Hypno-psychotherapy and Migraine
Migraine -
severe disabling headache, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, is
sometimes extremely difficult to control with drugs.
The
headaches - often localised to the front left or front right of the head - are
the consequence of changes in the blood vessels supplying the affected area. In
the course of an attack, these vessels become contracted, reducing the blood
supply to the area, and then over-compensate for that situation by dilating, or
expanding rapidly. The nerve endings in the area naturally react to this over
stimulation, experiencing it as intense pain, sometimes accompanied by visual
symptoms such as flashing lights. These sensations may be so severe as to cause
nausea and even vomiting.
Migraine
attacks may be triggered by several things, but high levels of stress and/or
anxiety are frequently implicated. Hypno-psychotherapy has been found to be
effective in controlling migraine, reducing the frequency and intensity of
attacks and minimising the need for pain control medication. One of our clients
had a history of migraine of over 20 years, and was using a combination of
Migril (a potent ergotamine) and up to 12 Co-codamol daily. After 4 sessions of
therapy, she reported little or no headache, had discontinued the use of Migril
and needed no Co-codamol. She had learned how to control her migraine, and
re-gained a decent quality of life. We have on file a letter from her GP in
which he says "Thank you for your help with what for me has been a
difficult problem over the years."
Therapy is aimed at reducing overall stress/anxiety
levels, and teaching the client to control the blood flow in the affected area,
thereby reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks and the need
for reliance on pain control medication.
It is
important to note, however, that the symptoms of migraine can be very similar
to those produced by other conditions, and it is essential that such a
possibility is ruled out before commencing hypnotic treatment for migraine. For
your protection, therefore, your therapist may wish to confirm with your
medical practitioner that there is no underlying condition that requires
medical treatment.