Studies on Hypnosis
There are numerous scientific studies on hypnosis which support that hypnotherapy can be a very beneficial and efficient tool for the treatment of various issues. In the below section you find a selection of scientific studies analysing the benefits of hypnotherapy.
INSOMNIA TREATMENT
Scientific studies on hypnosis support that it has a positive influence on slow wave sleep (deep sleep). This plays a critical role in the optimal functioning of our immune system, our metabolism and our brain. Cordi, Schlarb & Rasch concluded that hypnotic suggestions are an efficient tool to deepen sleep. Furthermore, they strongly indicate that hypnotic suggestions might prove an efficient non-pharmacological tool. It has a lower risk of adverse side effects than pharmacological treatments. And it can deepen sleep in patients with sleep disturbances or in the elderly, thereby improving health and well-being. (Sleep, Volume 37, Issue 6, 1 June 2014, Pages 1143–1152)
In this post you can read more about insomnia and find 15 easy tips to beat it.
NATURAL TREATMENT FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)
There are numerous studies on hypnosis supporting that hypnotherapy is a natural and non-invasive method for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Lindfors, Unge, Nyhlin et.al. have found in their long-term follow-up study that a gut-directed hypnotherapy in refractory IBS is an effective treatment option with long-lasting effects. (Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, Volume 47, 2012, Issue 4, p. 414-421)
MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS, HOT FLASHES
A Study from Baylor University study has shown that women who specifically pictured images associated with coolness during hypnotherapy had a dramatic decrease in hot flashes. (ScienceDaily, 14 July 2010)
PAIN REDUCTION AFTER BREAST CANCER SURGERY
Montgomery, Bovbjerg, Schnur et. al. published a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. (A Randomized Clinical Trial of a Brief Hypnosis Intervention to Control Side Effects in Breast Surgery Patients. J Natl Cancer Inst 2007; 99:1304-1312) There, they established that the use of hypnosis prior to breast cancer surgery reduced the amount of anesthesia administered during the operation. Hypnosis furthermore reduced the level of pain reported afterwards, and the time and cost of the procedure. In addition, patients in the hypnosis group also reported less nausea, fatigue, discomfort, and emotional upset after surgery.
REDUCTION OF SIDE EFFECTS FROM CANCER TREATMENT
Research has firmly established that hypnosis can be effective in addressing acute and chronic pain associated with cancer. It can furthermore be effective in addressing the side effects from cancer treatment. (Kravits, K.: Hypnosis: Adjunct Therapy for Cancer Pain Management, J Adv Pract Oncol. 2013 Mar-Apr; 4(2): 83–88) Side effects range from pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, distress, fatigue to hot flashes.
TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY DISORDER
Holdevici and Craciun concluded in their study that hypnosis plays in important part in the treatment of anxiety disorders. This is due to the fact that it allows patients to reach a lower level of anxiety symptoms. This decrease of anxiety, depression and level of dysfunctional mood has been statistically significant compared to the results obtained in their control group. They furthermore state, that CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and Hypnosis combined can lead to a strong reduction of the symptomatology. Therefore, they conclude that the combined cognitive-behavioural and hypnotherapy model is a highly viable treatment in the case of anxiety disorders. (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257718113_Hypnosis_in_the_Treatment_of_Patients_with_Anxiety_Disorders)
CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT
Elkins, Jensen and Patterson conclude that hypnosis interventions consistently produce significant decreases in pain associated with a variety of chronic-pain problems. Furthermore, hypnosis was generally found to be more effective than non-hypnotic interventions such as attention, physical therapy and education. (Elkins, Jensen and Patterson: Hypnotherapy for the Management of Chronic Pain, International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Volume 55, 2007 - Issue 3: Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Hypnosis—Part II, p. 275-287)
HEADACHE AND MIGRAINE TREATMENT
A review by Hammond concludes that hypnosis not only qualifies as a well-established and efficacious treatment of headaches and migraines. It is also a treatment that is relatively brief and cost effective. In addition, it has been found to be virtually free of the side effects, risks of adverse reactions, and the ongoing expense associated with the widely used medication treatments. (Hammond: Review of the Efficacy of Clinical Hypnosis with Headaches and Migraines, International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(2): 1–13, 2007)