Hypnotherapy evolved from the work of a controversial 18th century Austrian called Franz Anton Mesmer. Although Mesmer was eventually branded a charlatan and 'mesmerism' denounced, his followers found that people in a trance state felt no pain if told they would feel none. This encouraged a 19th century Scottish surgeon James Braid, to explore hypnosis as a possible form of anaesthesia, but the discovery of ether led medical science on a different course.
Sigmund Freud also used some hypnosis in his early psychoanalysis, but the modern form of hypnotherapy was developed in the 1950's and 1960's by the US psychotherapist Milton H. Erikson.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Hypnosis bypasses the conscious or rational mind to make contact with the subconscious that influences mental and physical processes. Quite how it works is still unclear, but it seems that 9 out of 10 people can be hypnotised.
Much depends on the cooperation and willingness of the subject and their personal rapport with the therapist. The best subjects are those who are imaginative and easily absorb what they are doing.
In a light trance the client feels deeply relaxed and ready to accept ego-boosting suggestions. Most hypnotherapy takes place in a medium trance in which heartbeat, respiration and metabolism are slowed and brainwave frequencies are similar to the alpha waves found during meditation. At this level, pain sensations and allergice reactions are reduced but the patient is aware of their surroundings.
HOW CAN HYPNOTHERAPY HELP?
More scientific evidence exists to back hypnotherapy than almost any other complementary therapy. It shows that hypnosis can relieve irritable bowel syndrome and asthma and alleviate cancer-related anxiety, pain, nausea and vomiting. Other research shows that it helps people control stress and anxiety before surgery and childbirth and a recent US study found that hypnosis can actually prevent weakening of the immune systems after periods of acute stress.
WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?
Hypnotherapy is good for stress-related conditions such as anxiety, asthma, insomnia, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome. allergies and exzema. It is very effective with compulsive eating, smoking and alcohol dependency as well as fears, phobias lack of confidence and sexual problems.
