Chronic Pain, Illness, Surgery and Hypnosis
June 4th, 2010 // 8:11 pm @
CHRONIC PAIN, ILLNESS and SURGERY CARE
- Do you suffer from Fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, low back/neck pain, migraines, multiple sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or other painful or chronic health issues?
- Are you scheduled to have surgery and would like a quick and easy recovery with less bleeding, pain, drugs and trauma to the body?
- Are you bothered by the side effects of drugs – grogginess, gastrointestinal issues, sleep problems?
- Would you like to improve the quality of your life and activity level by reducing painful or limiting symptoms?
How Hypnosis Helps:
- Brain imaging has shown that hypnotic suggestions reduce activity in brain areas associated with emotional responses to pain, while other suggestions reduce activity in an area of the brain involved with the physical sensation of pain.
- Medical hypnotherapy reduces suffering and promotes healing. You have the ability to control many functions of the body including, but not limited to, heart rate, bleeding, blood pressure, pain response etc. It was once thought we had no ability to control these functions but science has proven the ability of your subconscious mind in a state of self-hypnosis is a very powerful tool in affecting the body’s response to many physical problems.
Hypnosis Advantages:
- It is a quick, effective and safe solution for the individual.
- Improves recovery time from injuries, accidents, surgery or illness.
- Reduces or eliminates your symptoms of pain, discomfort, nausea, etc.
- Have more control over your life rather than having something control you.
- Eliminates any unresolved trauma that research is showing can be stored in the muscle and tissues of an injury
Today more and more people suffering with chronic pain, illness or facing surgery are turning to hypnosis. Hypnosis, along with your standard medical treatment, has several advantages in pain and illness management. Hypnosis requires no drugs. It has no harmful side effects and not addicting. That is why hypnosis is recommended by the National Institutes of Health, the Mayo Clinic, and many specialists in the field of pain management.
Hypnosis can be used as part of a total pain management or illness program:
Hypnosis for pain management or illness has no side effects except to reduce your symptoms, reduce stress, increase circulation, and strengthen immune function, lower blood pressure and other amazing benefits.
“If this were a drug, everyone would be using it,” says David Spiegel, MD, a psychiatrist at Stanford University. “Changing your mental set can change what’s going on in your body.”
“Hypnosis is simply a refined form of applied imagination,” states Donald F. Lynch Jr., MD, a urological oncologist at the Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, who has used the hypnosis to help patients alleviate the pain, anxiety, and depression associated with cancer.
If you are suffering, or in pain, you owe it to yourself to see how the power of your inner mind can help you. I too have suffered from painful fibromyalgia, arthritis and would not be functioning well today without self-hypnosis!
if you are ready to improve the quality of your life – please contact me for a 30 minute complimentary consultation.
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HYPNOSIS RESEARCH ARTICLES
Hypnosis Before Breast Cancer Surgery Reduces Pain, Discomfort, and Cost source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Sept. 5, 2007 (see the journal abstract).
(J Natl Cancer Inst. 2007 Sep 5;99(17):1304-12. Epub 2007 Aug 28)
Summary
Women undergoing surgery for breast cancer who received a brief hypnosis session before entering the operating room required less anesthesia and pain medication during surgery, and reported less pain, nausea, fatigue, and discomfort after surgery than women who did not receive hypnosis. The overall cost of surgery was also significantly less for women undergoing hypnosis.
Hypnosis – Applications in Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery
Author: Philip D Shenefelt, MD, MS, Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine; Past Chief, Section of Dermatology, James A Haley Veteran Affairs Medical Center
Updated: Apr 23, 2009234
Hypnosis can regulate blood flow and other autonomic functions that are not usually under conscious control. The relaxation response that occurs with hypnosis also affects the neurohormonal systems that regulate many body functions. Studies on the influence of hypnosis on immediate immune responses have shown the ability of hypnotized volunteers to significantly decrease the flare reaction to the histamine prick test. Similarly, in one study, the effect of hypnotic suggestion on delayed cellular immune responses has shown significant effect on the size of erythema and on palpable induration but no significant effect in other studies.
