What is an aura?

An aura is an early warning sign that a migraine is about to occur. It consists of visual symptoms such as a distortion of figures or shapes, as well as flashing lights, zigzag lines, and blind spots in your vision. These symptoms can interfere with reading, TV watching, and be especially dangerous when driving.

Even though the visual disturbances may seem to be located in the eyes, it is actually coming from the brain.

Due to extensive research, scientists now know that the migraine aura is NOT due to a lack of blood flow to the brain, and nor the result of a narrowing of the brain’s blood vessels. An aura is actually caused by hyper-excited nerves in the brain that are activated just prior to the onset of migraine pain.

Studies have shown that these excited nerves in the visual processing areas of the brain, give rise to the aura-type visual disturbances. The migraines with aura are also known as ocular migraines.

Not the same thing.

An ocular migraine is not the same thing as a classic migraine. Classic migraines usual display all the symptoms such as severe pain, nausea, vomiting, as well as sensitivity to light or sound, and even temporary vision loss.

An ocular migraine that involves visual disturbances, may on occasion develop without the severe pain of the classic migraine. However, like any migraine, the symptoms are temporary and do pass, and ocular migraines are not any more serious than classic migraines.

Survey results indicate that approximately 20% of migraine sufferers, experience the aura warning symptoms of an approaching migraine attack.

Hypnosis for migraines.

Since the 1970’s, intensive research has indicated that hypnotherapy can help migraine sufferers manage their pain symptoms. When aura, as well as classic symptoms are experienced, signalling an impending migraine attack, hypnosis can be especially useful.

Hypnotherapy will teach you how to recognise the symptoms of a migraine, and show you how to be in a relaxed state before the migraine occurs. Studies have shown that the pain can then be greatly reduced when you have learned how to help yourself.

How hypnosis works.

Hypnosis works by accessing the subconscious mind and when in a relaxed state, makes use of your imagination to help you form positive images to cope with physical symptoms you may be feeling. The therapist will counsel you on ways to focus and concentrate by using the power of your mind to deal with the physical sensations.

In addition to helping you deal with pain, hypnosis is also very effective to deal with stress and anxiety, which often descends into a full-blown migraine.

The actual causes of migraines are not fully understood, but it is thought by many experts that poor sleep patterns, and poor eating habits, may be among the triggers. Studies have shown that hypnotherapy may help you to make the necessary lifestyle and diet changes to prevent the onset of migraines.

What exactly is hypnosis?

Unfortunately, many folk have the wrong idea of hypnosis. They tend to associate hypnosis with the silly so-called stage hypnotists, and find it somewhat difficult to take the idea of medical hypnosis seriously.

Hypnosis is simply a state of deep relaxation which allows a therapist to access the subconscious mind, and make positive suggestions that can help to renew your mind and banish negativity.

Medical hypnosis is a recognised science which has been successfully employed in helping folk to cope with pain and the physical symptoms of severe migraine attacks.

The therapist may use a combination of factors cognitive behavioural therapy, and resource therapy, both of which is very helpful to help overcome migraine symptoms and the associated pain.