Hypnosis: Does it have a role in treating chronic disease

In April, two studies were published that found that hypnosis significantly reduced symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. "The treatment involves the patient learning to control their symptoms through deep relaxation and individually adapted hypnotic suggestions. The idea is for the patient to then use this technique in their everyday life," says one of the authors Magnus Simren. One of the studies followed up seven years later after initial treatment, found that 85% of those had been helped by hypnosis were still benefiting from the treatment and reduced their use of the medical system by 70%. "Overall, our studies show that hypnotherapy is an effective method of treating IBS, even when provided outside of specialist 'hypnotherapy centres'. The conclusion is that hypnotherapy could reduce both the consumption of healthcare and the cost to society, and that hypnosis therefore belongs in the arsenal of treatments for IBS," says Magnus Simrén. (The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2011; 107 (2): 276 DOI: and Long-term effects of hypnotherapy in patients with refractory irritable bowel syndrome. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 2012; 47 (4): 414 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2012.658858)

So just what is hypnosis? Can you hypnotize someone to make them act like a chicken every time the phone rings?

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Hypnotherapists use exercises that bring about deep relaxation and an altered state of consciousness, also known as a trance. A person in a deeply focused state is unusually responsive to an idea or image, but this does not mean that a hypnotist can control the person's mind and free will. On the contrary, hypnosis can actually teach people how to master their own states of awareness. By doing so they can affect their own bodily functions and psychological responses…. Since 1995, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recommended hypnotherapy as a treatment for chronic pain. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hypnotherapy-000353.htm

Note that in 1958, the American Medical Association (AMA) endorsed hypnosis but in 1978, the AMA rescinded almost all the policies it had endorsed from 1891 to 1958 including their position on hypnosis. Currently, they have no opinion on this topic.

Contrary to popular culture, hypnosis is not a form of brain washing and you can’t make a person do something they don’t want to do. So the person acting like a chicken every time the phone rings is a myth. The greatest risk appears to be the creation of a possible false memory.

Research indicates that hypnotherapy might have a useful role in chronic disease as it appears that it may improve immune function, decrease anxiety and fear and increase relaxation. It also may help improve the success of other treatments, such as those for pain management. For years now, many people swear by hypnosis for helping them change behaviors they want to change, such as stopping smoking or losing weight.

There are similarities between mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) and hypnosis, and a number of hypnotists are using MBSR techniques. You can read an interesting conversation about these two topics at Mindfulness and Hypnosis: Conversations in Mindfulness and Psychotherapy.

Hypnotherapists are generally licensed medical doctors, nurses, dentists, social workers or family counselors. If you are interested in pursuing such treatment, check for referrals at one of the following sites:
The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
The Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis
The American Association of Professional Hypnotherapiests

One of the big issues is payment, since sessions are generally an hour long and can take place for 10 weeks or more. You will need to check with your insurance company about whether they cover hypnosis.