For many Americans, coping with various mental and physical health conditions, one of the first treatment methods is that of a pharmaceuticals nature. While prescription medication may mask symptoms, they very rarely get to the underlying root of the problem. However, a less-than-obvious option, hypnosis, is gaining more respect as a healing method. As hypnosis grows in popularity, more research is continuously being compiled documenting exactly what this mindful technique can do for you.
Keep Weight off For Good
It’s no secret that hypnosis has been used as method to change one’s relationship with food. But, for many, this is a last ditch attempt after unhealthy fad diets and dangerous medical procedures have already tried and failed. According to various articles published in esteemed psychology journals, hypnosis is a far more effective and safer method to keeping the pounds at bay. In a study printed in the Journal of Clinical Psychology two groups of overweight people were monitored for weight loss over the course of two years. The group that utilized hypnosis continued to see results after the two-year period was over while the other group exhibited no further results.
A Prescription For Pain Management
According to the American Psychological Association, the use of hypnosis has been found to be an effective treatment for individuals coping with several chronic pain conditions. A review of 13 studies clearly demonstrated that hypnosis is not only an effective means of combating multiple chronic pain conditions, but it is also more effective than alternative treatments that don’t incorporate hypnotic techniques. This is beneficial on two fronts. First, hypnosis is far more cost-effective than expensive and invasive medical procedures, but it also eliminates the use of pharmaceuticals, which can have a number of long-term side-effects.
Say “So Long” to Stress
There’s no denying that stress wreaks havoc our bodies, specifically the immune system. While many choose to turn to medications, behaviors or even food to combat stress, hypnosis is proving to be an even more effective, and often safer, stress reliever. When researchers monitored the immune systems of 33 medical and dental students during an exam period, those who had learned self-hypnosis techniques showed stronger immune system responses than those who did not follow the techniques. Self-hypnosis involves relaxation strategies that help combat stress and ease it during particularly stressful periods.
A Surefire Way to Clearer Skin
Believe it or not, hypnosis may even help clear up your skin. Research performed by the Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy-Psychotherapy found that hypnosis is an effective means for treating various skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Relaxing self-hypnotic techniques can help reduce the stress responsible for triggering flare-ups and can also be an affective means to reduce the urge to scratch itchy spots. Furthermore, hypnosis has been found to be successful in treating various other conditions such as compulsive disorders, nervous and anxiety disorders and other personality disorders by effectively reducing subconscious stress.
Put the Cigarette Packs Away For Good
There’s no denying that smoking is an incredibly difficult habit to break. While there are several products on the market that are proven to aid in the battle, coupling the patch with hypnosis may help you quit for good. U.S News reports that hypnosis in conjunction with a smoking cessation patch is equally as effective in helping smokers kick the habit as traditional counseling methods. So signing up for a few sessions will not only save you money, it just may save your life.
Sources for this article include:
- www.apa.org/research/action/hypnosis.aspx
- www.hypnosisresearch.org/
- neih.com/hypnosis_weightloss.html
- neih.com/Hypnosis_immunesystem.html
- ichphypnosis.blogspot.com/2011/12/hypnotherapy-for-skin-conditions-eczema.html
- health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/respiratory-disorders/articles/2008/06/23/can-hypnosis-snuff-out-a-smokers-cigarette-habit
