Many people still believe that "Psychosomatic" is a dirty word. They immediately think that it means one is pretending. Psychosomatic illness really means that the illness finds its roots in the mind (psychological) as opposed to being organic. Psychosomatic comes from two root words - psycho (psyche) meaning the mind, and soma meaning the body. So, psychosomatic symptom does not mean it is not "real." It just means the physical symptoms you are seeing and feeling are caused by psychological or emotional stress and anxiety. The saying "We are what we think" is a clear example of psychosomatic in action. A better or more accepted term is the "Mind-Body" Connection.
Recently I came across someone I know who was explaining to others about having severe migraine headache. He was requesting input from others as to whether they know of ways of healing that ailment. If any of you have experienced migraine headache, you can empathise just how painful and debilitating this can be. Generally four categories of solutions were raised. The first - the use of pharmaceuticals. The second, to have proper scanning (medical check up) to rule out any organic problem. The third was the suggestions to explore "natural cure" (in this case the use of herbs and other fruits and plants). And finally the fourth was in regards to a psychological cause. You will not be surprised to know that the first two were readily accepted. The third was "okay" as well - although with a little more hesitation. The fourth was, for me the most interesting. It drew an immediate defensive response as in "Are you saying I am crazy?" That was quickly followed with a "Ok. I will stop you right there. Thank you."
A very "normal" response. I have seen many people many times respond in the same manner. Sadly though, while it is a normal response - in my opinion, not all together healthy or wise unfortunately. But can't really blame them. It comes from years of socialized values. A faulty belief system.
Pharmaceuticals - I have never been a fan of this, although I do admit they are oftentimes what seems the fastest way to relieve any bodily discomfort or pain. It's the "magic bullet" syndrome. Pop a pill, and all is well. But is it really? Not even considering the cost of pills these days - keep in mind we are putting into our body some chemical manufactured in a lab to ease our discomfort. Almost all medication has some side effect. Sometimes the side effects can be worse than the original problem. This is especially so with long term use.
The medical check-up is certainly a good idea. Check to see if there is a medical condition present. It may well save your life if for example you find some unusual growth that may turn out to be, God forbid, cancerous. Or perhaps, you may find that there is indication of hypertension. This is, of course, very treatable.
Third is perhaps a much healthier approach to healing. Unfortunately in our fast paced world, many complain it doesn't alleviate the pain quite so immediately as do pills - although this is not always the case. This third category can also include many traditional way of healing. These are now often termed CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medication) in the medical world. And they are gaining popularity (or regaining I should say) because of their efficacy.
The final approach in regards to something psychological is the least understood and least accepted. That's just too bad because even medical doctors have conceded that many disorders find their roots in one's psychology. Even if it is not the root cause, how we think can exacerbate a physical or medical condition. Take depression as an example. While the treatment of choice is to use medication (or drugs) to help the individual, that alone rarely if ever solves the problem. That's because we are usually just treating the symptom and not the cause of the illness. Psychotherapy should be included in the treatment prescribed.
Psychotherapy or counselling or, in today's world where there is a need to use euphemism, consultation is perhaps a much more benign term to use - can be effectively used to help the person in achieving well-being. Both psychological (emotional) and physical. One of the fastest (and effective) way to help deal with this is through the use of hypnosis (in this case - hypnotherapy).
Hypnotherapy can be a most effective way of helping one deal with stress, depression, and anxiety. Those may be the very root causes for one's migraine headaches. This treatment modality (or more accurately treatment approach or technique) believes in healing by altering our mindset or thinking. If it is a problem that finds its roots in the psyche (the mind), what better way to overcome it by taking a look at one's mind. And this in no way suggests that one is "crazy." It simply says, the mind is a very powerful part of our entire being. This mind (and how we use it) can make us "sick" or make us "healthy." We have the choice, and more importantly we all have that power to heal ourselves (with our mind).
If you want to heal - keep an open mind.
Peace,
Syl
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