HOW HYPNOTHERAPY COULD HELP YOU

HYPNOBIRTHING
What is it?
Mums-to-be are taught self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques for a more comfortable and relaxed birth. They also learn how to release any fears and anxieties about giving birth.

Whats involved? 
Expectant mums are taught simple breathing techniques that help during childbirth, and self-hypnosis methods that help them stay calm and in control - regardless of what's happening around them. They can then use the techniques during childbirth to relax yet they're fully aware of what is happening to them.

What does research say?
I'm a big fan of hypnobirthing, midwife-led research shows it leads to shorter, safer births, less need for pain relief or intervention and a happier and calmer mum and baby. It can even make breastfeeding easier. I just wish it had been around when I had my kids!

HYPNO GASTRIC BANDS
What is it?
Compulsive eaters are given hypnotherapy sessions in which they visualise having an imaginary gastric band fitted to help control their food intake.

Whats involved? 
The initial session involves a 45-minute virtual surgery where the therapist talks the patient through every step of the medical procedure, as though they are in the operating theatre having a gastric band fitted.

What does research say?
This is a relatively new technique and we need more study on its effectiveness, but I would recommend someone to try a virtual gastric band before resorting to a real one and undergoing drastic surgery.

SELF-HYPNOSIS TO MANAGE TOURETTE'S
What is it?
Tourette's syndrome is a condition in which people experience involuntary behaviours, such as swearing or facial tics.

Whats involved? 
The patient learns to use relaxation and visualisation techniques to induce hypnosis. The therapist then makes suggestions that aim to change the behaviour and anxiety level, such as recalling times when they've felt happy, or thinking of the body as a computer that they can re-program with their mind.

What does research say?
More work is needed but it looks promising and could provide relief for some sufferers - especially as drugs don't have the best success rate controlling it.

HYPNODIETING
What is it?
People who have struggled to lose weight using willpower alone are put into a relaxed state where their brain is more receptive to learning healthy eating habits.

Whats involved? 
Patients visualise themselves as slim, reaching their ideal size, and saying no to food.

What does research say?
Some smaller studies have found positive but modest weight-loss results. Results tend to be dependent on the therapist.

HYPNODESENSITISATION FOR PHOBIA'S
What is it?
Hypnotherapy is used to help phobics put their fear into perspective and respond more calmly.

What's involved?
Hypnotherapy accelerates our natural ability to get over irrational fears by teaching people relaxation and visualisation habits to help deal with trigger situations. For example, people with a social phobia may learn to visualise themselves giving a speech to a room full of clapping, smiling people.

What does research say?
A clinical review in the British Medical Journal says it can be useful in treating some phobias.

GETTING TREATED
Ask your GP's opinion on whether hypnotherapy may work for your problem and if they can recommend a practitioner. It's unlikely, though not impossible, to get it on the NHS, so you'll probably have to pay.

Source: Daily Mirror

Pic: Ashley Voortman