Recently, while writing an article on herbal remedies for IBS, I came across something really interesting.
It seems that there is some early research that suggests that hypnotherapy may improve the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). How? By reducing the response in the colon to sensory and motor input. While more research appears to be needed, the early studies appeared to show positive results.
Hypnotherapy has always been something that has fascinated me. In response to finding the above, I did a bit of research into hypnosis and came up with some interesting facts.
- Hypnosis-type practices have an expansive history of use, and can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Babylon, Greece, Persia, Britain, Scandinavia, America, Africa, India, and China. Now that's a lot of cultures getting into hypnosis!
- Modern Western hypnotherapy is traced back to Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815). Yes, that is where the term 'mesmerised' comes from!
- In the mid-20th century, hypnosis was endorsed as a medical procedure by the British and American Medical Associations and the American Psychological Association. In 1995, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued a consensus statement for the efficacy of hypnosis in chronic pain.
- Apparently, hypnosis commonly works in three phases. The pre-suggestion phase involves techniques for 'selective attentional focusing' such as distraction, relaxation and imagery. This phase is designed to relax the conscious mind and make it more susceptible to suggestion. The suggestion phase involves suggesting specific goals or impressions, or perhaps exploring memories. The post- suggestion phase occurs when the subject has returned to a normal state of consciousness, and changes start to occur as a result of the previous phases.
- There is a varied response to hypnosis amongst individuals, and the reason for this and the way hypnosis works is not well understood. Theories suggest it is due to an activation of neuro-endocrine pathways such as the release of endorphins and other types of nervous system activation.
Fascinating stuff!
Has anyone had an experience of being hypnotised for health reasons? I'd love to hear what it was like for you.