Does hypnotherapy work for pain relief?

The first time I saw a hypnotherapist was when I was about 12 years old. She had been recommended to me by a doctor. From the moment I walked through her door, I knew that this set-up was not going to work for me. There was an overpowering smell of incense which hit me when I walked in. I looked around and there were so many fairy items; ornaments, pictures, dolls and books. She wore a hippy style top, a long skirt, white ankle socks and shoes which I think were meant to resemble something along the lines of trainers. Being 12 I did find her choice of fashion amusing but i was not there to judge her. The woman asked my mother to wait in the next room whilst i had the session. She told me about the diner party she had just hosted for her ghost friends and relatives. She then proceeded to tell me about witchcraft. I was expecting her to produce her cauldron at this point. She gave me a piece of paper with a fairy ring scrawl on it. I must assure you that i try to respect the beliefs of others providing that these beliefs are not forced upon me.  I only had one more appointment with her.

So my introduction to hypnosis wasn't the best, but could it really work? A friend of one of my teachers was studying hypnosis and suggested me as her case study. I went along for my appointment expecting cauldrons, broom sticks, pointy hats and a black cat. Ok, so she did have a black cat but she seemed very 'normal'. During the hypnosis process I was fighting myself not to go to sleep as I knew snoring was not part of the treatment. I had ten free sessions with this lovely lady (and her black cat!) but I wasn't reaching the hypnotic trance everyone was going on about.

A leaflet was put up at the gym I am meant to attend(!) about a lady offering a free taster session in hypnotherapy. I was not impressed on going, but my family asked me what there was to lose in having a free appointment. I turned up extremely sceptical about the whole thing. I soon found out from the lady that where I was going wrong was not allowing my subconscious mind to take over and if that meant going to sleep then that is part of the process. She told me that she didn't mind snoring and dribbling in her sessions! At the end of the session I had already booked five further sessions. The feeling of relaxation was wonderful.

I went to the gym today to see this hypnotist (I think it was my 14th appointment with her). We were discussing pain management and she tried a technique called 'glove anaesthesia'. By the end of the appointment I couldn't notice any difference in pain. My Grandmother gave birth to my mother under hypnosis. Everyone around her was rushing around trying to give her gas and air etc. her doctor said "she won't be needing any of that". My Grandmother kept opening and closing her hands as she had been taught to do and with no struggle or pain she gave birth to a healthy baby. This was during the 1950's which makes the story even more unbelievable.

As for me? I am a bit sceptical that it will work for my chronic pain, but I will keep practicing!