Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy or guided hypnosis is a form of psychotherapy that uses relaxation, extreme concentration, and intense attention to achieve a heightened state of consciousness or mindfulness. In other words, it places the individual into a “trance” or altered state of awareness.
This form of therapy is considered alternative medicine with the purpose of utilising one’s mind to help reduce or alleviate a variety of issues, such as psychological distress, phobias, and unhealthy, destructive, or dangerous habits (i.e. smoking and/or drinking).
The aim of hypnotherapy is to create a positive change in an individual, while he/she is in a state of unconsciousness or slumber (sleep) as they are unusually responsive to an idea or image in this state.
How does hypnosis work?
When something happens to us, we remember it and learn a particular behaviour in response to what happened. Each time something similar happens, our physical and emotional reactions attached to the memory are repeated. Sometimes these reactions are unhealthy. In some forms of hypnotherapy, a trained therapist guides you to remember the event that led to the first reaction, separate the memory from the learned behaviour, and replace unhealthy behaviours with new, healthier ones.
During hypnosis, the body relaxes, and thoughts become more focused. The conscious mind becomes less alert and the subconscious mind becomes more focused. Like other relaxation techniques, hypnosis lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and changes certain types of brain wave activity.
In this hypnotic state people can explore painful thoughts, feelings, and memories they might have hidden from their conscious minds. In addition, hypnosis enables people to perceive some things differently, such as blocking an awareness of pain.
What illnesses or conditions respond well to hypnosis?
Hypnosis is used in a variety of settings, from emergency rooms to dental offices to outpatient clinics. Clinical studies suggest that hypnosis may improve immune function, increase relaxation, decrease stress, and ease pain and feelings of anxiety.
Other problems or conditions that may respond to hypnotherapy include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Phobias
- Fibromyalgia
- Tension headaches
- Insomnia
- Phobias
- Alopecia areata
- Addictions
- Labour and delivery
- Asthma
- Bedwetting
- Skin disorders, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Weight loss
- Warts
- Cancer-related pain
- Eating disorders
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Smoking cessation
- Reduced pain in burn patients & speed up healing
- Reduce fear before medical/dental procedures
- Reduce fear before medical/dental procedures
- Decreased use of pain medication
- Fewer complications and satisfying birth experience among women in labour
- Less surgical intervention
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