It works even for physical pain. The way I see it, wanting the pain (or the anxiety) to go a away creates tension, which adds to the existing issue. You then wa

It works even for physical pain. The way I see it, wanting the pain (or the anxiety) to go a away creates tension, which adds to the existing issue. You then want the tension and original pain to go away, so add on more tension… and it gets worse and worse. Not only does tension itself lead to pain in the long run, but if you tense around a painful place, you also immediately make it more painful. By accepting the original issue, you are left with it only, and not all the added tension, which is much more bearable.