Using Hypnosis For
Medication-Free Pain Control.
The quest to control pain
is mentioned in Egyptian papyri dating back to 4000 B.C, and despite advances in
medical diagnostics, analgesic medications, and medical and surgical
interventions, pain continues to be the most universal form of stress.
Why do clients
with physical pain get referred to mental health professionals?
Quite simply because at this time, there exists no medical or
surgical treatment available that consistently and permanently
alleviates pain for all clients
(Gatchel & Turk, 1996)
Hypnosis is
often more effective at pain relief than pain-relieving drugs such
as codeine and morphine. The real advantage is that it is much
safer, because hypnosis does not cause side effects which impair
your ability to make judgements or operate machinery, and is non
addictive.
There are many
different strategies therapists can use to reduce pain through
hypnosis.
The goal of hypnotherapy for pain management is to
produce deep relaxation for the reduction or amelioration of fear,
tension and anxiety that is concomitant with pain. Suggestions for
comfort and suggestions that aid with cognitive restructuring can
help the patient to modify their experience of the pain and thus
diminish or end the suffering. Imagery can provide distraction and
relief from pain. There is evidence for a change in brain activity
which apparently mitigates pain sensations. Recent research provides
us with substantial evidence that hypnosis is an effective pain
management tool. The advantages of incorporating hypnotic strategies
into a management plan for unremitting acute or chronic pain are the
following:
-
the patient can begin to regain a sense of
control over their well-being.
-
patients may require less medication, and
therefore avoid or limit undesirable side effects.
-
patients successfully learn to do self-hypnosis
can independently alleviate their pain.
Thereby gaining a stronger sense of well-being by
being able to “take charge” of their comfort and reduce medical
office visits.
Gatchel R.J., & Turk, D.C. (Eds) (1996)
Psychological approaches to pain management. New York: Guilford
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