Pain and suffering

Author: Geng Wenxiu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: Pain and suffering are ubiquitous human experiences. Pain is a peculiar phenomenon—it does not have specialized stimuli or specially developed receptors like vision or hearing, nor can it be measured as accurately. Pain is a highly complex physiological and psychological process. The intensity of suffering does not necessarily depend on the extent of the injury; our pain is more influenced by psychological factors and the socio-cultural environment. Moreover, there is a "pain gate" in the brainstem that allows pain signals to either pass through unimpeded or be kept out. It is the regulation at this pain gateway that enables us to either suffer intensely or bear it with just a frown.