Hypnotherapy: A Versatile Health Care Tool

What do all of these ailments have in common?

· Irritable bowel syndrome

· Tension headaches

· Alopecia areata

· Asthma

· Phobias

· Insomnia

· Addictions

· Bedwetting

· Fibromyalgia

· Phobias

· Labor and delivery

· Skin disorders [such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema (atopic dermatitis)]

· Stress

· Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

· Cancer-related pain

· Weight loss

· Eating disorders

· Warts

· Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Every one of these has been treated successfully with hypnotherapy . For over half a century, it has been a recognized therapy by both the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association. In fact, over 10 years ago, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) began recommending

hypnotherapy

as a treatment for chronic pain.

Myths abound about hypnosis

, so let’s dispel a few. First of all, a hypnotist cannot control a person’s mind or free will. When hypnotized, the person is in a state of deep relaxation and a very focused state of consciousness, but it is not some kind of bewitched trance. Actually, through hypnosis, one can learn to master one’s state of awareness and control bodily functions and psychological responses, thus its popularity in treating anxiety and addictions.

Also, no swinging pendulum is necessary to achieve a hypnotic state, although some people may prefer to do it in the classic fashion by the grandfather of hypnotherapy, Franz Anton Mesmer, an 18^th century Austrian physician, from whom we get the word “mesmerized.” Since 1995, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recommended hypnotherapy as a treatment for chronic pain.

Hypnosis works by helping us revisit events that may have caused unhealthy psychological reactions, some of which then have physical components. The therapist presents images or words than lead you to become very physically relaxed while your thoughts become more focused. In this highly alert state, many become very responsive to suggestion, e.g., that you now abhor the taste of cigarettes. Or those with panic attacks may be given the relevant suggestion that they will now be able to relax at any time. While some people respond well to hypnotic suggestion, others may not react as well.

Hypnotherapists generally teach their patients or clients the basics of self-hypnosis, often with audiotapes for home use, so that the learning can be reinforced at home. This can enhance the sense of control, which is especially important in cases of chronic pain.

Therapy sessions generally last about an hour, and many see results in four to ten sessions. Children may respond even faster. Hypnosis is used in a variety of settings by health care professionals in places such as emergency rooms to dental offices to outpatient clinics. Clinical studies suggest that hypnosis may improve immune function, increase relaxation, decrease stress, and ease pain and feelings of anxiety, e.g., before medical or dental procedures.

A number of health care service providers find hypnotherapy a useful tool for helping their patients. Hypnotherapists include physicians, registered nurses, social workers, psychologists, counselors, as well as dentists and podiatrists. Training and certification in hypnotherapy is available from a variety of reputable institutions for those who wish to offer this ancient yet very modern healing strategy.