Agnihotra and Chronic Pain Reduction

Isabel Newcomb
Virginia, USA

August, 2025–A week ago, while visiting my son’s house in Madison, Virginia, I listened to a conversation between two people. I approached one of the gentlemen and asked about the healing fire he mentioned.

I had shingles five years ago and I suffer from post herpetic neuralgia. The pain was unbearable. I have seen 18 doctors (neurologists, anesthesiologists, pain management, geriatric, internal medicine, psychologists, dermatologists, Chinese alternative medicine doctors) but they didn’t help me.

I also sought the help of acupuncture, acupressure, reiki, a shaman, an osteopath, a CBD specialist, massage therapy, silent retreats at a monastery, prayer groups, monks, spinal block and botox injections on my back.

I have tried prescribed medicine, over-the-counter pain killers, patches, Chinese herbs, marijuana leaves tea (I bought two plants and my family frowned on me), and CBD. I fasted and tried several diets, plus laser lights, electrical stimulation, etc.

For the previous seven months I had “vegetated.” I was only able to get up in the morning and walk my dog five or six times a day, sometimes at 3:00 a.m., because walking was the only thing that helped me with the pain. I do not take any medicine or over-the-counter pain killers. I would rather live with pain than deal with side effects.

The gentleman I approached at my son’s house sent me a little book, “Light Towards Divine Path” and as I read it, I saw the words that my late brother had been sharing with me all my life. (I found out later that my brother had done Agnihotra for many years.) I reflected on what I was reading—love and love towards our fellow man.

The gentleman called me the next day and told me he had made an appointment for me with Lisa Powers. I went to her house and she shared a presentation on Agnihotra with me and answered my questions. She invited me to her home for the sunset healing fire.

Lisa and I both did Agnihotra on her porch, and we sat for a while afterwards. For part of the time we sat, I was pain free!

The next day I went to the Parama Dham fire temple for the sunrise healing fire. For several days I went to Lisa’s home for the sunset Agnihotra and to the temple for the sunrise Agnihotra.

After three days, I was able to sleep! This was a blessing because I have spent my nights walking and in pain. The pain also became bearable and manageable (from 10 it is now level 3 or 4.)

I am very grateful because I am able to live my life again. I have energy, I can take care of my son’s home and help with his dogs. I am able to cook my meals and be on my own for the first time in five years— and I am no longer imposing on my family. I am a very independent person and like to take care of others.

To me, it is short of a miracle how my life has changed this past week. I am myself again.