 When
the pain just won't go away
We all hurt at some time in
our lives, it's one of life's hazards that we learn to cope with and pain is
usually a short term, transient thing.
But what about chronic pain
that doesn't go away or pain that abates for a while and then returns only
too frequently. For some this is a painful reality.
Not only can recurrent and
chronic pain cause extreme discomfort it can also be psychologically
debilitating causing stress, anxiety, sleep problems and feelings of
helplessness.
Hypnosis and pain
Treating pain is probably one
of oldest documented applications of Hypnosis for therapeutic purposes.
In the 1800's, before the introduction of safe chemical anaesthesia, a
Scots surgeon named James Esdaile used Hypnosis as the sole
anaesthetising agent whilst carrying out more than 250 surgical
procedures including the removal of tumours and limb amputations.
Although these days with the
availability of safe and powerful anaesthetics, Esdaile's methods would
be considered extreme, Hypnosis is still widely used as a method of
controlling and managing pain, particularly chronic pain.
The pain that we feel is our
brain's interpretation of the signals it receives along the nerves
leading from the site of the pain. It is well known that pain is
subjective, so some individuals feel pain more intensely than others and
that the pain signals to the brain can be interrupted by painkilling
drugs. We
are also capable of producing our own natural painkillers, endorphins,
which can interrupt these signals under the right conditions.
Hypnosis can be used to alter
an individuals perception of pain, either lessening its intensity or
changing its nature or even stopping it altogether. It is also believed
that Hypnosis can stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's
natural painkillers.
Recent research at University
College London using MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
scans has demonstrated that individuals can experience altered perception
of pain under Hypnosis.*
Even though there are a
number of techniques available to the Hypnotherapist, the success of this
kind of approach will vary from individual to individual. But, the
benefits for the successful sufferer are worth the effort. Hypnosis is
non addictive, free from unpleasant side effects and gives the
individual some real control over the pain.
If you are considering trying
hypnosis for pain control then you may find it useful to come in to the
clinic and have a chat about your particular problems before committing
yourself, you can arrange this by giving us a call and making an
appointment for a free chat anytime that is convenient.
A word
of warning!
Pain is often an indicator of
some underlying physical condition, any diagnosis as to the origin of
any pain should be carried out by a member of the medical profession.
Before embarking on any
course of complementary or alternative therapy for the relief of pain
you should consult your GP or any other physician or surgeon who's care
you are under and only proceed if they think it is safe to do so.
Never discontinue the use of
medication without the permission of your doctor.
* Dr Oakley, University
College London, BBC
News 9th Aug 2004.
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