What issues or conditions respond well to hypnosis?
Hypnosis is used in a variety of settings – from emergency rooms to dental offices to outpatient clinics – to relieve conditions with an emotional or psychological component. Studies suggest that hypnosis may improve immune function, increase relaxation, decrease stress, and ease feelings of anxiety.
Fear and Anxiety
Hypnotherapy is effective in reducing the fear and anxiety that accompany pain and uncomfortable medical or dental procedures. For example, when used during an operation, hypnosis may improve recovery time and decrease anxiety as well as pain, following the surgery. Clinical trials on burn patients suggest that hypnosis decreases pain (enough to replace pain medication) and speeds healing. Generally, studies indicate that using hypnosis can lessen your need for medication, improve your mental and physical condition before an operation, and reduce the time it takes to recover. Dentists also use hypnotherapy to control gagging and bleeding.
Managing Pain
A hypnotherapist can teach you self-regulation skills. For instance, someone with arthritis may be told that he or she can turn down pain like the volume on a radio. Hypnotherapy can also be an effective tool for managing chronic illness. Self-hypnosis can enhance a sense of control, which is often eroded by chronic illness. Children may benefit the most from hypnosis, probably because they are most easily hypnotized.
Children
Studies on children in emergency treatment centers show that hypnotherapy reduces fear, anxiety, and discomfort and improves self-control and cooperation with medical personnel.
In another study, 83 percent of children significantly or completely recovered from the following:
Other issues or conditions that respond well to hypnotherapy include:
inflammatory bowel diseases (namely, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
sleep disorders, including insomnia
addictions
warts
bedwetting
fibromyalgia
irritable bowel syndrome
phobias
labor and delivery
fractures
skin disorders (such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema [atopic dermatitis])
migraine and tension headaches
stress/relaxation techniques
tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
cancer related pain
emotional pain
weight loss and management
eating disorders, namely anorexia and bulimia
indigestion (dyspepsia)
self image
confidence
sports ability
memory enhancement
public speaking
sales ability
sexual disorders
panic attacks/fears
insomnia
goal setting/test anxiety
motivation
creativity
trust issues
inner child
abuse/trauma
mind/body healing
and much more