One of the ways I used directed energy on myself in prison was to relieve pain. I’d put both hands on whatever body part was hurting, and then spend several minutes just focusing on breathing chi into my chest when I inhaled. You can probably guess what comes next! If you try this on yourself, cultivate your chi through the breath and visualization. Then, on the exhale, see it move from your chest, down your arms, out of your hands, and into the body part. With every exhalation, the body part glows brighter and brighter gold, more and more filled with energy.

I did this often to help with the pain in my teeth. The relief from pain allowed me to hang on until I was released.