To Paraphrase Dr John Sarno, MD, author of Healing Back Pain and The Mind Body Prescription, chronic pain and its equivalents are initiated by psychological phenomena.

The certified complementary medical hypnotherapist addresses the psychology of mind-body pain not as an illness or disease; rather, a brain-induced symptomatic state that serves a psychological purpose. Chronic or on-going pain that seldom seems alleviated may actually fall into this mind-body approach to medicine. Simply stated, psychogenic physical disorders are induced by emotional states. Even more simply put, our thoughts lead, and the body follows.

PAIN HURTS!      

Pain is one of the most debilitating experiences of the human condition. All of us experience the stress of pain at one time or another, whether it is physical, emotional or spiritual. Immediate onset of pain is a gift that tells us something is physically wrong.

For example, remember the case of the little girl who was born with no pain recognition in her body? She plucked out her own eye because of her malady, and has suffered many broken bones, cuts and bruises without realizing she was inflicting harm on her young body. So pain signals serve a positive purpose except when the signals continue and do not stop.

MANAGE PAIN WITH HYPNOTHERAPY    

A Certified, Complementary Hypnotherapist is trained to assist with many issues of pain relief. They do not prescribe, or practice medicine; a Hypnotherapist simply guides a client into a learned place of internal relief. In 1958 Dr Herbert Benson, MD understood this mind-body response to pain. He called the opportunity for the body to feel relief from pain, the Relaxation Response. This response is a common experience amongst users of hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is a non-pharmacological approach to better manage pain. It has proven to be a successful alternative for those seeking a more natural approach to pain management.

Lois Prinz is an instructor with National Guild of Hypnotists and International Medical & Dental Association and member of American Society of Pain Educators. In addition to being lead trainer at National Hypnotherapy training Center, and 10 years of private practice in Albuquerque, Lois conducts national certification training for the healthcare professional throughout the United States.