THE POWERFUL BENEFITS OF HYPNOTHERAPY UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF THE MIND

BY RACHEL GARROD

Does hypnosis really work? Hypnosis, in different forms, has been around for centuries but it wasn’t until 1845 that the term “Hypnosis” was coined by Scottish surgeon Dr James Braid. Today, hypnosis, as hypnotherapy, is being used in many areas of health and there is a convincing body of evidence to suggest that the effects are more than simply placebo or imagined.

Like Dr James Braid more surgeons are now turning to the use of hypnotherapy to support patients undergoing surgical procedures. In one trial researchers randomised 150 patients undergoing breast surgery to anaesthesia-managed surgery and another 150 to hypnotic-induced sedation (Berliere, 2018). The hypno-sedation patients were also given a pre-surgery sedative and some received anti-anxiety medication during the surgery. The results were positive in their support of hypnotherapy as an effective resource during and after surgery. The hypno-sedation group had a 25 per cent shorter hospital stay and less anxiety. For those patients who went on to chemotherapy, there was less nausea and vomiting; and, for those on subsequent endocrine therapy, there was a reduction in symptoms including fewer hot flushes, and less joint and muscle pain. Other studies and reviews now support the use of hypno-sedation as an aid to surgical interventions, consistently showing less anxiety in hypno-sedation groups and, frequently, shorter hospital stays.

Another area that has shown promising results with the addition of hypnotherapy is smoking cessation. Although, when compared to other smoking cessation aids such as nicotine replacement therapy and pharmacotherapies, hypnotherapy has not proven more effective, when used as an adjunct to these therapies there is a statistically significant benefit on quit rates with the addition of hypnotherapy (Cochrane database, 2019.)

Hypnotherapy works by reprogramming the subconscious mind to break the habit through suggestion and deep relaxation. The addition of hypnotherapy alongside a comprehensive smoking cessation program helps the smoker change their underlying beliefs and thoughts regarding smoking. In this way, long-term abstinence is enhanced. Hypnotherapy has proven uses in the management of anxiety, and thus enables the smoker to stop smoking with less anxiety and more positivity.

If you would like help stopping smoking using an evidenced-based program that includes hypnotherapy, please get in touch. There is very little else you can do that gives such health benefits as stopping smoking.

Rachel Garrod: Respiratory Physiotherapist Ph.D

Tel. (34) 699 501 190 rachelgarrod1@gmail.com www.betterbreathingphysio.com

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