 |
| Relax... It's The Healthy Choice For You. |
You might not consider the word 'Relaxation' relevant when you think of multiple sclerosis (MS). For those with MS, just living with it is extremely stressful. During a flare up, even the easiest of physical tasks can seem impossible to accomplish. Coping with MS is a huge challenge for the those suffering with it and for their family and friends.
The impact of stress on MS episodes
A major study at the University of California (reported in
the British Medical Journal in March 2004) has proven that the stress of the MS itself is not the end of the story. Researchers discovered that what most of us would refer to as 'ordinary stress' - problems at work, relationship issues, financial worries, etc - is statistically linked to exacerbation of MS symptoms.
[This might sound familiar to many of us with MG as well! That's why we do so well with a 'placid life style'.]
It is now understood, if you are experiencing moderate to high levels of stress in your life in addition to coping with MS, you may be at risk of exacerbation - a triggering of a 'bad episode' (flare).
This connection between the emotions (mind) and the physical symptoms (body) can no doubt be assumed in many other autoimmune diseases as well. Certainly, as mentioned above, many people with myasthenia gravis would agree that is the case.
Why relaxation is good for MS sufferers
Practicing the art of deep relaxation can benefit MS sufferers and others in two ways. First, it reduces your immediate stress levels, bringing you instant relief from the pressures of the present moment. And, if practiced regularly, it can bring down the day-to-day stresses of living with MS. So, by learning how to deeply relax you can actually reduce your risk of exacerbation.
Why hypnosis is a preferred relaxation method - particularly for MS patients
You are probably aware of the benefits of using hypnosis to improve immune function, lower blood pressure, relieve irritable bowel syndrome and to help other health problems. Hypnosis has long been studied and established as a useful tool for treating a myriad of conditions. But did you know that its usefulness in helping MS sufferers has also been studied?
In April of 1997, The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis published a preliminary report on the effectiveness of hypnosis in facilitating healing in a number of different conditions, and specifically in MS.
There were three specific cases of MS considered in the study and all three showed marked improvement either immediately or within several weeks when hypnosis was used to suggest improvement of symptoms. In this way, hypnosis can facilitate the mind body connection for the better.
How Hypnosis and Relaxation can help you
By listening to a hypnosis audio session, you can achieve a deep, therapeutic level of relaxation that would be otherwise difficult to attain. And you'll learn how relax more deeply each time you listen to a session. Soon a feeling of calmness will accompany you - regardless of the external circumstances. In this way the risk of a flare up due to reactions to stressful situations will be reduced.You will soon begin to notice how much calmer and more relaxed you feel - about everything.
Sources: Hypnosis Downloads, "Relaxation for MS" and "Complete Stress Management Pack"
More information at Self Hypnosis USA
No comments:
Post a Comment