Back to About Your Health

- Trauma Healing -
Pendulation, what is it?

What resources do we have to heal when we're injured? Often we tell ourselves or others tell us, "It's not that bad. Get over it. Keep a stiff upper lip. You're not hurt that badly. Keep moving. Don't let it get you down."

Such conversations and conventions of culture as these inhibit our normal physiologic mechanisms for fully discharging and resolving trauma.

When unresolved, trauma continues to re-ignite in our systems leading to a reoccurring symptomatic picture of fatigue, and aches and pains to say the least. In addition, we may feel mentally broken down or down in the dumps all too often.

Directing our conscious attention to the "problem", whether that be physical, mental or emotional, while at the same time spreading our view to include the rest of the body is one technique of pendulation that helps you to completely heal. If that doesn't feel right, you might instead share your attention with a part of your body, with a feeling, or with an image or memory that makes you feel good, stable or secure.

Use your judgment as to how much attention to give to each player; the good and the not so good or the not so good and the less not so good part. I would suggest no more than 20% of your attention be focused on the most troubled area.

Then watch what happens next. Often the "problem" begins to diminish in intensity, frequency or duration while you're engaged in this process.

You may notice a different sensation in your arms or legs or any other part of your body for that matter during this exercise such as tingling, warmth, yawning, expelling tears, or gas. NO worry, that's natural and normal and indicates that your nervous system is discharging.

If something gets too intense, just back away from it. You might even choose to end that session of pendulation entirely and get up and move around or focus on some other task instead.

Before doing whatever's next. If possible, focus on the good or not so bad part and see how far you can make that sensation spread in your body. Gradually allow your awareness to take you back into sensing the room with you in it, more integrated, less traumatized and better healed.

If all of this sounds like a good idea but way too complicated... NO worry, I'm now incorporating pendulation and other healing awareness techniques from Somatic Experiencing in my sessions with patients as appropriate and when agreed upon.

But don't wait until the next time you see me. Try pendulation on your own. Its another self-help tool you that can add to your treasure chest. Before too long pendulation can be learned by your body/mind/heart so that you may self-regulate away form trauma and towards healing more easily and effectively.

For more information visit www.traumahealing.com