Autogenic Training for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain
One of the most critical dimensions of chronic pain is the experience of suffering, which often involves a belief that there may be no relief in sight. Suffering can result in the experience of anxiety, depression, and learned helplessness, especially when the cause of the persistent symptoms, such as pain, is uncertain. Chronic pain sufferers live their waking hours in a nightmare because of the continual experience of having no control and helplessly wondering what may happen next. This is the type of a nightmare from which one cannot easily wake. They begin to withdraw and isolate themselves as their very sense of self begins to fragment.
Autogenic Training has been used throughout the world for almost one hundred years, especially in the treatment of chronic and stress-related conditions. Literally thousands of published studies support the effectiveness of this technique in enhancing the body's self-recuperative mechanisms.
One of the greatest values of Autogenic Training is that once it is mastered, its therapeutic effects can be summoned relatively quickly. Once individuals realize that through regular practice they can effectively reduce their suffering, the recovered sense of hope will, by itself, help them to improve their coping abilities and is likely to remind them that they have at least some control over their pain and suffering. As this sense of control begins to evolve, other positive physiological, psychological, and interpersonal changes are apt to occur.
Note: This webpage should not be used as medical advice and is not so
intended. Autogenic Training is not a panacea and if used should be
part of a comprehensive program of treatment modalities. Consult a
professional for advice. The material on this page is from the book
Autogenic Training: A Mind-Body Approach to the Treatment of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndrome by Micah R. Sadigh (2001-06-06)