A report by Braun5 on different allergic responses; dermatologic reactions; and effects on seizure disorders, pain control, and healing in the same individual with multiple personality disorder (now called dissociative identity disorder) shows how much influence the mind can have on physiologic reactions and disease processes, depending on the personality present. The report also described the differences in physiologic responses and disease conditions for selected individuals under hypnosis compared with their normal waking state.
Pain Research:
The April 29, 2000, issue of the journal The Lancet reported that hypnosis reduced pain, anxiety, and blood pressure complications in patients undergoing invasive medical procedures. (Hypnosis was compared with standard care and supportive attention, such as encouragement and active listening.) In addition, the procedures took significantly less time in the hypnosis treatment group, probably because the healthcare workers didn’t have to interrupt their activities to deal with the patients’ pain or to stabilize blood pressure, says Spiegel. Patients in the hypnosis group also required less than half as much painkilling medication as those in the standard group.
Alexander A. Levitan, MD, MPH, a medical oncologist in Minneapolis, has participated in numerous surgeries, including hysterectomies and tracheostomies, in which hypnosis was used as the sole agent for pain control.
ArthritisToday.org Joseph Barber, PhD, a clinical professor of anesthesiology and rehabilitation at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, uses hypnosis for pain caused by arthritis. One patient, a 73-year-old grandmother with severe pain from knee osteoarthritis, couldn’t tolerate anti-inflammatory drugs. With just three hypnosis treatments – an unusually fast response – the pain in her knee decreased and she was able to return to normal daily activity. An analysis of 18 studies of hypnosis and pain with more than 900 people conducted by researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York bears out this patient’s experience, showing substantial pain relief in 75 percent of participants.
Category : Blog &Featured Articles
10 EASY TIPS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
May 20th, 2010 // 6:34 am @ faykelly
Each week pick one or two items from the following list and let them become a part of your life. As these new behaviors become a habit, just like brushing your teeth, you will find the weight easily falls away without you feeling deprived.
1. Deep Abdominal Breathing: Breathe slowly and deeply downward below your lungs into your belly, hold it for a moment and SLOWLY exhale out with a sigh. Stress causes people to eat more and deep breathing immediately reduces your stress load. You will also reduce the amount of cortisol in your body which is what helps us store excess fat in the abdominal area. Breathe deep and notice your desire for cravings flows out on the exhalation. Try for 2-3 times in a row every hour you are awake.
2. Water Before Breakfast: Drink about 16 ounces of water before your first cup of coffee or breakfast. You are slightly dehydrated when you wake up in the morning and this not only helps detoxify the body from the night before but will energize you and will over the long run help you to reduce by about 1 pound per month or 12/year.
3. Healthy Breakfast: Have some protein like an egg with whole grain bread or whole grain cereal/oatmeal with a few nuts and milk and a piece of fruit within 1/1/2 hours of waking. You are starting up your metabolism and fueling your bodyand brain for the day (your brain is the biggest consumer of energy) and those that skip breakfast usually weigh on an average about 15 pounds a year.
4. The 3 Hour Rule: Oh no!! Every three hours?– most people think if they eat this often they will get fat. The opposite is true. Eating small frequent meals maintains your blood sugar and energy levels and keeps you feeling full. Eating frequently helps reduce cravings and controls your appetite.
5. 3 Hours Before Bedtime: It’s magical how if you eat close to bedtime your body just seems to pile on the weight. Unless you have blood sugar instability, avoid eating after 7pm if possible. Your belly will be grateful.
6. Fresh Fruit: Replace fruit juices or dried fruit to increase your fiber intake. The more fiber rich food you eat the fuller you feel and it’s much healthier for your body. Leave the skins and peels on and you increase the nutrients and fiber you are getting even more.
7. Sleep 7-9 Hours: Studies show that people who sleep less than 7 hours a night actually store more abdominal fat in the belly and weigh more than those who get the ideal amount of sleep.
8. Eliminate “Whites”: When you stop or reduce eating white sugar and white flour, the pounds will melt away. Not only do they raise blood sugar levels fast but it is followed by a drop and your body wants MORE! Look at the labels of the crackers and breads you eat. Many that say whole grain are enriched and not truly whole grain. Look for the highest fiber breads and crackers with the least sugars – your stomach will be grateful.
