Hypnotherapy & Pain Relief
Hypnotherapy is a type of complementary and alternative medicine in which the mind is used to help with a variety of problems, such as breaking bad habits or coping with stress. Hypnotherapy works by inducing a hypnotic state marked by waking awareness that allows people to experience detached external attention and to focus on inner experiences. During hypnotherapy, the therapist uses guided relaxation techniques and verbal cues to help the patient reach a trance-like state of heightened focus and concentration. Once in this state, the patient is more open to suggestions and can work with the therapist to address specific issues. To know about hypnotherapy, read the detailed explanation here.
Pain relief refers to the reduction or elimination of pain. Pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, illness, or chronic conditions. Pain relief can be achieved through a variety of methods, including medication, physical therapy, and alternative therapies like hypnotherapy.
Effectiveness of hypnotherapy for pain relief
Hypnotherapy has been found to be effective for pain relief in many studies . A 2016 study of women with multiple sclerosis found that the participants who used self-hypnosis reported dramatically lower pain scale numbers. Studies have shown that over 75% of people with diseases like and including arthritis experience significant pain relief using hypnosis. Hypnotherapy decreases pain and improves pain-related function and quality of life outcomes to a greater extent than other psychological interventions or usual treatments. Research suggests that hypnotherapy can be an effective way of managing pain, chronic pain, and surgery-related pain and anxiety.
In addition, hypnotherapy can help with pain due to burns, cancer, childbirth, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, jaw problems, dental procedures and headaches. Hypnosis may ease hot flashes caused by menopause. Hypnosis has been used with some success to treat sleep problems, bed-wetting, smoking and overeating.
A recent meta-analysis of 85 existing studies concluded that hypnosis could be an effective option for pain relief.
Benefits of hypnotherapy for pain relief
When you are under hypnosis you focus on relaxation and letting go of distracting thoughts. This temporarily tunes out the conscious part of your mind, opening you up to the power of suggestion. Hypnosis can also alter perceptions of pain, create natural anesthesia, and manage chronic pain symptoms.
Comparison of hypnotherapy to other psychological interventions and usual treatments
While hypnotherapy can be effective for some people, it may not work for everyone. Other psychological interventions and treatments may be more effective for certain individuals.
There are several psychological interventions that can be used to help manage pain. These include:
- Mindfulness-based approaches
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Relaxation techniques
- Somatic anchoring
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
These interventions can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as physical therapy or medication. A combination of psychological and physical treatments has been shown to be effective for treating people with pain.
Common Misconceptions about hypnotherapy for pain relief
There are several misconceptions about hypnotherapy for pain relief. One of the major misconceptions people have about hypnosis is that it’s taking control over somebody 1. Another common misconception is that hypnosis will cure what ails you 2. However, hypnotherapy can be used as a complementary treatment for pain relief 1.
References
(1) Hypnosis – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hypnosis/about/pac-20394405.
(2) Hypnosis for Pain Relief | Pain Management – Hypnotherapy Directory. https://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/articles/pain-management.html.
(3) Just how effective is hypnosis at relieving pain? – Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325041.
(4) Hypnotherapy for pain | Health Matters | Circle Health Group. https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/health-matters/health-and-wellbeing/how-can-hypnotherapy-help-you-manage-pain.
(5) Hypnosis, Meditation, and Relaxation as a Treatment for Pain – WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/hypnosis-meditation-and-relaxation-for-pain-treatment.
(6) Hypnosis for Pain Management: How It Works, Examples, & Effectiveness. https://www.choosingtherapy.com/hypnosis-for-pain-management/.
(7) https://hypnosistrainingacademy.com/what-hypnosis-can-help-treat/
(8) https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/54088/hypnotherapy-for-pain-treatment
(9) https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/hypnosis-meditation-and-relaxation-for-pain-treatment
(10) Hypnotherapy for the Treatment of Persistent Pain: A … – PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30866709/.
(11) Hypnosis for Pain Relief | Arthritis Foundation. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/natural-therapies/hypnosis-for-pain-relief.
(12) The effectiveness of hypnosis for pain relief: A systematic review and …. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763418304913.