Answer this question to the best of your ability:
What role does meditation play in pain management?
Meditation can be an effective tool in managing pain. By inducing The Relaxation Response through meditation, individuals can reduce their perception of pain by influencing the brain's pain processing centers. This is achieved through a process called 'downward spatial mapping', where the brain reduces its perception of the size and intensity of painful stimuli. Additionally, meditation helps to decrease the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can exacerbate feelings of pain. By incorporating meditation into their pain management strategy, individuals may find it easier to cope with chronic or acute pain conditions.