Anna Sainsbury-Thomas
B.Sc.Hons(Psych), DHP,
HPD, SFBH, MNCH(Lic)
Pain is a complex disorder. It’s a signal – the body’s warning system that protects us from damage or warns us that something is wrong. It would be potentially dangerous and foolhardy to ignore or eliminate a meaningful pain and pain patients would be required to obtain their doctor’s or medical practitioner’s permission before undertaking hypnosis.
The Brain, and how it affects our psychological and emotional processes, influences how we interpret the pain messages and how we tolerate pain. It can be affected by our:
• Emotional and psychological state
• Memories of past pain experiences
• Upbringing
• Expectations
• Beliefs and Values
• Sex
• Age
• Social and cultural influences
The Brain has both Pain and Pleasure Centres which are located in the Limbic-Hypothalamic region. PET Scan studies show that during hypnosis both muscular and mental relaxation occurs which then results in the inhibition of pain transmission, thereby proving that Hypnotherapy is most effective when used for both CHRONIC and ACUTE pain relief and management.
Some of the Pain issues treated successfully with Hypnotherapy include:
● Back pain / Injuries
● Migraine
● Nerve Damage
● Palliative care
● Post-operative pain
● Surgery
● Sports injuries
● Phantom limb pain (research has shown that hypnosis has had impressive results in treating this kind of pain)
• AND MUCH MORE……..
‘Children who had been hypnotised in trials reported they had less pain from medical procedures as well as cancer-related pain. Dr Liossi suggested there was even evidence that hypnosis might prolong life in adult cancer patients. ‘There are some studies and there are some encouraging results from these,’ she said.’
BBC News reporting on research being presented to the BA Festival of Science by Dr Christina Liossi, from University of Wales, Swansea, 2004.
‘Giving patients a form of hypnosis helps them cope better with the pain and anxiety of minor operations, doctors have found. Patients instructed in self-hypnotic relaxation had less pain, needed less pain-killing drugs and had better control over their blood pressure.’
BBC news reporting on a study in the use of self hypnosis carried out by Elvira Lang and colleagues from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, USA in 2004.
‘Our study provides support for the use of hypnosis to aid in preparation of obstetric patients for labour and delivery. The reduction of complications, surgery, and hospital stay show direct medical benefit to mother and child and suggest the potential for a corresponding cost-saving benefit.’
From ‘Effects of Hypnosis on the Labor Processes and Birth Outcomes of Pregnant Adolescents’ in ‘Journal of Family Practice’, 2001.
‘A controlled study of 32 coronary bypass patients has shown that those taught self-hypnosis pre-operatively are more relaxed following surgery and have less need for pain medication.’
From ‘Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery’, 1997.
Please contact me to book a FREE initial consultation incorporated with the first session.
Tel: 029 2021 2369 or Mobile: 07799 008014
Hypnotherapy sessions are private and professional. All information discussed remains confidential.