BY STEPHEN MC GILL
POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2017
Hypnosis for Migraines
Treating migraine and chronic migraine is expensive. Between office visits, trips to the ER or out of hours, and prescription medications, costs add up very quickly.
One way to lower the cost of preventive care is by utilizing behavioral treatments. One cost-effective alternative to prescription drugs is hypnotherapy treatment for the use of managing migraine and its triggers.
A study published in the June 2011 Headache Journal compared the costs of multiple behavioural treatments with preventive prescription drugs. Behavioural treatment was comparable with prescription drug treatment after six months and after one year, minimal-contact therapy (therapist is seen a few times per year and behavioural techniques are practiced at home) was nearly €500 cheaper than drug treatment.
As compared to self-hypnosis, hypnotherapy is more effective to treat underlying stress causing headaches. Sensation is the language that the body speaks, therefore pain is a “wake up call” sent to the body.
Through direct access to the subconscious, hypnotherapy asks the body to deliver its message in language the conscious mind understands – English. This is called the Gestalt therapy technique. It is a very effective form of treatment.
The person undergoing this form of therapy will almost always spontaneously experience words coming out of their mouth to express the “point of view” of the pain located within the body. Hypnosis is a gentle yet powerful means to access the deep subconscious and the body’s wisdom in an understandable language.
Hypnosis and Headache Pain Research
Research scientists have been studying the effects of hypnotherapy on pain since the 1970s. Research has indicated hypnosis can help migraineurs manage their pain symptoms and can be an appropriate form of treatment for migraine with aura.
If patients can achieve a hypnotised state before the migraine occurs (prodrome stage), pain can be significantly reduced. Hypnosis can help manage the pain of migraines and may help prevent triggers causing migraines.
