Millions of people are affected by migraines, which can be debilitating and interfere with day to day life. Migraines are commonly treated with medications, but they remain a less than effective treatment for long term, clinical improvement for many patients. As a consequence, more people explore different kinds of treatments, say hypnotherapy instead such as hypnotherapy, which works through the mind-body connection to the way that pain is felt and from the types of triggers that cause headaches.
As an experienced Clinical Hypnotherapist in London, I serve hundreds and of migraine sufferers as they learn to relax, ease their migraines and take control of their lives again. Hypnotherapy helps break the cycle of pain that comes with migraine attacks by working with the subconscious mind. We will explore just how hypnosis can bring relief to those affected by chronic headaches and migraines.
Understanding Headaches and Migraine
There are numerous types and severities of headaches. Stress is a common cause of tension headaches; cluster headaches can be extremely severe, painful and they come in cycles. However, migraines are different in their presentation. The symptoms include nausea, light sensitivity and visual disturbances and can last from several hours to a few days.
Types of Headaches
Tension headaches are a band of pain around the head. Mild but persistent, they are common. Cluster headaches are sharp, piercing pain, around one eye, and can happen multiple times a day for weeks or months. Migraines are a throbbing or beating sensation felt on the side of the head, and they are much more severe than tension headaches.
Common Triggers
Among the most common triggers are stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, dehydration and some foods or drinks, like alcohol and caffeine. This can also include bright lights, strong smells, loud noises and much more. It is important for people to identify these triggers to help manage the condition.
Does Hypnosis Work?
Hypnosis triggers the subconscious mind and changes the way it reacts to pain. Migraine attacks are reduced in intensity by hypnosis, with people able to control their perception of pain. With hypnotherapy, many patients report fewer episodes and less severe symptoms.
Hypnotherapy differs from medication, as it is trying to rewire the brain’s response to triggers. It teaches the body how to relax in stressful situations as it helps to reduce the chances of a migraine developing. Hypnosis helps sufferers develop resilience and over time they can deal with common migraine triggers with less fear and less anxiety.
How Hypnotherapy Helps with Migraines
Pain Management Through Relaxation
The main method of pain control using hypnotherapy is relaxation. Hypnotherapy helps people learn to relax their bodies in stressful situations, and migraines are frequently stress related. In turn, reducing muscle tension and reducing the body’s overall stress response which can trigger a migraine. Hypnotherapy sessions will help the mind and body to relax to the point where a migraine cannot take hold.
Visualisation Techniques
Migraine pain that is reduced during a hypnotherapy session with the use of visualisation. Instead patients are directed to picture a peaceful scene or comforting place. Using these visualisations helps take the mind off the pain, which eases a migraine. Practising this technique while having a migraine can help reduce discomfort and the attack.
Reducing Trigger Sensitivity
Hypnosis helps desensitise the mind to migraine triggers. Over time, it can alter the way the brain processes environmental stimuli like light, noise, and smells that often cause migraines. By practising hypnotherapy regularly, individuals can reduce their sensitivity to these triggers, leading to fewer migraine episodes.
Reducing Discomfort During Headaches
Migraines are agonising and leave sufferers helpless. Physically, hypnotherapy allows people to reduce the discomfort by teaching them to focus their thoughts. Mental distancing from the pain is a skill that patients develop over time. It helps them manage the sensations they feel during a migraine to lessen intensity and the frequency of migraine episodes.
Hypnotic Techniques to Alleviate Pain
The ‘control panel’ visualisation is one of the most effective hypnotic techniques for migraines. Patients are trained to create a control panel in their minds at which they can vary the intensity of their pain. This technique of visualisation allows people to turn down the migraine’s overflow into their consciousness, enabling them to reduce the intensity. Many patients report a real decrease in pain as the mental image of the pain being reduced becomes more vivid.
One other common technique is to suggest numbness. The patients could be presented with the idea of a feeling of numbness expanding into the area of their head that has been affected. It can block the feeling of pain and is helpful during migraine episodes.
Limitations and Considerations
Although hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for managing migraines, it may not work for everyone. The effectiveness of hypnosis depends largely on the individual’s willingness to engage with the process. Some may find it more challenging to enter a deep state of relaxation, which can affect the outcome. It’s important to note that hypnotherapy is not a replacement for medical treatment. Instead, it works best when used as part of a comprehensive migraine management plan, including lifestyle changes and medical advice.
Patience is key when beginning hypnotherapy. Results can vary, and it may take several sessions to notice significant improvement. It’s also essential to work with a trained hypnotherapist who has experience in pain management and migraine treatment.
Finding a Hypnotherapist
It’s also important when looking for a hypnotherapist that they specialise in the treatment of migraines. Not all hypnotherapists are experienced working with chronic pain. So ask for recommendations, read reviews, and find out about their background to make sure they are all qualified. They also offer consultations before committing to treatment.
Location and convenience are certainly also worth thinking about. I work as a London based Clinical Hypnotherapist and offer in person and online sessions, with patients having the ability to access treatment how they choose. Whatever path you go along with, always ensure that you are comfortable with your therapist, because trust is an integral part of the hypnotherapy journey.
Conclusion
Hypnotherapy is an alternative way to manage migraines and can help to reduce not only headache frequency but the severity of attacks by as much as 70%. Hypnosis teaches people to work with the subconscious mind in order to control the reaction to pain and avoid their common migraine triggers. It may not cure migraines 100 percent but hypnotherapy is an effective long term management and relief tool.
If you struggle with migraines and are looking for a different approach, hypnotherapy may offer the relief you need. With the right techniques and guidance, it’s possible to regain control over your migraines and improve your quality of life.