Hypnotherapy - the power of mind over body

Helping to beat stress
More scientific evidence exists to back hypnotherapy than almost any other complementary therapy. Randomised trials show that hypnosis can relieve irritable bowel syndrome and asthma, and alleviate cancer-related anxiety, pain, nausea and vomiting. Other research shows that it helps people control stress and anxiety before surgery and childbirth, and a recent US study has found that hypnosis can actually prevent weakening of the immune system after periods of acute stress.

At the initial session, the hypnotherapist will ask about physical and mental health and the motivation for treatment. There are several methods of hypnosis, but in the most common, known as 'classical induction,' the patient lies on a reclining chair or couch and in a soothing voice the therapist suggests that they feel heavy and relaxed. The patient may be asked to imagine descending steps or going down in a lift.

Positive thought
While in a light to medium trance, the hypnotherapist may suggest, for example, that smoking is no longer pleasurable or necessary, or, if a person suffers from arthritis, that the pain can be turned down like the volume on a radio. A hypnotherapist trained in medicine or psychotherapy may go further to deal with the root of the problem and help change an attitude or examine underlying feelings of guilt or fear.

A patient may be taught techniques of self-hypnosis to cope with daily living. Those with phobias or stress-related illnesses are given post-hypnotic suggestions to relax and control an attack before it can take hold. For some people, this induced trance could be the first time they have experienced deep relaxation, and it acts as an example to help them relax at will after treatment.

What is it good for?
Hypnotherapy is good for stress-related conditions such as anxiety, asthma, insomnia, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies and eczema. It can also help with pain relief, especially during labour and dental treatment, addictions such as compulsive eating, smoking and alcohol dependency, as well as fears, phobias, lack of confidence, inhibitions and sexual problems.