Blog Review:
How to harness the brain’s power to control pain perception
Liberty University
Syreeta Swann

Blog Review:
How to harness the brain’s power to control pain perception
Part 1
In this article, How to harness the brain’s power to control pain perception, the author uses the information from participants from a research study performed by Stanford University. This study involved using a new technology called functional magnetic resonance imaging. The (FMRI) is designed to monitor brain’s responses to pain and to train patients how to change that reaction. The article talks about the research that has shown pain- control strategies that are fast approaching for people to utilize for themselves. One strategy involves the placebo connection with pain management, the ideas is that if a person thinks they have been given a pain reliever, the brain can limit the level of pain they feel. Another strategy involves training the brain; the idea is to train the brain on how to control pain. An example they gave in the research was a patient focusing on something that was distracting, that took their mind off the pain or something soothing. The article showed how the patients in the study continued the pain strategies after the study and the results of how well they were doing after learning how to control their pain. At the end of the article, the author gives several brain control strategies for people who have different types of chronic pain to help relieve or even eliminate their pain.

Part 2
This article is relative to health and wellness in that it shows how important it is for people to maintain a positive perspective concerning their pains and overall health. This article is a true testament that shows that a person’s belief system is very powerful over their physical body. This is important in health and wellness because clients need to see that their thoughts and moods affect their bodies. The strategies the article uses like redirecting the pain in the body to somewhere else, concentrating on something else, practicing relaxing techniques, and envisioning soothing or healing images are all wonderful ways to help the client obtain and maintain good health and wellness. The article focuses on people who suffer from chronic pain, but I believe other clients who are hurting internally could benefit from this also. The article is basically saying that what you believe can help you or further harm you. I picked this article to learn how to explain to clients that physical pain can be released or induced based upon ones thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. The mind is a powerful tool that God has given us. This is important to show a client who suffers from depression, anxiety, and stress because these are not just aids to chronic physical pain, but in some cases the very cause of it. The article also suggested that along with the brain control strategies, making lifestyle changes, and consulting a doctor about other options and alternative therapies should be considered. This suggestion is sound in that it helps the clients utilize wisdom. I would show that client that God gives us wisdom and everything comes from God and to not be afraid to use the resources he has allowed for whatever pain they are experiencing. As the author stated, “Don’t let pain take root,” I would encourage the client to be proactive in finding solutions for their pain relief.

Part 3
This article talks about controlling pain in the body through the brain, however I would reason that it is deeper than just that. In order to control the brain, one would have to believe that it was possible to do that. To believe, I think is to have a level of