As everyone knows and even the name suggests, rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases generally affecting people between the age group of 30-60 yrs. It is mainly characterized by inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling and rarely joint destruction. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis experience severe pain and difficulty in performing everyday tasks.
Need for Alternative Treatments
The cause of this painful auto-immune disease still remains a mystery and the treatment for this debilitating condition depends on painkillers and exercises. Even after following the conventional treatments, most arthritic patients are not relieved from the pain. Hence it is observed that many chronic sufferers are now turning towards alternative and complementary methods of treatment.
Research on Hypnotherapy for Arthritis
According to a research study conducted by Bryan Bennett and colleagues at Bangor University, hypnotherapy and mental imagery can be helpful in alleviating arthritic pain. The research findings were presented at the British Psychological Society’s Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference. This conference was held at the University of Bath from 9th to 12th September 2008.
The Hypnotherapy Technique
The research study was conducted to observe the effectiveness of hypnotherapy and various visualization techniques in alleviating arthritic pain. Researchers asked arthritis sufferers to imagine pain in the form of a person. After completing the visualization, they were asked to thank that person for letting them know that they are suffering from an auto-immune disease. Then the arthritic patients were told to ask that person to leave their body and to visualize that image going away from them by gradually disappearing.
Hypnotherapy is Effective
Researchers observed that hypnotherapy and visualization techniques were greatly effective and beneficial in relieving pain and fatigue caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Bryan Bennett said “All the participants were asked to identify what areas of their life were important to them but were negatively affected due to the RA. By doing so they were taking an active part in their own therapy. By employing the techniques they were taught, they were able to self-treat when necessary – allowing them to control their pain and enabling them to get on with enjoying life.â€
Try Alternative Treatments Too
From the above research study it is proven that besides traditional methods of treatment, arthritic patients can also rely on alternative treatments like hypnotherapy. You can get relief from chronic arthritic pain with the help of various alternative therapies. Instead of sticking to traditional methods, look for other treatment options too. You can ask your physician to suggest the alternative treatments best suited to your condition.
