’s easy, right?
Well… no! The truth is that while our beliefs CAN change our perspectives and therefore our lives, we can not simply “think ourselves” into health and wellness.
The brain has pre-written codes created through genetics, social experiences, and even past-life imprints that need to be reprogrammed over time so that we can create sustainable new habits.
Also, whilst belief is incredibly powerful for healing, it can also be responsible for problematic misconceptions and unhealthy thoughts, habits and behaviours. These need to be brought to the surface, recognised and healed before we can move forward into reframing.
In order to do this we must look at the mind, body, and energetic system too.
This is often a process that takes time. So be patient, google healing from past trauma and allow yourself to explore what resonates for you.
One particular teacher that helped me with this was Christina Lopes. You can check out her work and practices through her YouTube channel. Here’s a video on healing trauma.
Once we have done the healing work then we can begin the journey of reframing.
Some simple tools that I use for reframing are:
· Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
· Guided Affective Imagery (GAI)
· Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
· Hypnosis
· Metacognition
· Refocusing
· Redirection
· Rewiring
· Meditation
· Mindfulness
Studies have shown that the brain can rewire itself from a hyper-vigilant sympathetic nervous response to a parasympathetic one in between 30–90 days, but for those that have suffered trauma it can take longer.
Could this be the reason why Fibromyalgia sufferers struggle to reach and sustain these para-sympathetic states of relaxation?
It is such a complex illness that many systems in the body become disregulated sending the mind, body, and soul into states of hyper vigilance causing havoc. But why?
Could it be one of the following reasons:
A damaged temporal lobe Childhood trauma Neurological malfunctioning Central nervous system issues Viral factors
These are some of the questions the Fibromyalagia community is asking but there have not been any clear conclusions. These questions are for the doctors and scientists to figure out. In the mean time I work with alternative practices and access my spiritual team for guidance to help me tap into my intuition and I also use a range of holistic healing tools that I have learned over the past 15 years. This allows me to work on my mind, body, and energy system without employing expensive medical professionals. MOST IMPORTANTLY this gives me control over my personal power and YOU can have this too.
If you would like any further guidance on how to start your journey to discover your personal power you can email me on the link below or check out my range of FREE tools and services.
Hi Keri,
Thank you so much for this article, I found it so helpful and I think the knowledge is the main problem of most of people in pain.