By Beverly Flaxington
Last Updated: January 31, 2014
Hypnosis has been used to control the pain of natural childbirth, getting a root canal, and more. Basically, hypnosis means learning to use your subconscious mind in a beneficial way. For an event as important as childbirth, work with a hypnosis practitioner who can counsel you on pain management. But you don't necessarily need to consult a hypnotherapist to begin hypnotizing yourself. Here are 10 ways to practice self-hypnosis to combat pain:
1. Find a Quiet Spot
The beauty of hypnosis is that you don’t need to work with a practitioner once you learn how to self-hypnotize. Learning self-hypnosis involves practice – finding a quiet spot, practicing deep breathing and then establishing a “trigger” such as a word that you can repeat over and over again. You can choose to “go deep” anytime you need to once you have mastered this. Of course, never do it while driving or operating machinery!
2. Imaging a Healing, White, Light
Imagery is a powerful tool in hypnosis. Find the area within your body where you are experiencing the pain. Focus on it and then imagine a healing white light surrounding the area. Imagine it to be warm, and soothing and oh-so healing. Keep that light on the area until you feel the pain dissipate even a little bit. With practice the white light should offer a welcome respite from pain – even if for just a few minutes.
3. Create a Personal Hypnotic Mantra
Hypnosis uses your own mind power. As such, it’s important that you pick a mantra that means something to you personally. You can use something like: “I take three deep breaths, and for a few minutes, I feel healthy and happy.” Or, “I am calm and stress-free no matter what happens to me.” Or, “Every time I count to three I immediately relax…. 1 – 2 – 3. I am relaxed.” The more you practice, the more the words will move your body to respond.
