Hypnosis Offers New Hope for Fibromyalgia Sufferers

A new study published in American Journal of Hypnosis has shown that hypnotic intervention can help reduce many symptoms for fibromyalgia suffers. 

Fibromyalgia is a long term condition which is often characterised by long periods of pain and fatigue. The NHS website notes that in addition to widespread pain, symptoms may include:

• increased sensitivity to pain

• extreme tiredness (fatigue)

• muscle stiffness

• difficulty sleeping

• problems with mental processes (known as "fibro-fog"), such as problems with memory and concentration

• headaches

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating

It has been known for centuries that hypnosis can reduce pain. This has been a great help to sufferers of chronic pain who can learn self-hypnosis to manage their symptoms. Conventional pain relief medication such as paracetamol may be inappropriate for long-term use. One of the great benefits of hypnosis compared to conventional pain reducing medications is that hypnosis is free from negative side effects - in fact patients often report improvements in mood, general wellbeing and positivity in addition to the symptom being treated! The new study used audio recordings meaning that the patients were able to self administer the hypnosis. The researchers tell us that they found that "hypnotic intervention significantly decreased the intensity and interference of pain and fatigue, as well as the depressive symptomatology.”

If you suffer from fibromyalgia and are interested in how clinical hypnosis can help you manage your symptoms get in touch today. olivia@liv-better.co.uk 07716270759