Common Themes Behind Chronic Pain and Illness
We all hold tension in the body. It is a human thing to do when we come across stress in our lives. Many times there isn’t a firm thing that a doctor can point to as the cause for an illness or pain in the body. However, I think we can all relate to the idea that when something is emotionally hard to work through, we feel it in the body. This holding of tension can, over time, create blocks to healthy movement in our structure, the tissues, and our organs. Eventually this becomes a chronic problem that turns into pain and illness.
I have seen some common themes behind chronic health issues. Many times there is a consistent pattern of putting someone else’s health, safety, and desires before their own. One person may have spent many years helping a spouse manage their own chronic illness or disability. Another may have spent much of their energy managing a partner’s abuse, or taking on responsibilities that aren’t their own. Others have been victims of violence at some time in their lives and have had troubles letting go enough to feel safe in their present. So what do all of these themes have in common? It is a matter of the nervous system taking us out of perspective.
Because we are social creatures, it is very important to our wellbeing to be in communion with others. There is a need to be accepted by the ones who take care of our most vulnerable selves, and for us to take care of the ones we love. If there is a threat to this need, our nervous system will take us into fight or flight, and eventually into freeze. When this fight or flight mechanism is turned on, the body’s system will create tension, and it can shut down proper digestion, and immune responses in the body. The rational mind can even shut down, making it difficult to see the larger perspective of what a person needs in order to start taking care of themselves.
Reiki provides a safe space for a person to give themselves some love and attention first and foremost. It allows for a softening and feelings of safety to come in, so that there can be a little bit of loosening of grip on these old patterns. In a physical sense what is taking place is a downregulation of the nervous system into a calmer state. Not only does this allow the muscles to relax and the digestion and immune system to come back on line, but it also gives strength to the mind and opens it for new possibilities. Once the softening and feelings of safety occurs, it is possible to explore with curiosity what may be needed in their lives. This seems to happen spontaneously and easily. I have seen beautiful insights, acceptance, and resolve take place in people who do Reiki with me, and it is such a blessing to witness.
