Client Case Study
By Dr. Joe Rozencwajg
I have been treating this middle-aged lady for a series of psychosomatic problems linked to childhood abuse. The psychosomatic aspect is confirmed by the normality of all conventional tests.
The major and most dangerous part was high blood pressure with sudden peaks up to 190/100 (and probably higher!) accompanied by headaches: this is a high risk for stroke. No reaction to conventional drugs; acupuncture lowers the BP temporarily; herbs and homeopathy, although obviously active, are slow acting. Mental and muscular tension and stiffness were obvious signs that the high BP was caused by arterial vasoconstriction.
I suggested hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis as a tool to control that tension, lower the BP and the risk of stroke while the deeper acting treatment was taking its course, in other words, deep relaxation with suggestions of calm, serenity and control, no deep “investigation” as it was not needed.
She accepted eagerly. There was no specific interview, of course.
I dispensed with the tests/imagination exercises because of her level of self control and rigidity (mental, emotional and physical): should that not be very convincing, the whole outcome of the sessions would have been compromised.
The induction would also have to be very “down to earth”, not too imaginative or speculative with fluffy clouds, pink unicorns and singing hippos. She loves art and has a predilection for the Louvre Museum.
Therefore, we started with physical relaxation, in a reclining armchair, going upwards from feet to head and actively “disengaging” and de-contracting each muscle group: it was very rewarding to see the muscular reaction happen.
Once fully relaxed, I guided her through the Louvre, from the entrance to the pyramid, through admiring the paintings, essentially the Primitive Flemish and the Renaissance ones to end in front of the Mona Lisa and have a short conversation with her: “See, I have been in this painting for 400 years, I am still relaxed, still smiling, despite the voyeurism of millions of persons”…
The suggestion was that while in the Louvre, total relaxation, comfort, pleasure and enjoyment was obtained.
Emerging from the somnic state was done by walking out of the Louvre with complete return to consciousness when stepping out of the building, in the street.
During her walk towards the exit, the suggestion was given that she could go back to the Louvre at any time when in a safe and comfortable place and position through the key sentence “I am going to have a friendly chat with Mona Lisa”, and deepening the somnic state by walking towards the picture as we did. She could also use that shortcut to go directly to the Joconde. This was consciously reinforced after waking up.
At the end of the session, BP was acceptable but safe (150/96) and she was ecstatic with the experience. I did not even have to do any further sessions as she mastered self-treatment beautifully. She monitors her BP daily, no more dangerous peaks and she knows how to self-treat at the slightest hint of returning tension.
The general treatment continues successfully.
Trance
A Poem by Shirley Henderson
Trance my dear friend is yours to pursue
It’s a step through a door that you choose to do
The past is the past and you can be free
Just close your eyes and listen to me
And it’s that place you can find
Deep within your own mind
Where your thoughts are free
Open your mind and let yourself be
Your imagination will let you soar
Accept suggestions, visualizations and more
This is the place where changes are made
And the skill to continue real change is laid
You can trust your own mind
It’s your very best friend
Your subconscious is there
From now and right to the end
Trust in the process and trust in your self
Your mind is a storehouse of absolute wealth
Please allow yourself to relax and unwind
Allow yourself to spend precious time
To discover your riches, your potential, your worth
To continue your positive journey on earth
Shirley Henderson © 2017
Broken Humerus
From Brenda Cheyne
This is my story of how I used self-hypnosis for the recovery of my humerus bone which had been broken in two places.
I was given a handout from the hospital which said: “ You have broken the bone of your upper arm. This is a painful injury." After plaster, I was sent home with three kinds of painkillers that I could use these to manage the pain.
My bone was broken in two places so it was detached from my arm bone. It was called a spiral fracture. They thought at the hospital I would need an operation.
I did take their painkillers at the hospital, which made me crack funny jokes and flirt with the young man who wheeled me to xray.
While I was waiting, I got my wits about me and I began to visualise my bone lining up so that I wouldn’t need the operation. The surgeons wanted to see another x ray after it was plastered. The x ray showed I didn’t need an operation. Who knows; it may have been luck.
That night at home I thought: “You are a Hypnotherapist, you should be able to sort the pain.” I did. And didn’t take one single dose after the pills I was given in the hospital.
Each day for my rehab, every two hours I visualised my bone healing. I looked up information on the net. Bones begin to knit together as soon as they are broken. With this kind of complete break, they form a cloud like substance within a few hours. I imagined them doing all this, I imagined them growing back perfectly. I used colour and suggestions from Davids Quigleys book: "The Alchemy of Healing - Healing your Body and Life with Hypnosis."
I set myself a rehabilitation plan and as a result started physio the first week. The hospital waits until the brace comes off. By then, with this kind of injury develops a frozen shoulder, elbow and wrist. I used visualisation when doing my exercises. Each week my physio gave me new exercises. Every time I saw her, I wanted to show off and was excited to get a new exercise.
I was back at Aikido practice after six weeks. (Training carefully.)
My recovery is perfect. I was 66 when I broke my humerus. People kept saying to me: "When you are older it takes a long time and may never be right."
I ignored that suggestion along with the need for painkillers. I believe in the power of my body and mind.
I have no after pain, no niggles. My arm is fully functional. Recently I have started Astanga yoga. The arm that was broken is just as flexible as my other one.
I have had clients come to me with injuries. Together we design their personal rehab plans. I teach them self –hypnosis. They start to feel much more positive.
Check out Brenda's webpage www.wellington-hypnotherapy.co.nz/
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