Scientific studies prove that when it comes to effective pain relief, there is a very powerful mind-body connection; even the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum mechanics states that an observer?s thoughts and bias can affect the results of scientific research. Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) states that there is a connection between thought and neurological processes, language and patterns of behavior that are acquired throughout a person's lifetime; the connection can be organised in such a way that specific life goals can be achieved. In other words, NLP can be seen as a practical way to apply the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum mechanics to real-life events.

So what is NLP anyway? NLP is a methodology that explores the relationships between how we think (neuro), how we communicate (linguistic) and our patterns of behaviour and emotion (programs). It is utilised in many areas of human behaviour and is a proven way to create quick and lasting change by modifying the programs that have been adopted by us over a lifetime.

The visualisation techniques of NLP certainly can bring a significant degree of effective pain relief to a person suffering from chronic pain. NLP can change the way your brain interprets the pain signal in such a profound manner that pain is reduced or totally eradicated. Here is how to use NLP to get rid of pain.

First Step: Relax

In order to relax, think of some relaxing sounding words or phrases to repeat to yourself. Breathe deeply and slowly while telling yourself mentally to breathe and relax. If additional help is needed to relax, then say out loud, in a deep and gentle voice, to relax. Every time you exhale, you will feel your muscles relaxing bit by bit. Finally, count backwards from five to one and tell yourself in your mind that by the time you get to one, you will be deeply relaxed and in a trance-like state.

Second Step: Pain Observation

In this step, the goal is to turn your pain into a sort of visualisation that can be used as a pain metaphor. Once you're in a state of deep relaxation, do your best to observe your pain in an objective manner. Attempt to think of the pain as only a sensation – a physical, not abstract object. This is where your imagination should come in; think of the pain as having a shape, a texture, and movement.

Third Step: Shifting the Pain Outside of Your Body

In your imagination, take the image or visual representation of your pain and move it outside your body. Imagine the pain being a few meters away from you, at about eye level, where you can continue to observe it.

Fourth Step: Manipulate the Pain Image

For many, this step is the one that is a bit more difficult and it does take some practice, but you?ll get the hang of it after a few tries. Change some of the characteristics of the visualisation in front of you. Alter the color, size, texture and orientation of the image, and take note of changes that seem to alleviate the pain or make the pain easier to deal with. Experiment, and once you feel satisfied that the pain sensation has been altered in a way that makes you feel better, you can choose to banish the pain image, or put it back in your body in a different location that will be easier to manage, or you can imagine yourself putting it back in the original place in order to cancel out the previous, more intense pain that was felt before commencing the exercise.

Last Step: Restore and Re-energise

Pain and fighting pain is tiring, and our energy stores must be replenished. After the pain visualisation exercise, relax again by breathing deeply and imagining that you are surrounded by a glowing, vibrating ball of light. Let yourself feel and hear the vibrations surrounding you. Every time you inhale, imagine the light getting brighter and the vibrations increasing in frequency, strength, and volume. Every time you exhale, imagine the light becoming clearer and more transparent. The vibrations will help you relax and restore your energy, while the light becoming clearer will help rid your body of stress.

NLP can bring effective pain relief for those suffering from any kind of pain – it's a natural alternative to potentially harmful drugs and the use of this technique has been observed to improve your resistance to pain over time. The use of guided meditation for pain is recommended if you find the pain distracts you from trying to relax. There are a great variety of pain meditation products on the market and they are very cost effective when measured against a lifetime of pain medication – so what will you choose? Meditation or medication?

I would love to hear your experiences of pain relief using NLP or meditation visualisation techniques.