Yoga and Pain Management – “CC” and Total Hip Replacement

Yesterday I saw CC for the third time for pain management status post a total hip replacement.  The first time I saw her I attempted a simple body scan and alternate body breathing.  She was so "effortful" in her attempts to be aware of the body and bring breath through it that it actually increased her pain.  Thus, we changed to whole body breathing with an emphasis on effortlessness.  This was successful in bringing her pain down a couple of points. 

The second session, we reviewed whole body breathing.  Unfortunately, we were doing it in her hospital room and there was a lot of talking going on due to CC's roommate.  Despite this, CC was successful in "tuning it out" and achieving pain relief.

Today CC had just finished with physical therapy and was complaining of pain of 8/10.  When she ambulated to the "meditation room" she was noticeably favoring her surgical side.  Today we were successful with the body scan and alternate body breathing.  I then asked her to imagine effortlessly rising from her chair and going on a journey with me.  I took her effortlessly down the stairs and onto a beautiful beach.  There I asked her to write "I love" in the sand and begin to name all the people she loves, beginning with herself.  The sea of infinite consciousness then washed that message of love out into the universe.  Then I asked her to write "I forgive" and the names of all the people who have wronged her, beginning with herself.  The the sea of infinite consciousness washed that message of forgiveness out into the universe.  Next I had her approach and open door to her past and observe the past events that were negatively influencing her current life.  She closed that door, locked it, and threw the key into the sea.  Next I had her open the door to her future and create how she wanted her life to go. 

At the end of the session CC stated that she had been hypnotized years ago and that the session brought her the same feelings of being cleansed and deeply at peace as those long-forgotten sessions.  She also stated that her pain was 0/10!  She then walked further than she had so far been able to do, walked with a more normal gait, and remained pain free after returning to her room.

Do I have the best job in the world or what??!!!

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