Hi, and welcome back to the blog. Today we’re on day 2 of our Hypnotherapy 101 series, on Pain Management. During this series, we will explore some of the basic and common questions behind this topic. Including:
- What is hypnotherapy and hypnosis?
- How can it help you manage pain?
- What are the basic concepts of hypnosis and suggestibility?
- What is the mind-body connection, as it relates to hypnotherapy and pain management?
- What are the benefits and limitations of hypnotherapy for pain management?
1. What is hypnotherapy, hypnosis and suggestibility?
Defining hypnosis
Hypnosis is defined in many ways, with definitions mentioning the common theme of increased suggestibility and being able to use this to the client’s advantage. The way that Hypnotic Universe defines it also includes this key point. However, we also note the specific brain wave pattern, which people typically exhibit during hypnosis. This distinctive brain wave pattern in known as ‘theta’ (Jensen et al, 2013).
With this in mind, we define hypnosis as:
[Hypnosis is] the process of using specific techniques and language patterns to achieve a particular slow brain wave pattern known as theta. In this particular brain wave state, we have increased attention and become more suggestible.
– Hypnotic Universe (2023) –
Defining hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is simply:
The application of hypnosis, to help a person reach specific health-related goals.
– Hypnotic Universe (2023) –
This is an important distinction, because using hypnotic techniques and language patterns to achieve hypnosis, is NOT hypnotherapy unless the person is going into hypnosis to achieve health-related goals.
Health related goals are commonly made in the following areas:
- To achieve a healthy weight and comfortable size.
- To become a non-smoker (i.e smoking cessation).
- To become a more confident and competent driver.
- To resolve a fear or phobia.
- To become more comfortable and in control
Alternatively, a person may induce a state of hypnosis in themselves and then work on some goals, whether health-related or otherwise. Regardless of the aim, this is known as self-hypnosis.
How do we know that somebody is in hypnosis?
Although our definition of hypnosis refers to a particular brain wave state, known as theta, it is important to note that we do not measure brain waves in clinical practice. So, how do we know when somebody is in hypnosis?
Hypnotherapists can determine whether somebody is in hypnosis or not, by looking for specific signs. Such as:
- Increased swallowing
- Eyes flickering
- Breathing slows down
Additionally, we may observe evidence of time distortion. When people are in hypnosis, time passes very quickly, and 1 hour may feel like only 10 minutes has passed.
Defining suggestibility
Suggestibility refers to how readily somebody enters hypnosis. Those who are more suggestible enter hypnosis easily and those who are less suggestible require more work to get them into hypnosis. We have never yet encountered anybody who cannot go into hypnosis, though people often – and incorrectly – assume they cannot enter hypnosis.
What issues respond well to hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy can help with issues such as chronic pain, anxiety, phobias, smoking cessation, weight loss and more. Hypnotherapy sessions usually involve relaxation, suggestion, coping skills and exploration of past experiences. Hypnotherapy is not usually available on the NHS and whilst many state that hypnotherapy should be carried out only by a qualified professional with a healthcare background (on that subject, we do have a healthcare background), it is not a legal requirement in the UK…yet.
How hypnotherapy may help somebody manage pain
Hypnotherapy can help someone manage their pain by:
- Altering their perceptions of pain.
- Creating natural anesthesia.
- Reducing stress and anxiety related to pain.
Although many people consider hypnotherapy a stand-alone treatment for pain management – and it certainly can be – the truth is that it is usually delivered alongside more conventional pain management methods. We have certainly observed that the best long-term results are often where hypnotherapy has been used in conjunction with other pain management methods. For example, medication, acupuncture and CBT.
The mind-body connection, as it relates to hypnotherapy and pain management
The mind-body connection is the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs can affect our physical health and well-being. Hypnotherapy can enhance the mind-body connection by:
- Helping a person relax and become more aware of their inner state.
- Using the power of suggestion to influence how a person perceives pain.
- Utilising the power of suggestion to influence how somebody responds to pain.
For example, hypnotherapy can have a person believe that their painful area is numb, cold, or distant from them. Hypnotherapy can also help a person cope with the stress and anxiety that can worsen pain. By using the mind-body connection, hypnotherapy can help a person reduce their suffering and improve their quality of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hypnosis is a state of increased suggestibility and attention that can be induced by specific techniques and language patterns. Hypnotherapy is the application of hypnosis for health-related goals, such as pain management. Hypnotherapy can help a person manage their pain by influencing their mind-body connection, which is the link between their mental and physical well-being. Hypnotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, depending on the person’s needs and preferences. Hypnotherapy is not widely available on the NHS and should be performed by a qualified professional with a healthcare background. Hypnotherapy can be a safe and effective way to reduce suffering and improve quality of life for people with chronic pain.
Tomorrow’s Hypnotherapy 101 article on pain management:
- Delves deeper into how we define pain.
- Looks at what pain is and how it affects us.
- Describes different types of pain, and their causes.
Join us tomorrow to find out more. See you then!
Contact us
If you’re considering hypnotherapy for pain management, please get in touch to book an initial consultation, so we can discuss your background, difficulties and goals.
Sources
Jensen, M.P., Adachi, T. and Hakimian, S., 2015. Brain oscillations, hypnosis, and hypnotisability. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 57(3), pp.230-253. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4361031/ [Accessed 30 May 2023].
