We have already talked about what hypnosis is and how it is experienced. Hypnosis is a useful tool for many psychological problems. But, What about hypnosis and medical conditions? Hypnosis is gaining the place it deserves among medical professionals. The progress is gradual, but I believe it is real. Many clinical trials have investigated the impact of hypnosis on medical conditions. There is now widespread acceptance of mind-body interactions in health and disease, particularly the role of chronic stress on the functions of the nervous, endocrine and immunological systems. Researchers are finding a scientific basis for using mind-body interventions, including hypnotherapy, in medical conditions. Below is a list of some medical disorders for which hypnosis has been helpful.
Allergy and asthma
We know the cellular and molecular mechanisms for allergies. However, we may regard allergies as a form of psychosomatic disorder too. We know that there are strong relationships between the immune system and the mind. Many papers show the positive impact of hypnotherapy for allergic conditions. For example, hypnosis can help control asthma. Asthmatic patients show a better response to treatment and are less dependant on their medications. Skin allergic reactions also get better by hypnosis.
Pain
Pain control is one of the well-established areas where hypnotherapy may be of help. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of hypnotherapy for pain relief. Hypnotherapy is potentially helpful in controlling chronic pain conditions such as chronic headaches, back pain, joint pains and cancer-induced pain. Chronic pain is a complex interaction of mind and body; therefore, it can get some benefit from hypnosis.
Skin disorders
Skin is the organ susceptible to changes in our mental states. We know that with stress, many skin disorders get worse. Research shows that Conditions like warts, eczema, psoriasis, alopecia areata, neurodermatitis and ichthyosis can benefit from hypnotherapy. Hypnosis may also be helpful to help itching and control behaviours like scratching.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Hypnotherapy has shown to help Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS). Hypnotherapy may only relieve symptoms of IBS but also improve the patient’s quality of life. There are also other GI disorders like functional abdominal pain that may get benefit from hypnosis.
Obesity
Hypnosis can help clients control their eating behaviour and establish motives for healthy eating.
Oncology
Research shows that hypnosis may help control nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy. Hypnosis can also help cancer patients manage pain and reduce procedure anxieties.
Chronic tinnitus
Hypnosis is helpful in the treatment of chronic tinnitus.
You can see here a more comprehensive list of the medical conditions that can benefit from hypnosis.
To sum up, hypnosis is a non-invasive mind-body intervention that can be helpful in many medical conditions. The critical thing to remember is that all these medical conditions need to be investigated by medical professionals. Medical therapies should be carefully followed. Hypnosis is not meant to replace any medical therapy. Hypnosis is helpful only as an adjunct to medical treatment.
