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Does hypnotism really work in curing chronic pain? 
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Asked by matth9610 from Cleveland, OHAnswered 16 years ago.
71 Answers
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I am writing my response to Matt’s question after a number of people have already written excellent answers, so I do not want to repeat too much of what others have said. Hypnosis can most certainly help to relieve pain. The degree of relief depends on many factors, including the source of the pain, the rapport between hypnotist and client, and the client’s willingness to practice the skills learned. As other hypnotists have suggested, learning self-hypnosis gives clients the greatest ability to manage their pain. I also require pain clients to be under the care of a physician. Our ability to feel pain is a crucial survival mechanism.
Hypnosis can relieve pain on several levels. Hypnosis creates a state of profound relaxation which in itself frequently begins to lessen pain. We also use specific techniques to mentally alter the experience of pain, such as the glove anesthesia another hypnotist mentioned, along with many other hypnotic and related methods. In addition, we look for the message in the pain. It may be a physiological message, indicating a physical problem which needs further medical attention; it may be a signal that lifestyle or attitude needs adjusting; or it may be a metaphorical or psychological message. Often the message is a combination of physical and emotional factors.
I recently worked with a client who vacillated between minimizing her physical symptoms and feeling generalized panic. She had a diagnosis and was under the care of a physician, but she did not feel her doctor was listening to her. I encouraged her to interview other physicians and to pursue additional tests. As we worked on her anxiety issues, she started to feel great. She also achieved a more comfortable perspective on her health issues, finding a level where she could pay attention to her body’s signals and take action without automatically fearing the worst, a mental habit that had evolved from painful experiences in her past. As her emotional well-being increased, she tried to convince me that her symptoms were “just stress,” but I felt there was more going on physically than she knew about. Over time, she persisted in finding a new doctor, and additional tests led to a broader diagnosis and further treatments. In my opinion, this case is an excellent example of the complex interaction between mind and body. It’s not an “either – or” (either mind or body); it’s an “and.” Too often people gravitate toward the mental-emotional approaches OR the physical ones, when the truth is that our minds and our bodies do not exist separately from each other. What happens in one happens in the other as well. The same is true of causality; it’s often not a psychological cause or a physical one; it’s often both. Hypnosis provides a powerful way to affect physiology through the mind and emotions.
Cara Gallucci, M.A., C.Ht, Hypnotist, Meditation Instructor, and Reiki Practitioner
Answered by OMNI Optimal Healing Services
Hingham,
MA, 02043,
781-724-2982
(Novice with 1 pts.)
Answered 16 years ago. -
I think I answered this once before, but Merchant Circle sent it again.
It is my belief that NO hypnotism will not CURE pain ... now having said that ... Pain is a symptom not a disease ... and you always want to have sypmtoms checked by a qualified medical doctor before seeking alternate treatement ... HOWEVER
HYPNOSIS is an excellent way of reducing and/or eliminating symptoms ... and hypnosis is an excellent tool for reducing and eliminating chronic pain ...
Answered by Center for Mindfulness and Positive Change
2050 Peabody Road, Suite # 300,
Vacaville,
CA, 95687,
707-474-9230
(Novice with 38 pts.)
Answered 15 years ago. -
I have to say I am so impressed with the high quality of the answers I have read here today.
It's good to know there are many hypnosis practitioners out there that represent my chosen profession in a professional manner.
Way to go people!
Here's to us hypnosis zealots!
(c'mon, just a joke!)
Answered by Rick Wheeler Professional Hypnotist
Cadillac, Mi.,
Cadillac,
MI, 49601,
231-773-5272
(Novice with 13 pts.)
Answered 16 years ago. -
Hypnotherapy can help with the management of chronic pain. But I caution here. Always consult with your physician first as pain is a message from your body that there is something wrong. Once your doctor has confirmed the cause and feels that you will not be masking more serious messages he will give you the ok. Or at least tell you that he/she feels you will do no harm. Hypnosis is a powerful tool for pain management, but needs to be used responsibly.
