SIHA Presentation March 22nd 2026 by Anna Maimer "Listening to Pain - Purpose and Therapeutic Responses"
On 22nd March 2026, SIHA hosted a Zoom presentation which explored pain not simply as a signal of tissue damage, but as a deeply subjective experience shaped in the brain by emotions, memories, and beliefs. The presentation offered a clear overview of different types of pain—including inflammatory, myofascial, neuropathic, and visceral pain—and how they can be distinguished and influenced. Practical strategies for pain modulation - including the important role of the placebo and nocebo effect, movement, temperature exposure, local stimulation and nutritional approaches - were discussed. Besides this, the talk also mentioned psychological and spiritual perspectives on chronic pain: how pain can sometimes act as a signal to slow down, protect or sometimes even punish oneself and how pain can act as a catalyst for spiritual development. This presentation invites a broader, more compassionate understanding of pain—and offers practical and thought-provoking pathways for working with it.
To further explore the topic of pain through testing the International Helpers of the SIHA Team suggested the following questions:
• What would God have me understand about my pain at this time?
• How do my emotions and/or thoughts influence my pain?
• How would God have me be connected to my Inner even when I am in pain?
• What changes could I make inwardly and outwardly at times of pain to help me?
• How does God want me to treat those who care for me when I am experiencing intense pain?
• Please let me receive in my Latihan a movement that is helpful for my health and well-being.