9 Increase your Activity: If you move an extra 20 minutes a day – that equals an extra 1 pound/month or 12 pounds/year. Make it easy – a quick 10 minute walk in morning and evening or, 20 minutes at lunch.
10. Stop Dieting!!!!!! Your subconscious mind HATES radical changes and deprivation in any form. Focus on making small simple changes over a period of time. As you change your habits slowly, you are headed toward lasting and permanent success. Give yourself treats and rewards – just make sure they are healthy or fun. I used to love ice cream on the weekends, now I buy myself a book or go for a pedicure instead.
For more information contact Fay Kelly @650-773-6440 www.faykelly.com.
Copyright 2010 Fay Kelly, CHT, MdH All rights reserved.
Category : Blog
Improve Grades With Hypnosis
April 30th, 2010 // 9:15 pm @ faykelly
Jessica’s Story
“I get really worried when I have to take tests at school. I study real hard but the answers aren’t there when I take the test. I feel like there isn’t enough time!” In addition, Jessica was frustrated by difficulties in math.
Jessica came to me when she was 13 years old. Her parents were concerned as her anxiety about taking tests was increasing and nothing they tried was working. We met in my office in San Mateo, California. After just three visits she had all the tools she needed for success with math and tests.
Kids Take to Hypnosis Like a Duck to Water
Hypnosis has been utilized successfully for decades as an excellent tool for quickly and effectively helping to make changes. Millions of children suffer needlessly with their issues because there is a general lack of awareness and information about the benefits of hypnosis for children. There are fears that hypnosis is similar to what’s been witnessed at stage shows and on TV. This is, in reality, nothing like therapeutic hypnosis.
Research around brain waves reveals that there are four main wavelengths or types of brainwaves: Delta, Theta, Alpha, and Beta. “When a child is between the ages of 2 and 6, their brainwaves are predominantly in the Theta state, which helps explains their rich imagination and creativity at this stage of child development. As adults we experience this state when dreaming, in deep hypnosis, meditating, or “in the zone” such as occasionally occurs in sports or when ‘lost in music’,” states Daniel Britton, a children’s author and education expert. (is this quote copied exactly?From six to twelve years of age, children’s brainwaves accelerate to the Alpha state.
For adults the Alpha state occurs when we meditate, daydream or enter the lighter states of hypnosis or ‘highway hypnosis’. So you see, children technically are already in a state of hypnosis when they come to see me.
How Jessica Was Able to Make the Changes:
- I keep “magic rocks” in my office and she (her imagination or subconscious) decided how the rock was going to help her. Every time she studied, all the information she was learning was going to also go into the rock. When she had a test at school, voila, the rock was with her to “give” her the information she might be forgetting.
- Jessica wanted to feel more confident and relaxed when she took tests so we discovered a “special place” where she felt very calm and peaceful (and very smart too!) and we anchored that feeling to every time she picked up a pencil for a test. That same feeling that she felt in her “special place” would come over her each time she picked up a pencil. She was then able to relax and go about the business of taking her test easily and comfortably. (Even finishing the test early!)
- Her math problems were solved by the same “magic rock”. It allowed all the numbers and information she was studying to flow into special compartments in her brain that processed the information in a new way. This was the “math department” of her brain. It made sense of math problems in a way the “old Jessica” couldn’t.
The Results
In three sessions we were able to change Jessica’s response to taking tests and her ability to work with numbers and math studies. She has so much more self confidence and self esteem. Does she feel great about herself now? Absolutely—and I also taught her self-hypnosis so she could learn to make more positive changes for herself in the future. There is nothing as wonderful as a child who has tools to create their sense of control and empowerment over the challenges life throws them.
Does your child have any challenges that might be solved with a magic rock, a special place or some other tool?
