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One thing that is extremely important to understand is how this all ties together. TMS theory has evolved for a long time. From Dr. Sarno's first book to his last, you saw the theory develop from "we may be on to something here" to "this covers so much more than pain and is a very real cure". All that said, Alan can correct me if I'm wrong, the pain starts initially with TMS, the psychological part, tension myositis syndrome. The brain creating pain via the autonomic nervous system to create a diversion from subconscious and unconscious thoughts that it feels need to keep buried. Once this pain is established, it's our focus, our every thought. Now that this pain is a part of our mental structure, here comes the cycle of fear, the cycle of pain, the neural pathways. This goes on for weeks, months, years and now it's a part of our every day lives. At this point, we can change the acronym of TMS from "Tension Myositis Syndrome" to "The Mindbody Syndrome". This is where the program we are currently studying becomes so important.

I feel that it is very important to initially deal with the initial aspects of repressed rage, etc if for nothing else, to understand fully the cycle of what you're dealing with and where it came from. However, I've found that once you're years into the pain cycle, these newer tools we're learning will be the ones that help the most. Also, I hate using the term pain cycle as I know many of us here have pain, but it's not our main issue. I can attribute anxiety, panic, sensitive stomach, numbness, tingling of extremeties, dizziness/vertigo, neurological issues, I could go on and on, all to TMS over the years. Back pain is a pretty easy one for me at this point in my recovery. As a matter of fact I woke up the other morning with horrible back pain out of nowhere. Using these new techniques that Alan has so graciously given us, I was able to work my way completely out of it within and hour. I'm developing the same skills with the chronic dizziness I've experienced on and off for pretty much my whole life as well. Onward and upward with an attitude of positivity and patience!