Hypnotherapy - the power of positive suggestion over physical and emotional problems

Hypnotherapists induce a trance-like state in order to alleviate pain and treat stress-related conditions like asthma. Anne Woodham opens her mind

Hypnotherapy evolved from the work of a controversial 18th century Austrian called Franz Anton Mesmer. Although Mesmer was eventually branded a charlatan and 'mesmerism' denounced, his followers found that people in a trance state felt no pain if told they would feel none. This encouraged a 19th century Scottish surgeon, James Braid, to explore hypnosis as a possible form of anaesthesia, but the discovery of ether led medical science on a different course.

Sigmund Freud also used some hypnosis in his early psychoanalysis, but the modern form of hypnotherapy was developed in the 1950s and 1960s by the US psychotherapist Milton H. Erickson.

How does it work?
Hypnosis bypasses the conscious or rational mind to make contact with the subconscious that influences mental and physical processes. Quite how it works is still unclear, but it seems that nine out of ten people can be hypnotised by a skilled therapist.

Much depends on the cooperation and willingness of the subject and their personal rapport with the therapist. The best subjects are those who are imaginative and easily absorbed in what they are doing; the most difficult are those who are readily distracted, active and analytical.

In a light trance the patient feels deeply relaxed and ready to accept ego-boosting suggestions such as 'I am confident and easy in new situations.' Most hypnotherapy takes place in a medium trance in which heartbeat, respiration and metabolism are slowed and brainwave frequencies are similar to the alpha waves found during meditation. At this level, pain sensations and allergic reactions are reduced but the patient is aware of their surroundings.