Pain Management - Relaxation

Ah...  the rainbow - there is hope!!!

Does relaxation come naturally for any of us in the hectic and crazy world?  I didn't think so.  There are a wide range of relaxation techniques designed to reduce stress levels. 

I have adrenal insufficiency which causes severe pain.   Your two adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped endocrine glands located on the top of each kidney. Each adrenal gland is approximately 3 inches wide, and a half inch high.  It's not severe enough to be Cushing's, but I have many of the same symptoms.

Stress is not good for someone who has adrenal insufficiency.  Well, it's not good for anyone - but when the glands that make cortisol and adrenalline are compromised it's worse.  Add a low-functioning thyroid gland to that and life gets interesting.  Relaxation is not just a luxury - it's a necessity.  I have to be
calm and cool.  I need to chillax.

Here are some effective relaxation therapies:

The dawning of a new day!!!

1. BREATHING.  Well, that is certainly helpful, isn't it?  Breathing exercises have taught me how to breathe correctly in order to relieve my stress.  The technique is simple (believe me, if it was complicated, I wouldn't do it).  You place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.  Take a slow, deep breath, taking in as much air as possible.  Your abdomen should press against your hand.  Hold that breath in for a few seconds, then slowly exhale. 
2. VISUAL IMAGING.  I talk a little bit about this in my other blog, but basically this technique uses body awareness to achieve relaxation.  Imagine being in a peaceful, restful place then focus on different physical sensations, but not necessarily just pain.  Sometimes my legs may feel especially heavy or my heart may be beating a little fast.  Everyone has their own image, but I don't recommend the image of a banana split for a person who is trying to lose weight.  Don't choose an image that will be completely counter-productive.  Use some common sense about it.
3. PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION.  I use this in conjunction with another therapy that was just recently developed for people with peripheral diabetic neuropathy (which I've also developed).  Basically you flex the painful area then hold it briefly, then relax it, slowly easing the tension.  I also draw the alphabet in the air with my foot.  The movement sometimes eases the tension as well.  By the time I get to the letter "Z", I do usually feel better.

I've actually been drawing the alphabet with my foot as I'm typing.  Can I multi-task, or what???

Could the sky be a more gorgeous hue???

WOOF...  WOOF!!!  Yes, Charley, you make me
more relaxed too!!!

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