Have you ever considered how hypnosis could help with your chronic pain? Contrary to many stereotypes, hypnosis is a verified method of pain treatment. In this article, you learn about how hypnosis techniques can help chronic pain.
Breaking the Cliche of Hypnosis
Most people see hypnosis at a comedy hypnosis shows and on television networks. But, hypnosis is far more useful than just as entertainment. Hypnosis therapy, or hypnotherapy, is a widely performed and studied medical treatment for a range of ailments.
Like most treatments, the effectiveness of hypnosis is contingent on the patient’s resistance. But, the vast majority of patients experience positive effects from hypnosis treatment.
What is Hypnosis and How Does it Work?
In a way, hypnosis is like a guided meditation. In a hypnotized state, the patient suspends the conscious intentness of their brain.
You allow the cloudiness of your mind to settle. In this focused and relaxed state, the hypnotist aims your mind extremely effectively.
During hypnosis, your alpha brain waves increase due to your relaxed state of mind and body. The experience of hypnosis is not remembered by the patient after they are removed.
Very much like a deep dream state, the brain works best when the conscious mind is resting. But the experience of which is lost upon regaining consciousness.
The thing that is left over from the session, is that which the hypnotherapist has suggested.
In the vulnerable, hypnotized state, therapists present suggestions for the patient to adopt. These suggestions can range, from revisiting a memory to the cessation of bad habits.
One of the greatest benefits of hypnosis is the alleviation of chronic anxiety and physical pain. The majority of hypnosis patients report a post-session feeling of calm, focus, and a pleasant, uplifting sensation.
Hypnosis Process for Chronic Pain
The medical community supports the legitimacy of hypnotherapy for treating chronic pain. The American Psychiatric Association released a 2004 study, finding hypnosis effective for pain management.
The paper refers to a study from 2003. In the study, hypnotherapy decreases most patients pain intensity. It also decreases sedatives, nausea, and the length of hospital stays after surgery.
A hypnotherapy session consists of four parts: Induction, Deepening, Suggestion, and Debrief.
In the first stage, the therapist will focus your attention. Then, they deepen the bodies state of relaxation and focus through the second stage.
In the third stage, the therapist will introduce behavioral or physiological suggestions. The suggestion stage is based on the patient’s areas of the desired improvement.
Once the suggestion stage is complete, the therapist will bring you out of hypnosis. Finally, they will recap the session and debrief you.
For patients experiencing chronic pain, hypnosis techniques vary. It will likely consist of guided distraction techniques and muscle relaxation.
How Hypnosis Techniques Can Help Chronic Pain
Hypnosis is not an end, in and of itself. Instead, it is an effective supplementation to regular physical therapy and other treatment.
Everyone reacts differently to hypnosis. This keeps hypnotherapy from being a primary means of treatment, however, it is an effective part of a treatment program. In general, if you are open to hypnotic suggestion, the treatment works very effectively.
Hypnotherapy helps patients recover more effectively after surgical procedures. It also helps maintain a greater degree of psychological stability. Overall, patients who undergo hypnosis retain a greater sense of satisfaction and wellbeing.
There are several practical application of hypnosis techniques in pain management. They include post-surgical procedures, burn treatment, and dental procedures. Other applications exist for interventional radiology, child labor, bone marrow extraction, and more.
Hypnosis Treatment Benefits in Everyday Life
In the post-session debriefing, the therapist presents your takeaway. The hypnotist will emphasize how the techniques can be a permanent part of your life.
Over the course of several hypnosis sessions, you will be able to apply the skills to everyday life.
Those suffering from chronic pain invoke the methods they learn during hypnosis.
Hypnosis treatment has the potential for acute pain mitigation. This is possible through extensive hypnotherapy and physical therapy treatments.
The most success is in treating headaches, backaches, and carcinoma. It can also treat fibromyalgia and other chronic pain.
Myths about Hypnosis Techniques
Contrary to some yay-sayers, hypnosis is not a total cure for pain. Many people are misinformed about the extent to which hypnosis can be and is used for pain relief. You should not listen to those that embellish the benefits or mitigate the uses of hypnosis.
Patients are always safe in a clinical hypnosis treatment session. Patients are not asked to do anything against their will.
Even in comedy hypnosis, the participants are willing to undergo the session. The trust between hypnotist and patient is never abused.
If a hypnotist attempts to get the patient to do anything they would not do willingly, the patient will simply refuse. Hypnotism is not voodoo.
If the hypnotherapist leaves the room while you are under hypnosis, you will simply awake after a short duration. The therapist’s voice is the guiding force of hypnosis, so there is no possibility of the patient becoming “stuck” in a hypnotized state.
Hypnotism does not put the patient into a trance. Your body is relaxed and your mind is focused. One of the reasons that hypnosis is so good for pain management is the relaxed state in which the patient is in during a session.
If you are interested in treating your chronic pain, find an accredited hypnotherapist near you.
Final Thoughts
Hypnosis has vast application for those suffering from chronic pain. If you want to learn more about hypnosis techniques for helping your chronic pain, subscribe to our newsletter.
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