ACUTE OR CHRONIC PAIN / ILLNESS

Longing for relief from chronic pain?

Mind-body therapies, which focus on the interactions between the mind, body and behaviour, and the ways in which emotional, mental, social and behavioural factors can affect health, may be of particular benefit to elderly chronic pain sufferers. A new study provides a structured review of eight mind-body interventions for older people, including progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, hypnosis, tai chi and yoga. ~ Hypnosis has been helpful to many clients! 

Hypnosis for Chronic Pain

involves progressive relaxation, then suggestions of soothing imagery and sensations focused on the individual’s symptoms:

reduce pain / discomfort

help break the pain cycle

lower excess anxiety

enhance quality of life

Stress and pain often go hand in hand. Hypnosis, meditation, and relaxation can help break the cycle.

“When researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York analyzed 18 studies, they found moderate to large pain-relieving effects from hypnosis, supporting its use for pain management.” ~ WebMd

Hypnotherapy for the Management of Chronic Pain – “…findings indicate that hypnosis interventions consistently produce significant decreases in pain associated with a variety of chronic-pain problems. Also, hypnosis was generally found to be more effective than nonhypnotic interventions such as attention, physical therapy, and education. Most of the hypnosis interventions for chronic pain include instructions in self-hypnosis.” ~ National Institutes of Health, PMC

“Hypnosis for the Relief and Control of Pain – Hypnosis is likely to be effective for most people suffering from diverse forms of pain… Research shows that hypnosis works as part of a treatment program for a number of psychological and medical conditions, with pain relief being one of the most researched areas, as shown in a 2000 study by psychologists Steven Lynn, PhD, Irving Kirsch, PhD, Arreed Barabasz, PhD, Etzel Cardeña, PhD, and David Patterson, PhD.” ~ American Psychological Association

“Hypnosis has been shown to be an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a number of clinical studies. Hypnotherapy for IBS involves progressive relaxation, and then suggestions of soothing imagery and sensations focused on the individual’s symptoms. Improvements in overall well-being, quality of life, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating have been noted.”   International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders

Hypnosis for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

involves progressive relaxation, then suggestions of soothing imagery and sensations focused on the individual’s symptoms.

reduce pain / discomfort

lower excess anxiety

enhance quality of life

reduce abdominal pain, constipation and bloating

improve overall well being

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, and altered bowel habit (chronic or recurrent diarrhea, constipation, or both – either mixed or in alternation).

“Hypnotherapy has been shown to be effective for IBS in several clinical trials. Hypnosis usually requires weekly individual sessions over several months, but has been tried in groups and by self-instruction as well… Hypnosis may be especially suitable when severe chronic symptoms continue after standard medical management approaches have been tried. It has become clear that in such cases, hypnosis treatment can often produce major improvement that can last for years.” International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders 

Although stress happens first in the mind, it has strong effects on the body.

Hypnosis can reduce stress by increasing relaxation, offering positive suggestions, and eliminating negative thoughts – CardioSmart, American College of Cardiology

“Stressors are things you cannot control… Your responses to these stressors are your stress reactions… Although stress happens first in the mind, it has strong effects on the body. Stress can damage your heart health… It may be possible to change or remove the stressor … But in many cases removing the stressor is not possible. In this situation, you need to change your stress reaction.”   Heart and Stroke Foundation

“Hypnosis is not intended to cure disease but rather to relieve symptoms of illness. Hypnosis has been effective in relieving pain associated with surgery, paralysis, and childbirth. Also, it is widely used to control addictions to drugs, alcohol, food, and smoking. Hypnosis can reduce stress by increasing relaxation, offering positive suggestions, and eliminating negative thoughts.” CardioSmart, American College of Cardiology

Hypnosis for Heart Disease and Recovery

involves progressive relaxation, then suggestions of soothing imagery and sensations focused on the individual’s symptoms:

Help End Anxious-Nervous Worry

Stop Panic & Anxiety Attacks

Quickly Alleviate Fears

Overcome Stressful Memories

Let Go of Anxious Thoughts

Heart Health Hypnosis ... Along with behavioural changes in nutrition and exercise, there is now a wealth of data showing the importance of managing stress for heart health and cardiac strength.  Hypnosis can help.

Hypnosis has been shown to help many persons suffering with:

Mood changes - Depressed mood resulting in a complete lack of motivation

Uncertainty - Fears of the unknown

Guilt - Feeling responsible for negative health outcomes

Self Doubt - Wondering exactly what you are able to do in life, the new normal

Embarrassment - Feeling the illness and/or hospitalization may be perceived as a sign of weakness