Hi icelander

I can't really compare because my medications are probably different to yours and affect my pain levels but I can see how relaxation would help - like a form of self-hypnosis.

I've read that some types of neuropathy are due to over agitation of nerves and faulty brain signals. Focusing on relaxation would send feedback signals to the brain of calm and comfort (thereby reassuring the subconscious brain that things are ok) - as opposed to agitated type signals that might be generated by physical activity, anxiety or other causes.

It's great you've found a method that helps you. Flare ups are horrible and anything that works (without side effects) is worth doing. I've tried meditation and relaxation with moderate success - I use breathing relaxation sometimes to help me sleep but my brain is often so overactive that trying to meditate purposefully just becomes frustrating. Like you, just taking a day to lay low will help to reduce pain. Thanks for the CD suggestion.