Ask anyone who has been in trance during a dental visit, and they will tell you that self-hypnosis relieves pain–big time. Once learned, self-hypnosis is a wonderful tool that you can use for the rest of your life. It’s the ultimate gift that keeps on giving. In my New York clinic I utilize both acupuncture and, when appropriate, hypnosis for pain reduction.
- In 1892 the British Medical Association sanctioned hypnotherapy for its effectiveness for chronic pain management, and for sleep and anxiety disorders.
- In 1958 the American Medical Association approved hypnosis in the relief of pain, particularly associated with dental procedures and childbirth.
- In 1995, the National Institute of Health advanced the use of hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis for pain management, most notably for cancer and chronic conditions including IBS, Oral Mucositis, Jaw Pain, as well as tension headaches, and sleep disorders.
- In 1999 the British Medical Journal advanced its opinion that hypnosis was effective for many more things including relief from the treatments of cancer, panic disorders, insomnia, phobias, obesity, pain, asthma, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- New studies are constantly emerging that support the efficacy of hypnotherapy as a valid treatment modality for chronic pain relief.
How is Chronic Pain Defined?
Chronic pain is pain that persists or recurs for more than six months, and can be caused by a variety of injuries and diseases. It can be intermittent or continuous, and prevents people from working, eating properly, participating in physical activity or enjoying life.
Some numbers on chronic pain:
- 25 percent of the U.S. population and 50 percent of patients with cancer are affected by chronic pain.
- U.S. businesses spend $61.2 billion a year in lost productivity on their employees with chronic pain.
- In the U.S., more than two-thirds of chronic pain sufferers experience pain for more than 3 years, and 76 percent experience pain daily.
- One third of those whose pain is constant say the pain is very severe.
If you are reading this there is a good chance you are dealing with chronic pain. And you’re hoping to avoid going the medically accepted standard routes of surgery and/or narcotic drugs. To say they both have an incalculably high cost on your mind and wellbeing would be an understatement. We in the US consume more painkillers than than the next five countries combined. But that is grist for another post.
The point is you are probably sick and tired of dealing with pain and would like relief without resorting to drugs. If that’s the case, Hypnosis, can help you going forward in your life to be self-sufficient in pain management–without resorting to drugs.