Hypnosis can help ease physical and mental disorders

Though not a panacea, hypnosis holds promise as an effective healing tool.

New evidence suggests the mysterious, age-old technique may produce results for some people with difficult-to-treat conditions. Here’s how:

Subconscious at work

Hypnosis creates a trancelike state of heightened concentration in which the unconscious mind becomes open to ideas and suggestions. In one option, a trained hypnotherapist may induce a condition of deep relaxation and focus.

This can be done by having you focus on a swinging pocket watch, a spot on the wall, an imaginary picture, or other cue while relaxing. Once hypnotized, your mind may be more willing to consider new ways of approaching specific problems or conditions.

You can also learn to provide your own cues. This may allow you to enter a state of drowsiness in which you are able to practice self-hypnosis on yourself.

Either way, research indicates that the process of hypnosis alters levels of brain chemicals that can influence various parts of your body.

A person with asthma, for example, can picture air easily moving through the breathing tubes during inhalation and expiration. The unconscious mind then sends these thoughts as nerve impulses throughout the body. This can affect the lungs and other organs as well as the nervous system, hormone production, and the immune system in ways that are not possible in ordinary states of consciousness.

Responsive disorders

Based on the research I’ve seen, specific conditions may improve with hypnosis as part of the treatment plan. These include:

Digestive problems. A study of 204 patients with irritable bowel syndrome found that 71 percent had less abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation after 12 one-hour hypnotherapy sessions, most maintaining their improvement for up to five years.

Another study of 126 patients with chronic indigestion showed that those who received hypnosis had fewer symptoms than those who received medications or counseling.

Skin disorders. Patients treated with hypnosis got rid of warts and had fewer problems with dermatitis, psoriasis and rosacea.

Painful conditions. Arthritis, fibromyalgia, back or neck pain, and headache may improve with hypnosis. An analysis found that hypnosis relieved chronic pain in 75 percent of the people studied. Other painful conditions amenable to hypnosis include labor and delivery, recovery from surgery and cancer.

Mental health problems. Insomnia, stress, fears, panic attacks and other forms of anxiety may respond to hypnosis as a form of relaxation training.

Allergic disorders. Hypnosis can help restore balance in the immune system; the results may have beneficial effects on allergies and asthma as well as autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Harmful habits. Smoking, teeth grinding, nail biting and hair pulling may be easier to control with hypnosis.

Weight loss. Hypnotherapy can help shape healthier eating habits and enhance motivation to keep off unwanted pounds.

Finding a therapist

First consult your doctor if you’re interested in pursuing hypnosis for a particular health problem. The mind-body approach usually doesn’t stand alone, but needs to be integrated with other facets of your medical care. Check your insurance plan to see if it covers hypnosis.

The next step is to look for a reputable hypnotherapist. Your doctor may be able to refer you to someone in your area. If not, you can contact the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, an organization that strives to ensure appropriate training among its members that can provide a listing of certified practitioners.

In addition, many books and audiotapes provide do-it-yourself instruction on self-hypnosis.

For more information: American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, www.asch.net.

Contact Dr. Elizabeth Smoots, a board-certified family physician and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, at doctor@practicalprevention.com. Her columns are not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Before adhering to any recommendations in this column consult your healthcare provider.

2006 Elizabeth S. Smoots.