Does Hypnosis Work? What You Need to Know ... and to Watch Out For
by www.SixWise.com
Hypnosis has long been a favorite trick of comedians and
magicians alike. Grab an unsuspecting audience member, swing
a pocket watch in front of their face while chanting "you
are getting sleepy" -- and then order the hypnotized
person to cluck like a chicken, sing opera and do any number
of other humiliating antics.
|
The type of hypnosis used for stage acts has little
in common with the type given by licensed hypnotherapists.
|
Good for a laugh, yes, but does hypnosis really work?
Well, when used in the manner described above, it's anyone's
guess, but in more serious situations it turns out that hypnosis
may be far from a laughing matter. In fact, numerous studies
have shown that it may actually be an effective tool for everything
from pain relief to overcoming food cravings.
What IS Hypnosis?
There are several types of recognized hypnosis (all of which
are very different from the entertainment version described
above). These include:
-
A hypnotherapist talking to you gently and describing
relaxing images. Once you are relaxed, the therapist suggests
ways for you to achieve certain goals.
-
A hypnotherapist describing specific mental images that
help you to visualize what you want to achieve.
-
Self-hypnosis, in which a hypnotherapist teaches you
how to hypnotize yourself to achieve certain goals.
During all of these methods, you are not controlled by the
hypnotherapist, nor do you lose consciousness. Instead, according
to the Mayo Clinic:
Although no one is sure exactly why hypnosis can be beneficial
for some people, it is generally described as a type of mind-body
medicine that helps you to put
your focus on a desired outcome.
What Does the Science Say?
|
During hypnosis, you are completely conscious. Yet,
while your body is relaxed, your mind is extremely focused.
|
Many preliminary studies have verified the benefits of hypnotherapy.
For instance, the National Institutes of Health has approved
hypnosis as a relaxation method that can treat chronic pain.
Further, according to the Mayo Clinic, studies suggest that
hypnotherapy may help:
-
Change negative behaviors, such as smoking, bed-wetting
and overeating
-
Reduce or eliminate fears, stress and anxiety
-
Treat pain during childbirth and reduce labor time
-
Control pain during dental and surgical procedures
-
Relieve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS)
-
Lower blood pressure
-
Control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
-
Reduce the intensity or frequency of headaches, including
migraines
-
Treat and ease the symptoms of asthma
-
Hasten the healing of some skin diseases, including warts,
psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
Getting even more specific:
-
A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute
found that a brief hypnosis session prior to breast-cancer
surgery reduced women's pain, discomfort and costs after
surgery.
-
A study in Pain found that women who used self-hypnosis
during a breast biopsy experienced less anxiety and pain
than women who received standard care.
What to Know About Hypnosis
If you are thinking of trying hypnosis, you should be aware
that it is not a regulated field, so you must be sure to find
a reputable hypnotist. Generally, a hypnotist is considered
to be certified if they have completed more than 200 hours
of hypnosis training. You may also be able to find a psychologist,
doctor or social worker who has trained in hypnotherapy and
offers this along with their usual services.
No matter who you choose, be sure to ask for references,
where they received their training and what their sessions
entail. In general, you should ask them the same types of
questions you would ask any health care practitioner.
A typical session lasts from 30 to 60 minutes, and you will
generally bring yourself out of the hypnosis at the end. Keep
in mind that you will probably remember the entire session,
and will not be controlled by the hypnotist. In fact, it is
nearly impossible for someone to become hypnotized against
their will.
While most hypnosis, when conducted by a reputable therapist,
is considered safe, you should avoid hypnotherapy that claims
to restore your lost memories. In these cases, someone could
actually suggest memories to you that did not actually happen,
causing you emotional harm.
In general, however, hypnotherapy can be a beneficial supporting
tool for those looking for pain relief, behavioral changes
(to quit smoking, lose weight, etc.) or a relaxation technique
to help relieve stress.
Recommended Reading
Shopping
as a Form of Therapy? According to Some Research, You Bet!
How
Does the Way You Think Impact Your Health?
Sources
Journal
of the National Cancer Institute 2007 Sep 5;99(17):1304-12.
Pain.
2006 Dec 15;126(1-3):155-64.
MayoClinic.com