In 1838, the first recorded instance of painless hypnosis surgery took place. Dr. Elliotson seized the opportunity to demonstrate hypnosis (then referred to as mesmerism) to the public at London University College Hospital. By 1845, James Esdaile had successfully performed over 2,000 operations, including amputations, on hypnotised patients who reported feeling no pain during the procedures.

In 1955, hypnosis received official approval from the British Medical Association. This endorsement followed its successful use during World War II to treat soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress and even to carry out surgeries in situations where medical resources were limited.

While the exact mechanism behind hypnosis for pain control remains unclear, research suggests it may be based on a ‘dissociation model’, similar to what is observed in patients with Multiple Personality Disorder. Dissociation can effectively eliminate pain by placing it in a kind of psychological storage area, away from the patient’s conscious awareness. Throughout history, there are numerous accounts of hypnosis being used as an alternative to anaesthetics.

This dissociation model is often called the “hidden observer” model of cognition.

Hypnotherapy, combined with modern techniques such as NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), can offer powerful results for those managing chronic discomfort. These methods are available through therapy sessions in North London, Hertfordshire, St Albans, and Hemel Hempstead, or conveniently online via Zoom 💻🧠.

NLP can also be an effective method for reducing pain. By identifying the submodalities associated with their pain, essentially the mental coding linked to the experience, individuals can adjust these submodalities to see how it affects their perception of pain. For example, they can focus on the submodalities of a pain-free area of the body or recall a time when they were free from pain to create a contrast. This allows them to adjust the submodalities of their pain to match those of a pain-free state. For instance, if someone describes their pain as a red, throbbing ball, they might experiment with reimagining it as a pink, wobbly blob to see if that changes their experience of discomfort.

This type of therapy, especially when combined with Hypnotherapy and NLP, is a gentle, drug-free alternative to managing certain types of pain. Practitioners in St Albans, Hertfordshire, or online on Zoom can guide you through this process to help you shift your perspective and, in turn, your physical experience.

It’s important to remember that pain is your body’s way of signalling that something is wrong. Before using these techniques to manage or override pain, you must seek approval from your doctor.

“I had tried many other options. I had nothing to lose and an open mind. Gemma made me feel extremely comfortable.” 😊

By Gemma Bailey

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The Encarta® World English Dictionary defines well-being as: Supporting good health in a manner that encourages health and physical well-being (often used together). Good health or luck: a good, healthy, or comfortable condition.

However, another definition states: A good or satisfactory condition of existence; a state characterised by health, happiness, and prosperity; welfare: to influence the well-being of the nation and its people.

The second definition presents well-being as a combination of health, happiness, and prosperity rather than focusing on just one element. I believe this perspective offers a more accurate representation of true well-being. By evaluating different areas of our lives, perhaps through a coaching tool like the Wheel of Life, it becomes clear how interconnected these aspects are. For instance, financial stress can lead to health issues, while strong relationships can enhance our patience and tolerance in the workplace. True well-being flourishes when there is balance across all facets of our lives.

This is where Hypnotherapy, NLP, and therapy can play a vital role. Whether you’re based in North London, Hertfordshire, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, or prefer sessions online on Zoom, these powerful approaches can help restore balance and clarity to all areas of life 🌿✨.

An interesting point about these definitions is their use of terms like “good” or “satisfactory” rather than more extravagant words such as “excellent” or “amazing.” It is vital for individuals to have dreams and goals, no matter how you label them. This is especially important for men, who often have abundant, intense energy (unlike the gentler, nurturing energy frequently associated with women). It is crucial to channel this energy into setting and achieving goals. Without them, a man may lose direction in life.

That said, it’s equally important to maintain realistic expectations. If you believe that every moment must be extraordinary to feel fulfilled, you may struggle to satisfy your well-being needs. Similarly, if you wait to experience well-being only after reaching your goals, you’ll spend significant time missing out on that feeling while working towards them. Why not embrace a sense of well-being as you pursue your ambitions? By setting more attainable expectations for feeling good, you can enhance your overall sense of well-being. Does this mean you should stop dreaming big? Absolutely not! Dream big, but take time daily to appreciate and find joy in the small victories 🌈.

For example:

Finances – An enormous goal could be to earn £100,000 in six months, but if you can feel prosperous by finding £1.00 down the back of the sofa, you’ll tap into feelings of prosperity more easily.

Health and Fitness – An enormous goal could be to lose three stone in eight months, but if you can feel the same sense of achievement with each pound you lose, you’ll be more motivated to continue working towards your goal.

Personal Relationships, A big goal could be getting married, but a more straightforward expectation that can make you feel good more quickly could be feeling connected to your partner during a date.

Spirituality – An enormous goal could be to achieve total spiritual enlightenment. Still, if you can feel spiritual even while your questions about life and the universe remain unanswered, you can always feel spiritual.

Personal Development – An enormous goal could be attending a £5,000 training course, but if you feel you’re developing yourself while reading a good book (like this one), you can grow much more quickly.

Fun, A big goal could be to have a certain number of holidays each year, but you can also have fun spending lunchtime with friends if you intend to enjoy the moment.

Career – Striving for a significant achievement like a promotion is great, but don’t forget that boosting your well-being can be as simple as recognising a colleague’s hard work and making them feel appreciated.

Family – While aiming for a harmonious household is a significant goal, finding immediate joy could be as simple as taking a weekend stroll with your family.

It’s important to have challenges in life for personal growth, but it’s equally important to simplify things. Some people make life more complicated than it needs to be, but I disagree with that approach. Making life easier can lead to a greater sense of well-being and attract more success.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or off-balance, therapy, Hypnotherapy, and NLP can help you gain insight, clear mental clutter, and restore a sense of calm. These services are available in St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, North London, and across the globe via Zoom 🧠💬.

By Gemma Bailey

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