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.

About 10 per cent of the population can be taken into a deep trance that is like a sleepwalking state. The eyes are open, yet minor operations can be performed without anaesthesia and people can be regressed into infancy.

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.

What to watch out for
Hypnotherapy may not be suitable for people with severe depression, psychosis or epilepsy. Hypnotherapists say that it is impossible to hypnotise anyone against their will, but the risk of exploitation or abuse cannot be ruled out. In the 'false memory' controversy, critics believe that incidents of childhood sexual abuse are planted in suggestible subjects.

How much does it cost?
Treatment usually consists of hourly or half hourly weekly sessions, the number of which depends on the problem being addressed. Fees vary widely according to location and the qualifications of the therapist.

How can I find it?
It is important that you choose a trustworthy qualified practitioner. Your GP may be able to refer you to an NHS psychologist practising hypnosis.

The following organisations can refer you to members of professional bodies whose training meets certain standards.

British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis
Doctors and dentists practising hypnosis
4 Kirkwood Avenue, Cookridge, Leeds LS16 7JU
Tel 07000 560 309
www.bsmdh.org

National Council for Hypnotherapy
Umbrella organisation for non-medical hypnotherapists
PO Box 5779, Burton on the Wolds, Loughborough LE12 5ZF
Freephone 0800 952 0545
www.hypnotherapists.org.uk

Psychotherapeutic or psychoanalytic hypnotherapists should be members of the following professional bodies:
British Psychological Society
St Andrews House, 48 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7DR
Tel 0116 254 9568
www.bps.org.uk

British Association of Counselling
1 Regent Place, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2PJ
Tel 01788 550899
www.counselling.co.uk

United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP)
167-9 Great Portland Street, London W1N 5FB
Tel 020 7436 3002
www.psychotherapy.org.uk