Hypnosis is not just an entertainer's trick to please and amuse crowds. Hypnotherapists are helping migraineurs ease their pain. Sometimes they are even able to relieve other migraine symptoms like vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound, too.

The hypnotist's goal is to relax patients into a trancelike state in order to access their subconscious mind. A good therapist will then place gentle suggestions in the subconscious that will help migraineurs deal with their pain by changing how they perceive it.

Rather than focusing on pain perception, some hypnotherapists work with patients to learn to identify and avoid their personal migraine triggers. This can be doubly effective for migraineurs who smoke if it is one of their triggers. Hypnotherapy has been a recognized smoking cessation technique for decade.

Some patients enjoy this type of therapy so much, since it usually very relaxing, that they decide, either on their own or with the aid of a therapist, to learn self-hypnosis. Oxford Hypnotherapy has a free downloadable book and audio course available on their website for people who would like to learn more about self-hypnosis. You can find it at http://www.hypnos.info/pages/freeselfhypnosis.html.

Hypnotherapy is an excellent option for patients who do not respond to traditional migraine therapies. It is a great alternative for those who are either sensitive to migraine medications or are unable to take them for medical reasons. Hypnotherapy is highly recommended for migraineur women trying to avoid medications during a pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Hypnosis is not magic. Patients are not under a spell or in the thrall of the person who puts them into the trance. Hypnotherapy is an interactive process between therapist and patient.

Hypnotherapy should only be undertaken with a certified hypnotherapist. To find a good one, check with the American Association of Professional Hypnotherapist (online at www.aaph.org) or the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists (www.natboard.com).