Why Choose Complementary Therapies for Pain?

Pain is not just a physical sensation. Studies show that it is amplified by thoughts, emotions, and even the way we react to it. This phenomenon is known as secondary suffering—the emotional burden we carry when we resist or fear pain.

Neuroscience research reveals that pain is processed in various areas of the brain, each with a specific role:

Primary somatosensory cortex: This region is responsible for processing sensory information from the body, such as the location and intensity of pain. It is where the brain “feels” physical pain.

Prefrontal cortex: This part of the brain is linked to decision-making, inhibitory control, and social functions. In the context of pain, it helps cognitively reevaluate discomfort, allowing you to cope with it better.

Anterior cingulate cortex: This area is involved in emotional regulation and the perception of discomfort. It’s as if it’s responsible for “assigning meaning” to pain, influencing how much it bothers us.

Insula: Related to bodily awareness and emotions, the insula connects physical pain with emotional experience, amplifying or reducing suffering.

This is where complementary therapies for pain, such as Mindfulness and Hypnosis, make all the difference. They act directly on these areas, helping to reduce the intensity of pain and transform how you perceive it.

Mindfulness: Transforming Your Relationship with Pain

Mindfulness, or full attention, is a practice that teaches you to observe the present moment without judgment. When applied to pain, it helps separate the physical sensation from the thoughts about it—like “this will never go away” or “I can’t handle this.”

In the WeMind Pain Program, you’ll find 90 structured sessions that teach you how to transform your relationship with pain. This is one of WeMind’s standout features: a complete journey that begins with short 5-minute practices and evolves into deeper sessions of up to 20 minutes. Among the techniques used are:

Body scan: A practice that invites you to observe each part of your body with full attention. Instead of trying to “escape” the pain, you learn to recognize and accept it as part of the experience, reducing its emotional impact.

Labeling thoughts and sensations: This technique teaches you to identify and name what you’re feeling—”this is a thought” or “this is a sensation.” This helps reduce secondary suffering and create a new perspective on pain.

Kindness and acceptance: The program also emphasizes treating yourself with compassion, recognizing that pain is part of the human experience. This acceptance reduces tension and creates space for relief.

Studies show that Mindfulness can significantly reduce perceived pain and improve the mood of people with chronic pain. In a classic study by Kabat-Zinn et al. (1985), patients reported less pain and a higher quality of life after practicing Mindfulness regularly.

Additionally, research by Zeidan et al. (2015) reveals that Mindfulness decreases activity in the primary somatosensory cortex, reducing the physical sensation of pain, while increasing connectivity in the prefrontal cortex, helping to reevaluate discomfort more rationally.

Imagine being in the middle of a busy day and, instead of being overwhelmed by pain, you can take a deep breath, observe what you’re feeling, and move forward with more calm and clarity. That’s what Mindfulness offers.

Discover how Mindfulness can transform your physical and mental health.

Hypnosis: Reprogramming the Perception of Pain

Hypnosis is another powerful tool for pain relief. Unlike what many imagine, it’s not about “losing control,” but rather about accessing a deep state of focus where the brain can respond differently to painful stimuli.

Studies show that Hypnosis can reduce pain intensity by up to 27%, and for people with high hypnotic suggestibility, this number can reach 42% (Thompson et al., 2019). In the WeMind Pain Program, Hypnosis is used to:

Reconfigure the perception of pain: During the hypnotic state, the brain learns to interpret pain signals less intensely, reducing discomfort.

Analgesic suggestions: Specific techniques help create a sense of relief and relaxation, even in situations of acute pain.

Reduce anxiety associated with pain: Hypnosis also addresses the emotional component of pain, helping you feel calmer and more in control.

Research by Faymonville et al. (2000) shows that Hypnosis modulates activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, reducing the emotional discomfort associated with pain. It’s as if this area “reprograms” how the brain perceives discomfort, making it more manageable.

With Hypnosis, you can learn to focus on what truly matters, while pain becomes just background noise.

How the WeMind Pain Program Can Help You

The WeMind Pain Program is a guided journey that combines Mindfulness and Hypnosis to transform your relationship with pain. With 90 structured sessions, it offers a complete path for those seeking real and sustainable relief.

Here’s what Larissa, a user of the app, shared on Google Play:
“The best guided meditation app (Mindfulness) with scientific backing created by doctors from USP (University of Sao Paulo). It has several meditation options, including for chronic pain (and it was the only one I found with this option). Highly recommended as a tool aligned with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.”

In addition to techniques like body scan and analgesic suggestions, the program also teaches you to cultivate resilience and emotional intelligence, helping you better handle daily challenges.

Less pain means more energy for work, more patience with family, and more willingness to enjoy life. And all of this is possible with just a few minutes a day.

Conclusion

You don’t have to live as a prisoner of pain. Complementary therapies for pain, such as Mindfulness and Hypnosis, are accessible, powerful, and scientifically proven tools to transform your relationship with discomfort. With the WeMind Pain Program, you can discover how your mind can become your greatest ally in pain relief.

Try 7 days free on the WeMind app and take the first step toward a life with more ease and balance. Your mind is your sanctuary—take care of it.