
Stress and pain are intimately linked, creating a cycle where pain causes stress and stress worsens pain. Hypnotherapy may help break this cycle through effective hypnosis techniques. Research has shown that clinical hypnosis can be beneficial for both acute and chronic pain control. In 1996, a panel of the National Institutes of Health found hypnosis to be effective in easing cancer pain. More recent studies have demonstrated its effectiveness for pain related to burns, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as in the reduction of anxiety associated with surgery.
An analysis of 18 studies by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York revealed moderate to large pain-relieving effects from hypnosis, supporting the effectiveness of hypnotic techniques in pain management. Before employing hypnotherapy for pain relief, it is essential to check the source of the pain, ensuring that a thorough examination by a doctor is conducted to establish the cause of the pain.
a. Migraine
Migraine is a common form of debilitating headache, and various triggers can lead to its onset. Reducing the chances of a migraine occurring and alleviating one once it starts can be challenging. Studies have indicated that hypnotherapy can be quite beneficial for migraine sufferers and, in some cases, may even be more effective than medications. This approach can also contribute to confidence building in managing migraine symptoms.
b. Dental pain & anxiety
A survey by the British Dental Association found that about 25% of people are afraid of visiting the dentist, with fears varying from simple anxiety about toothache to more severe dental phobias. Hypnodontia incorporates the use of hypnosis in dentistry. By its generalized anti-anxiety effects, hypnotherapy can enhance overall patient comfort, making the dental experience more acceptable and bearable. This can decrease resistance to future interventions and, through posthypnotic suggestions, encourage a more rapid recovery, reinforcing the importance of stress management in dental settings.
About Stephen Lindsay at Positive-Hypnosis:
Having studied and practised in London for some years, I am now consulting in Auckland as well as online. I am fully accredited in NZ.
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