How to increase Oxygen levels

Hi All,I

have literally just read the Dr Sarno's book and believe I have TMS I understand he says there is a lack of oxygen in these problem areas. However in the book I read he doesn't give any indication of how to increase it. I will do all the other mental exercises and start moving but wondered how I have missed this bit. Any help would be really appreciated as after a year of cronic pain and bouts over 5 years ( 3 physios, 1 Chiropractor, 1 specialist, 1 MRI and an Osteopath )I think I have found the answer I have been looking for.

Hope you can help

Thanks

Paul

 

Hi, Paul. I'm hoping others confirm what my understanding of "lack of oxygen" means according to Dr. Sarno. In an attempt to trick you from acknowledging uncomfortable feelings, your brain very temporarily deprives an area of oxygen, sending it into spasm, etc., so your attention becomes swallowed up in your pain rather than feelings. There is no real systemic "lack of oxygen" that can be fixed; it's just a brain trick, TMS playing around with you. Does this make sense?

 

In one of DrSarnos books he mentions that you can't artificially fix the 'lack of oxygen' by just pumping oxygen into your body. To be honest I didnt understand that, if its not there then why cant you just breathe it in or use some kind of machine?

 

"There are so many things little and big that are tms, I wouldn't have time to write about all of them" Dr. Sarno

O2 deprivation is just one of an infinite number of ways our sub-c gremlin can use to create TMS distraction symptoms. The mechanisms aren't important, accepting the big picture TMS concept is the key to not fearing and to ignoring the symptoms. It's like that bop-a-mole game, you bop a symptom allopathically or homeopathically, and another pops up replacing it--symptom substitution. The sub-c is clever and will come up with a new symptom, O2 deprivation is one and appears in the Good Doctors's early works when he dealt with symptoms in his specialty as a rehab doctor, muscles and joints. I would suggest reading his later two books where he greatly expands TMS theory to cover the infinite distractive symptoms the sub-c gremlin can create.

 

Thank you for your replies, they are greatly appreciated. I read the book in the last 24 hours and it really seems to fit me. I run a growing business, have had some family loss and have become a Father of two with a large mortgage all in the last 5 years. Strangely the start of my symptoms. I have never shed a tear and been called emotionally dead and a Cyborg by people as I don't get upset and soak up pressure. My wife has often praised how amazing I am at coping under pressure. This morning alone in my study reading the book by eyes welled up still not sure why as wasn't thinking of anything specific, not sure it is classed as a cry but its more than I have done for about 20 years!

 

NOT strange at all, that's h0w TMS works. For the science behind it see the Holmes-Rahe study:

THE HOLMES-RAHE STRESS SCALE:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_and_Rahe_stress_scale (Holmes and Rahe stress scale - Wikipedia)​

 

Thanks I smashed into the 400 point score!!!! Feel better today already ran up the stairs without thinking and got to the top and went "wow I just ran up the stairs"

 

Welcome to the forum Paul.
Seize the elation and sally forth into your healing. I second Tom's suggestions to read the Good Doctor's later works as he explains in greater detail as his theory evolves. Mostly hold firm to the realisation that there is nothing wrong with you bar way too much stress and pressure. As you gently ease off yourself and your expectations you will find yourself feeling better and better.

Plum

 

Thanks for the feedback, I've recommended folks look at the R-H list of TMS creating life events a thousand times and get very little feedback if they do it or not. Glad it helped you to believe in the science of the theory. The chief criticism of the Good Doctor's theory is that "there's no science to prove it." But there is a LOT of science but it is ignored because most of it is not done in a lab, in test tubes, on mice, beagles or chimps. The best science proving TMS theory are the thousands who suffered from chronic pain, sometimes a lifetime of it, and were at the end of their ropes, having tried everything and finaly stumbled on Dr. Sarno's books, and by reading a little book were transformed for life.

 

Plum, your advice to "gently ease off yourself and your expectations" moved me very much. In my frustration to "get this damn thing over with NOW!" I've been screaming at my TMS much more than I've been showing myself compassion and gentleness. Thank you for your wise words.

 

It's totally understandable. TMS is spectacularly annoying and frustrating at times but as you get to know each other better, the rough edges of the relationship smooth out. Most of us have never really learned to self-soothe so baby steps are good and epic amounts of tenderness and self-compassion are even better.

