Discussions are taking place about pain management and the emergence of specialist pain clinics. Chronic pain sufferers say that relief is hard to achieve. Others have been told that some types of pain have to be endured and can only be managed by taking a drug. But is that the way it has to be? Are drugs the only recourse? Is there an alternative?
At one time I worked in a pharmacy. There were shelves of animal, vegetable, or mineral substances, as well as pre-prepared pharmaceutical products. Over time, I noticed that the same medication helped some people, but not others. I wondered if the outcome was related to a person’s faith in a drug. My supposition was soon put to the test.
One day, a woman came to collect six bottles of her husband’s prescription pain mixture, which contained pink flavouring to make it palatable. This time, his medication was white – there was no pink flavouring. Reluctantly she took it home. An hour later, she returned the medicine. The white mixture hadn’t alleviated her husband’s pain. The doctor was contacted, pink flavouring was added, and the prescription returned to him for alteration. When the woman left, I remarked to the chemist that what seemed to be relieving the man’s suffering, was pink flavouring. The drug apparently had no curative effect on him. The chemist agreed.
This led me to conclude that for a painkiller to work, a person had to believe in its remedial power. The inanimate drug didn’t know what to do. It was the person who determined what effect it would have. My observation was corroborated by spirituality and health researcher and author Mary Baker Eddy, in her book Science and Health. “The only effect produced by medicine is dependent upon mental action. If the mind were parted from the body, could you produce any effect upon the brain or body by applying the drug to either? Would the drug remove paralysis, affect organization, or restore will and action to cerebrum and cerebellum?” (p. 401).
Bearing this in mind, I decided to seek an alternative method for the relief of pain. I began exploring the connection between spirituality and health, and the role of prayer in alleviating physical suffering. What I found, revolutionized my approach to pain. Since then, prayer-based Christian Science treatment, has healed me of migraine headaches, menstrual pain, toothache, muscle twinges and soreness – without recourse to pain relieving drugs.
This has proved to me that stand-alone prayer is more effective in removing pain than anything else. No longer do I believe that a person has to endure a life of discomfort or suffering. It’s possible to achieve health and harmony – without drugs. There is a great divine Mind that is the healer of mind and body. Let’s make room for prayer. It definitely has a role to play in pain relief.
I’m a professional Christian Science Practitioner and Teacher. Through my prayer-based practice, I help people find happiness, health and healing.
Another excellent post, Beverly!
Thank you Leona. I’m glad you found the post interesting. So many people are looking for freedom from pain. It is achievable. Spirituality brings release from discomfort and suffering. I encourage anyone to “make room for prayer. It definitely has a role to play in pain relief.”
Just wanted to say again what a great job you’re doing!
Thank you Leona. That is very kind of you and much appreciated.
What a splendid example of the significance of one’s thought in the healing process.
Thank you Dee Jay. Yes spirituality, thought and health are all connected. More can be achieved without using pain killers than most people realize. I haven’t used drugs in many decades. Any pain I’ve experienced, has been quickly dealt with through the power of prayer.
Thank you Beverly, I so appreciate you letting others know of the effective, safe capacity of prayer to dissolve pain and whatever is causing it. I’ve certainly found it consistently effective in my experience over many years. People’s hunger for safer, less intrusive and more consistent methods of pain relief seems to echo a deeper desire for a less dis-eased world, more secure peace and more harmonious relationships. All these tie in with the basic premise of Christian prayer to reveal the goodness and power of God.
It’s good to know Abigail, that you too have experienced safe pain relief through the power of prayer. How valuable to hear from people like you of the effectiveness of prayer in your life. Drugs are not the only way to achieve bodily comfort and ease. Prayer definitely has a role to play. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
I love also the added benefit of using prayer rather than medication for pain relief, in that the only ‘side effects’ (in some cases with medication, worse than the complaint) are good ones, not only eliminating the pain but giving me a clearer picture of my relationship to God.
Good point Anne. There are no side effects from heartfelt prayer. As you comment, prayer not only eliminates pain but gives you a clearer picture of your relationship to God. Now that’s something worth having. Thanks for sharing.