A growing body of research supports the benefits of hypnotherapy for a wide range of problems, from managing pain to reducing anxiety and improving performance to encouraging positive behavioural changes.
Some of the benefits of hypnotherapy
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Pain Management
Experiencing chronic pain? Hypnotherapy can help. Research has shown that hypnotherapy can be an effective tool for managing different types of pain, including cancer-related pain, migraines, and even the discomfort associated with IBS (Whorwell et al., 2006). By altering how your mind perceives and processes pain signals, the research shows that one of the benefits of hypnotherapy is to be able to significantly reduce the intensity of your pain.
Anxiety and Stress Reduction
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety are common problems that can seriously impact your health and well-being. Hypnotherapy can help. A meta-analysis of 18 studies found that hypnotherapy was effective in reducing anxiety related to medical procedures (Hammond, 2010). The power of hypnotherapy to promote deep relaxation and change the thought patterns that lead to anxiety can help you manage your stress and lead a calmer, more balanced life.
Performance Enhancement
Looking to improve your performance, whether in sports, academics, or the arts? Hypnotherapy can help. Research has shown that hypnotherapy can help athletes achieve the “zone” state associated with peak performance (Liggett, 2010). But it’s not just for athletes – hypnotherapy can enhance concentration and performance in many areas of life.
Positive Behavioural Change
Struggling to make a positive change in your life? Hypnotherapy can help. Whether you’re trying to quit smoking, lose weight, or overcome a phobia, hypnotherapy can help you change the subconscious beliefs and habits that are holding you back. A review of studies found that adding hypnosis to weight loss treatment increased the outcome by an average of 97%, and even more impressively, increased the effectiveness post-treatment by 146% (Kirsch, 1996).
References:
- Whorwell et al. (2006). Efficacy of an encapsulated probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in women with irritable bowel syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006 Jul;101(7):1581-90.
- Hammond DC (2010). Hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety- and stress-related disorders. Expert Rev Neurother. 2010 Feb;10(2):263-73.
- Liggett, DR (2010). Enhancing Imagery through Hypnosis: A Performance Aid for Athletes. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 54:1, 2010.
- Kirsch, Irving (1996). Hypnotic Enhancement of Cognitive-Behavioral Weight Loss Treatments—Another Meta-Reanalysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1996, Vol. 64, No. 3, 517-519.