Plum x

 

Thanks all of you, I drove to my gym for a sauna and this will sound insane but I spoke out loud in the car for the ten minute journey imagining my four year old inner self was causing it all. I was swearing telling it that it was over now Ive had enough. Told it to send more blood and oxygen to my lower back right now. Its my birthday today. I played football/ Soccer with all my nephew's, two sons and friends in the garden. Forty eight hours ago that would have been impossible. Yes I had twinges but nothing I count handle and just ignored them. I have downloaded The Divided Mind and really enjoyed 7 videos by Karim ( apologies if I have spelt his name incorrectly). What an amazing guy and massive inspiration to me. I think he may have used this forum. Basically thank you for all your advice and help I really feel I am on my way back. Golf is going to be an option next week which is my main passion in life during the summer. I honestly thought I would never play again.

 

Happy Birthday! I remember thinking that I would never golf again, it was depressing, but now I golf any time I want with no pain. You are as strong as you believe you are, no more no less. You are a co-creator of your own life.

Tee it up every day of your life,

SO

 

Thanks Steve, It was great yesterday of all days being my birthday but feeling like knowing i had TMS was the greatest gift I could have ever received. I downloaded your book yesterday and I am looking forward to reading it. On Wednesday I was at the Zoo with my family and miserable as my lower back was killing me.It ruined the day I am ashamed to say. We are planning a house extension ( that could be a trigger soon ;-)) and my wife said to me " I can't see the point in us spending all that money on a games room with golf simulator you are in bits" It has been my dream to own one and have worked so hard growing my business to achieve it. I thought she's right participating in sport is over for me. Now I have hope that I will get there and I am going to tee it up on Wednesday with my friends......missed it so much.

 

We're in our 2nd month of a 4 month addition & reno to expand our kitchen and incorporate the family room. I have dreamed of it since we moved in 23 years ago. I have painted the '70's cupboards many times, dressing up a sow's ear, while I drew up my dream kitchen on paper. My husband isn't keen on spending all this money when it doesn't give him any more garage space and my sons would rather keep the tiny space we have, but I remind myself that I'm worth it. I've worked hard to get my dream.
Your reno will be stressful and don't keep your anger hidden. I don't know how I could get through mine without Dr Sarno. Although it has been my dream to have this reno, some days the banging really gets to me and I mutter and rage to myself. I work from home, so sometimes I wish I could get through a day without them asking me questions, so I mutter about that. We will soon have no kitchen for 3 months (should be interesting.) It is an adventure and I remember every day to visualize what my dream kitchen will look like.
Have fun.

 

There are a number of ways to increase oxygen to an area like exercise, heat pads, and massage, but unless and until the underlying cause of the deprivation is acknowleded none of these therapies will bring about a permanent cure.

 

In the book "The Great Pain Deception," Steve O recommends fully exhaling and taking deep breaths as a way to signal to your nervous system that you are not in danger. Most TMS sufferers get enough oxygen but their autonomic nervous system deprives oxygen to certain parts of the body in order to distract the ego from disturbing thoughts, feeling, impulses, etc. This process happens unconsciously, meaning that we don't even know it is happening.

 

Here's a thread from today with a link to an article on the mechanics and physiology of the 4-7-8 deep breathing technique: http://www.tmswiki.org/forum/threads/4-7-8-breathing.15608/#post-81680 (4-7-8 Breathing)


I know it's a favorite of Dr. Weil's and countless others who commend the habit.

 

I have used Dr Weill's breathing technique since I learned it a few years ago and find it very helpful. I do many breathes before getting out of bed every morning to start the day relaxed.

 

Thank you all, its been a week since I discovered TMS and although not pain free have improved significantly. I am reading constantly about it and not giving in to any pain. Have started doing my HIIT training again and playing golf. Basically not allowing it to win. Yesterday I even booked in to see a Councillor next Friday. As a man's man who has never delt with any trauma it was a big step. As I have said my wife says in terms of dealing with loss and sadness I am emotionally dead. Last night something strange happened while asleep my nose was streaming and caused me to cough and kept me awake for some time I got up for water and both of my thighs felt numb. Would these symptoms be TMS or is it just a coincidence. As I am typing this the cough and numbness has now gone.