According To Science Hypnosis
Helps Reduce Stress

We know that stress causes both psychological and physiological symptoms, and that it's important to get stress under control to reduce its negative impact on your life. But did you know that hypnosis can dramatically aid in stress reduction? Three different studies back up that claim.

When patients who were about to undergo maxillofacial surgery in 2006 were treated with a preoperative hypnosis activity, they experienced reduced bleeding, swelling and required less medication during and after the surgery. Those researchers, B. Enqvist, O.L. Von Konow and O.H. Bystedt, gave credence to the theory that lowering stress, in this case through hypnosis, before surgery can have a profound effect on a patient's recovery.

Similar research has been done on pregnant women, who were highly stressed and experiencing physical, psychological and hormonal changes in their body. Their stress was exacerbated by the typical fears and anxieties expectant mothers go through not only for the health of the baby, but also about the birthing experience itself. It's also a highly anxious time since a new baby brings changes in the new mom's social, occupational and financial world. A study conducted by D. Tiran and H. Chummun in 2004 discovered that hypnosis lowered the stress levels of these women, but also the physiological symptoms of the stress.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become a common byproduct for those who experience a traumatic event and who still experience frightening thoughts and feelings associated with that event even year later. And we know that our Vietnam War Veterans were particularly prone to the illness. Researchers D. Spiegel, T. Hunt and H.E. Dondershine tested the effectiveness of hypnosis on 65 Vietnam Vets, and a control group - others who had not been diagnosed with PTSD.

Their findings were quite interesting. The Vets, those with PTSD, were more "hypnotizable" compared to the control subjects who did not have PTSD which meant that they were more open to suggestions and would likely benefit from hypnotherapy. In fact, the study showed that because PTSD symptoms involve disassociation and imagery, these patients would be able to use hypnosis to manage their stress.

While the stress described in these examples was caused by very different circumstances, it was proven that hypnosis can be used to reduce its psychological and physiological symptoms. It is our hope that research into stress and alternative therapies, such as hypnosis, will continue so that we will be able to truly realize the impact that anxiety has on the body and see the full potential of hypnosis in easing patients' suffering.

For stress relief using hypnosis contact Dr. Robert for a no charge consult.

Robert Galarowicz ND
1 Sears Dr. Fl#3
Paramus, New Jersey (NJ)
201-728-4831  

Sources:

Enqvist, B., Von Konow, O.L., & Bystedt, O.H. (2006). Stress reduction, preoperative hypnosis and perioperative suggestion in maxillofacial surgery: Somatic responses and recovery. Stress and Health, 11(1), 229-233.

Spiegel, D., Hunt, T., & Dondershine, H.E. (1988). Dissociation and hypnotizability in posttraumatic stress disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 145, 301-305.

Tiran D., & Chummun, H. (2004). Complementary therapies to reduce physiological stress in pregnancy. Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, 10(3), 162-167.