Eimer's well written book is targeted at chronic pain sufferers who have not responded to conventional medical or drug treatment.  When one finds that pain persists despite applying appropriate medical intervention then that pain signal has outlived its usefulness and one can then decide to manage that pain using techniques such as  self hypnosis and hypnosis.  Recognising that everyone is unique in his or her expression and experience of pain, and that no one technique suits everyone, Eimer clearly describes and makes understandable for the lay person, a large number of techniques and strategies based on self hypnosis which may be of help in pain management. 
Self hypnosis is an empowering technique which not only allows one  to understand the message of pain at a subconscious level, but also helps one to manage the pain.  Unlike conventional medicine, self hypnosis has no side effects and can be used as an adjunct to traditional medical treatment.  However the reader is warned to take self responsibility and seek/obtain medical opinion on diagnosis and treatment prior to using self hypnosis.  

This book is divided into two sections and in my opinion the reader will obtain maximum value from this book if they read it from start to finish.  Part 1 of the book informs the reader about the characteristics of pain and explains what hypnosis is all about.  Pain is a signal telling you that something is wrong and to heed this warning and seek help.  Pain which is persistent enforces limits on one's life and robs one of the freedom to live life effectively and fully. 
Reading Part 1 will encourage the reader to begin the process of change by reflecting and evaluating  their own experience of pain, by rating it, examining its history and pattern and existing coping strategies.  This evaluation is thought provoking and causes one to consider a very important question 'Do I want to get better?'  In turn this leads one to query one's level of motivation to work at getting better. Hypnosis and self hypnosis can help one uncover the source of pain and tackle blocks to healing such as poor lifestyle choices and so on. The author also provides a pain description questionnaire covering 30 multi-factor pain groupings. Using this to analyse one's expression of pain gives clues to identifying beneficial opposing qualities which can in turn be helpful  in setting goals for  how we want to feel instead. By examining one's coping strategies, one determines where one exists on the continuum between avoidance and awareness.