Physical Conditions which can be improved with Hypnotherapy: -

Many clients with a physical condition seek the support of a hypnotherapist. Hypnosis has been shown to have a positive benefit to clients with physical conditions, either by way of an improvement to symptoms, or their emotional response to the condition. Physical conditions are often exacerbated by underlying stress or anxiety and a hypnotherapist may work with clients to reduce over-thinking and to teach stress management techniques.
Where the condition is a medical one you may, as the hypnotherapist, need to ensure that a diagnosis has been sought and obtained from a medical practitioner prior to the client starting a course of hypnotherapy. In some cases, you should seek your client’s permission to write to their GP or consultant to inform them that they are planning to undertake hypnotherapy.

It is important to understand that Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy and can be used alongside medical treatment, and not as an alternative to.

Eczema
Pain management
Psoriasis
Insomnia
Irritable bowel syndrome
Migraines
Weight management

Often, physical conditions are exacerbated by underlying stress or anxiety. If your client suffers from any of these conditions they may have noticed a pattern in their symptoms, often related to more demanding or stressful periods in their life.

Hypnosis can help them identify these triggers and to stop them happening.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is routinely treated with hypnosis and is recommended as a treatment by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Evidence shows that over 60% of sufferers show a significant improvement in their symptoms.

Skin Conditions

Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis may respond well to hypnosis. Like many chronic conditions, skin problems can be triggered by stress. As a therapist, you may include visualization techniques and stress management in your sessions with your client and teach them self-hypnosis for relaxation and positive imagery.

Weight Problems

There are many reasons why an individual may be overweight, so it’s important to rule out possible medical conditions, especially if the weight gain is rapid. It is important for your client to have realistic expectations about the amount of weight that can be lost in a short period of time. Sustainable, healthy weight loss will need to be achieved over a suitable time period. Many people gain weight through poor eating habits and emotional eating. Hypnotherapy can help an individual gain insight into their behaviours and choices and assist with changing emotional responses that could lead to overeating, binge eating, or other unhelpful self-medicating behaviours.

Sleep Problems

Poor sleep can be caused by a number of factors including stress, anxiety, menopause, unhelpful behaviours, and environmental factors. You would work with the client to address, where possible, any of these issues. You may also teach them self-management techniques which may include meditation or relaxation techniques in addition to guided hypnosis.

Pain Management

Hypnotherapy is often an effective therapy for people living with chronic, diagnosed pain. It has also been used to support those who need to manage their level of discomfort during medical treatment, after surgery or other procedures. Hypnosis has been used throughout history as a form of anesthesia and many people today, undergo surgery and dental work using hypnosis as anesthetic. You can teach your client self-hypnosis techniques to manage the symptoms of a diagnosed condition, both physically and emotionally.

Migraines

The causes of headaches and migraines are varied, from stress and tension to hormonal changes. Most are not an indication of a serious health condition, but occasionally there is an underlying medical condition that needs investigation. It is therefore essential that if your client has persistent headaches, they should consult with their GP before seeking an appointment with you.

Conditions which are not suited and should not be treated with Hypnosis: -

• There are a few medical conditions where hypnosis is considered unsuitable:

• Epilepsy that is not under control with medication and considered inappropriate by the patient’s GP.

• Patients with severe mental health problems (psychosis) or learning disabilities where cooperation is difficult.

• Those under the influence of alcohol or drugs where concentration is impaired.

• Hypnosis is considered inappropriate for very young children (generally under the age of five) where there is a reduced attention span.