Copyright 2010. Fay Kelly, CHT,MdH. All rights reserved
Category : Blog &Children and Hypnosis
10 Pregnancy Tips for Men
April 30th, 2010 // 8:59 pm @
1. Understanding her moods: If she seems to be riding an emotional roller coaster daily, do not take it personally. Her body is dealing with major powerful hormone shifts that can make mood changes challenging for her and you. Extra TLC is essential during this time. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs.
2. Special touches: Surprising her with hand written love notes, cards, buying flowers, lighting candles for dinner, cooking her a special dinner, a romantic dinner out, or perhaps walking hand in hand – these are all ways to brighten her day and keep those hormones from getting out of control.
3. Compliments score big points: Tell her how beautiful she looks! She’s definitely going to have “ugh” days and compliments will really perk her up. We are “a flat abs” obsessed society- as her abs grow, her self-confidence can start to go too.
4. GO to those childbirth education classes: Become involved in your childbirth preparation classes. She needs to know she can count on your love and support at this time. Research shows that women who have husbands actively involved in the pregnancy have easier births!
5. Talk to baby: Before your baby is born it can hear you–really–as early as five months in the womb.
The baby likes to hear you talking to it and research shows that your little will know who Daddy is as soon as it’s born!
6. Touch her belly: You are looking at her growing belly every day and growing more curious–you can bond with your mate and your baby through touch. She needs reassurance that growing your baby and the increasing size of her belly make her sexy and beautiful and it promotes a wonderful intimacy she will appreciate.
7. Take care of her cravings: Chances are she’s craving something because she needs its nutrients. Satisfy her by bringing home the ice-cream. Add some fruit or nuts in for nutrients.
8. Exercise with her: You will find that by walking, hiking, or doing any form of exercise together shows her the commitment you have for her healthy pregnancy. It also provides a relaxing time to share the events of the day and discuss all the important changes coming into your life. Sooo much healthier for everyone than watching the evening news!
9. Reduce stress: At the end of the day, a 10-15 minute shoulder, hand or foot massage will go a long way towards helping her and you let go of the day’s stress and reconnect. She will benefit by better sleep and more energy the next day.
10. Make special plans: Be sure to get away before the baby is born. Whether it’s a simple weekend camping trip or a cozy bed & breakfast, the change in environment and a new perspective will enhance your relationship, there won’t be much time for that once you have a newborn.
For the next 10 tips feel free to contact me:
650-773-6440 or www.faykelly.com
Copyright 2010 Fay Kelly, CHT, MdH All rights reserved.
Category : Blog
Imagery and DecisionMaking Process
January 8th, 2010 // 5:26 pm @
Decisions, decisions – sometimes it can be really hard to decide between different options when we have make and are not sure what would be the best one for you. An easy way to help you make up your mind is to use your imagination (Einstein said imagination was more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited while our imagination is limitless!). Here are some simple steps to help you find the solution to your problem. Let’s say you are thinking of three different career choices.
1. First find about 5 to 10 minutes for yourself without interruptions. Now close your eyes and imagine, pretend or make believe you are doing one of the careers. Notice how you feel as you imagine yourself working in this career. How do you feel working with the people, the responsibilities of this job, the social interaction or lack thereof, emotional satisfaction, monetary compensation etc. Notice how you feel physically within your body. Certain situations may make you feel light, open or perhaps you may notice shoulder tightening up or stomach pulling in while you are visualizing yourself going through your scenario. Now notice how you feel emotionally – are you content, happy, feel good about yourself or do feelings of frustration, annoyance, lack of challenge perhaps creep in more than you like. The final test is to see how it affects you spiritually (forget if you have any religious beliefs or not – this is all about your social consciousness or humanitarian values. How does this choice affect your spirit or soul in the larger scheme of things.
2. Write down your observations to keep track. You can do your second choice either the same time or save it and do it within a few days again repeating all the steps. Repeat doing your third.
3. After you have imagined yourself in all the different situations, you should have a clear idea of which is the best choice for you to pursue. You are checking your conscious ideas in with your subconscious or unconscious mind and getting a clear reality check on what will best make you happy. Try it when you have some choices to make. You will find that the answers to your questions are waiting for you right there in the magic of your mind!
Category : Blog &Featured Articles