Answered by Balaz Mary Ellen Derwis Lmt Cht
The Office Atrium Building 3505 E. Royalton Rd.,
Broadview Heights,
OH, 44147,
216-548-8980
(Novice with 16 pts.)
Answered 16 years ago. -
85% of the pain anyone feels is subjective based on your own experiences so that can be changed to less or relieve pain. Pain is an imprtant signal from your body, but there are times it becomes out of control and is no longer needed as a warning, phantom limb syndrome as an example. So when working with anyone on chronic pain I always assume the mind and body can work to just use pain as a warning signal and not needed in a process that has been diagnosed and the client is working on. It is important that the client is able to tell the difference between pain as a warning and pain signals that have been over activated.
Answered by A Better State of Mind
1075 S. Yukon, ste. 340,
Lakewod,
CO, 80227,
720-979-6601
(Novice with 3 pts.)
Answered 16 years ago. -
There is not much else I could add to this conversation. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are not cures for pain, as pain is a symptom not a disease. In hypnosis, the conscious mind is bypassed, and the subconscious essentially is taught to re-learn the perception of the pain, and symptoms are then reduced or eliminated.
Answered by Center for Mindfulness and Positive Change
2050 Peabody Road, Suite # 300,
Vacaville,
CA, 95687,
707-474-9230
(Novice with 38 pts.)
Answered 16 years ago.
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Yes.
I agree with some of what has been written but am concerned about the number of answers that carry with them the view that chronic pain is caused by trauma/psychological issues/events. Although that is sometimes the case, most often it is not. Chronic pain carries with it the emotional baggage of being in pain; hypnosis can help you with that.
Hypnotherapy is effective in helping people to deal with their pain. It is not a cure - as many reasons as their are for chronic pain is also as many ways in which a therapist can help you with your pain.
The first thing a hypnotherapist will do is take a good history from you., if you have had medical intervention, what has helped you (as well as what has not). The primary help for you in hypnotherapy is your motivation. Just as I cannot help you stop smoking if the reason you want to stop is because "my husband wants me to" I cannot help you with the pain unless you are truly motivated.
Once I understand the pain, how it affects you and what changes you want, I am able to formulate the appropriate suggestions to give to your subconscious mind while you are in the hypnotic state.
Hypnosis can help on many levels. I hope these answers help and that hypnotherapy may be helpful for you in your situation.
Carol Jay Levy,B.A., CH.t
author A PAINED LIFE, a chronic pain journey
member, cofounder with Linda Misek-Falkoff, PWPI, Persons With Pain International,
accredited to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
member U.N. NGO group, Persons With Disabilities
member, ForGrace, WIP (Women In Pain)Answered by From Cocoon To Butterfly 600 Whites Rd, , Lansdale, PA, 19446, 215-361-9948 (Novice with 10 pts.)
Answered 16 years ago. -
Hypnotism can definitely be helpful in managing chronic pain for some people! It works by helping the brain shift focus and relax, which can reduce the intensity of pain signals. But it's important to note that it doesn’t work for everyone and is often more effective when used alongside other treatments, like therapy or medication. If you’re considering hypnotism, it might also be a good idea to support your overall health with immune support supplements. Keeping your immune system strong can aid in recovery and overall well-being! More:
Links: youthandearth.comAnswered by weaslypaul 14174 Charity Chase Cir, Carmel, Indiana, USA, Ketchikan, AK, 99950, 951-800-7440 (Newbie with 0 pts.)
Answered 1 year ago. -
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Answered by Loan Des Plaines, IL, 60019, 312-768-5569 (Guru with 1856 pts.)
Answered 10 years ago. -
In 1992, my interest in hypnotism lead me to create software that helps induce a hypnotic trance. You should be very cautious about using suggestion to cure pain. Be sure that there is not a cause which is medically treatable. Treating pain with suggestion when a serious underlying medical condition exists is downright dangerous. All that said, it is possible to use suggestion to relieve pain. However, it isn't effective for everyone, which is why medical professionals shy away from it.
Answered by .
.,
.,
IL, 60001,
123-555-1234
(Novice with 1 pts.)
Answered 13 years ago.
