Understanding pain – and how hypnosis can help
Pain is both a physical and emotional experience. It’s your body’s way of signalling that something needs care and attention. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, it is defined as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.”
There are two main types of pain:
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Acute pain
Often caused by injury, inflammation, or illness. Acute pain usually appears suddenly. It can bring anxiety or emotional distress, but it typically decreases as the body heals.
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Chronic pain
Chronic pain lasts longer and can be influenced by stress, the environment, and emotional well-being. It can be difficult to manage with medical treatment alone, which is why many people seek other approaches.
Where hypnosis fits in
Hypnosis is a powerful way to support pain management – especially when paired with medical care. It helps you shift your awareness, calm the nervous system, and build new responses to discomfort.
With hypnosis, many clients learn to:
- Create a greater sense of physical comfort.
- Separate the “hurt” from the “pain”.
- Ease stress and anxiety that can intensify symptoms.
- Strengthen the mind-body connection.
- Use imagery and relaxation techniques to support healing.
- Develop more effective daily coping strategies.
For those who have, or are seeking medical help, or those experiencing chronic pain, hypnosis is an excellent way to see pain from a new perspective. With hypnosis, you can remove the hurt from the pain and create an awareness that can help you to become more mindful of life outside of pain.
For acute pain, learning self-hypnosis can be especially helpful. For chronic pain, ongoing sessions provide a valuable space to retrain the mind’s response patterns and create a more hopeful outlook.
Mind-body approaches that support healing
Hypnosis works by helping the mind relax and focus. This calm state allows your body’s natural healing abilities to work more effectively and gives you space to think, feel, and respond differently to pain.
When you strengthen the mind-body connection, you gain something vital: a sense of empowerment.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed or defeated by pain, you learn new ways to navigate its – and in many cases, to soften it.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re ready to explore a gentler, more empowering approach to managing pain, I’d be happy to support you.