How to Use Palmtherapy to Manage Pain

Practitioners of palmtherapy believe that applying pressure to the hands helps spur positive emotional changes. They insist that properly stimulated palms can sidestep the mind's analysis and criticism of new modifications in thought patterns. Although primarily used to relieve anxiety and fears, treatment can also help a patient relax and manage mild pain. Follow these steps to learn how.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Reading materials about palmtherapy

Manage Your Pain With Palmtherapy

1. Find a professional who offers Palmtherapy services. You'll discover that local alternative medicine therapists (such as acupuncturists) may also have another certification in Palmtherapy. Use the official Palmtherapy Web site to find more information (see resources below).

2. Practice Palmtherapy techniques on your own. To help you get started, refer to the classic book in this field, creator Moshe Zwang's "PalmTherapy: Program Your Mind Through Your Palms." It's available at the Palmtherapy Web site (see Resources below).

3. Try some beginner Palmtherapy exercises. Use a continuous, steady pressure over the mid-section of the palm area with the thumb of your opposite hand.

4. Massage gently, but with a bit of pressure (from a few seconds up to 1 minute) and focus on feeling pain-free.

5. Imagine the areas of your body where you feel the most pain as healthy and moving without harm.

Understand how Pain is Processed and Managed

6. Read more about how pain is processed in the brain. This will help you get a grasp of the philosophy behind Palmtherapy. Read the article on this specific function of the brain provided in the Resources box below.

7. Study the endorphin-release process. A neuron's web-like structure enables it to form a network of interactions that create synapses. When the skin is stimulated, this leads to chemical changes in synaptic gaps, which are accompanied by pain relief and endorphin release.

8. Find more information about related areas of treatment that focus more specifically on pain management, such as reflexology (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• A Palmtherapy session usually takes about an hour. It's moderately priced.
• If you have severe pain or muscle spasms, consider seeing a chiropractor or pain management specialist.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.

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