Enough studies have now
accumulated to suggest that the inclusion of hypnotic procedures may be
beneficial in the management and treatment of a wide range of conditions and
problems encountered in the practice of medicine, psychiatry and psychotherapy. The British Psychological
Society 2001
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There is convincing evidence that hypnotic procedures are effective in the management and relief of
both acute and chronic pain and in assisting in the alleviation of pain, discomfort and
stress due to medical and dental procedures and childbirth.
Hypnosis and the practice of self-hypnosis may
significantly reduce anxiety, tension and stress in a manner similar to other relaxation
and self-regulation procedures. Likewise, hypnotic treatment may assist in insomnia
in the same way as other relaxation methods.
There is encouraging evidence demonstrating
the beneficial effects of hypnotherapeutic procedures in alleviating the symptoms of a
range of complaints that fall under the heading 'psychosomatic illness'. These
include tension headaches and migraine; asthma; gastro-intestinal complaints such as
irritable bowel syndrome; warts and possibly other skin complaints such as eczema,
psoriasis and urticaria.
There is evidence from several studies that
(hypnosis') inclusion in a weight reduction programme may significantly enhance outcome.
