As we age, there are inhibitory fibers that develop and modulate our response to pain. Some drugs disinhibit these fibers, and pain is once again perceived at full intensity. Marijuana and alcohol users can readily attest to this. Old injuries suddenly ache more after a few beers. ( Mind you it may not hurt much longer if your alcohol comsumption continues.)
Some of the anesthetic drugs have the same effect. This week, I had a patient that was extremely muscular and was a chronic pain patient from a work related injury. The procedure we were doing required stimulator wires to be positioned through the area surrounding his spinal cord, up into his neck, and then the patient is stimulated, while awake, to determine whether his pain has subsided. What fun! Well, as fate would have it, my drugs became disinhibitors, and the patient became a bull moose attempting push-ups on the operating room table. Can I tell you how much I appreciate Quantum-Touch??? I can't give him any more drugs, because he has to be awake to answer questions. BUT, I can put my hand on his head and channel energy. And I am SOOOOOOOooooooooo glad it worked!!