Hypnosis to Treat Migraines
Relaxation Techniques Can Provide Relief from Chronic Headaches
Oct 14, 2008
The idea of hypnosis conjures up images of someone sitting on a stage, clucking like a chicken, their mind temporarily controlled by a hypnotist. But in reality, the person being hypnotized remains in complete control and in most cases remembers everything that happens while in a hypnotic state.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is an enhanced state of mental focus or a trance like state in which the participant is more focused, deeply relaxed and more open to suggestion. Hypnosis is used to change unwanted behaviors but can also be used to help control chronic pain.
A hypnotherapist can use a few different methods to bring about the desired change. Using soothing words and tone to bring the participant to a state of relaxation, calmness and security. Once under hypnosis, the therapist will use either suggestions or visualization to help the participant achieve goals or reduce pain.
How Does it Help to Control Pain?
Hypnosis, when used to treat migraines, is a part of an overall treatment plan, rather than the sole treatment. Although the exact reason hypnosis helps is not completely understood, it is thought that a participant enters a relaxed state and can learn to control muscle contraction and swelling of blood vessels. Additionally, learning to focus on an image that blocks the pain has been found to be effective, not only in reducing the pain of migraines, but pain caused by cancer, surgery and back injuries.
Hypnosis has been found to be helpful for some patients suffering from migraines and lessens the frequency of headaches as well as the intensity of the pain associated with the migraine. As with most treatments, hypnosis does not help everyone and may help to different degrees, depending on the participant.
Where Can Someone Learn Self-Hypnosis Techniques?
There are many sites on the internet with instructions for teaching self-hypnosis; however, the Mayo Clinic suggests hypnotherapy may be more effective when a certified hypnotherapist teaches the correct procedures and safeguards. Although uncommon, headaches, dizziness and nausea can occur.
Hypnotherapy is not regulated in many states, however, certified hypnotherapists have undergone 200 hours of training, in addition to any medical training they may have had. Ask for recommendations from friends or trusted medical professionals and check references of the therapist before beginning hypnotherapy.
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References:
“Migraine”, 2008, Author Unknown, National Headache Foundation
“Hypnosis: Another Way to Manage Pain, Kick Bad Habits”, 2007, Dec 19, Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic
“Hypnosis: Focusing Subconscious on Change”, Date Unknown, Jeanie Lerche Davis, WebMD
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