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IBS and Hypnotherapy
Additional
important research and articles and information on IBS and Hypnotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions.
About IBS and
hypnotherapy
First it is important to understand what
hypnotherapy is and how it may help you in the alleviation of your IBS symptoms.
It needs to be known that this is not a cure for IBS (since one does not exist
at the moment), but an effective complementary therapy that can be used in
isolation or conjunction with conventional approaches, (many people find they
can reduce or give up medications, although importantly this should be done
along with your prescribing physician.) Hypnotherapy has shown to be highly
effective in the majority of people who use it to treat IBS symptoms.
Important note: Please have your symptoms diagnosed by a
medical practitioner or doctor. It is important to remember that you cannot self
diagnose IBS and there are many serious conditions that mimic IBS.
What is Hypnotherapy?
It is easier to state what it is not, rather than what it is really. A trance
(an altered state of consciousness) is not sleep, unconsciousness, magic, nor
mind control. Much of the mystery still surrounding hypnosis is this lack of a
clear definition. Hypnosis is generally experienced as restful and relaxing; it
is different than slumber. In a trance state you are aware of your surroundings,
able to hear sounds, to smell, and you are aware of your movements and in
control of your actions. Consciousness is NOT lost, it becomes more selective.
In a trance it is usual to be more aware of internal processes than in the
outside world’s activities and distractions. Contemporary scientific studies
show trance is a natural and normal state of mind and like other states, such as
alertness or pleasure, has many different and individual components.
Uses of hypnosis .... hypnosis is often thought to be therapy that only affects
the mind, but as mind and body are inseparably joined, hypnosis can also help
physical ailments. The popular assumption that hypnosis is only used for weight
reduction and to stop smoking is very much mistaken; there are many more
possibilities too numerous to mention. However, hypnotherapy is well known to
help all variations of IBS symptoms and reduce frequency of presentation.
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as a therapy to deal with a wide range of problems,
both physical and emotional.
Is hypnosis safe ? Yes. It is a safe, natural part of human experience. Always
protected by our subconscious, trance is part of everyday life. We are already
proficient in its use, we simply don’t recognize it.
Hypnotherapy is not stage hypnosis.
Who can be hypnotized? Just about everyone if they choose. However, those deeply
disturbed or handicapped require special personal attention.
What is it like to be hypnotized? In experiencing altered states it should be
acknowledged that trance is slightly different for everyone. Most find it
extremely pleasant, enjoyable and relaxing, saying they’ve never felt so
agreeably relaxed and comfortable before.
Should I use hypnosis as an alternative to seeing my
doctor? The answer is NO.
It is not an alternative to seeking proper medical care. Hypnosis is a
complementary therapy and should, where needed be used in partnership with
conventional medicine. Your G.P. or Doctor's training in diagnosis cannot be
replaced by a hypnotherapist. Check out all health problems first with your
doctor if in any doubt and then you can combine both a Physician's and a
professional Hypnotherapist healing methods.
Can I be forced into trance? No. It is a state of mind that needs your
co-operation. No one goes against their own unique code of behavior in hypnosis.
Am I too strong willed to be hypnotized? Strength of will plays no part in the
process.
I am too intelligent to be hypnotized! No. The higher the intelligence and
imagination the better.
Do hypnotized persons lose control of themselves? Quite the opposite, the client
is in control of their trance, and is being guided by the hypnotherapist, and
will only do that which seems right and is helpful.
Could I get 'stuck' in trance? No. It simply doesn’t happen.
Will I be unconscious when in hypnosis? No. No loss of consciousness is
involved. Individuals will be perfectly aware of their surroundings, including
sounds, movements and smells and will be hyper-sensitive to touch. Some
individuals will achieve a deeper level of trance than others. However, the
results remain the same. Physical contact is not needed in any part of the
process.
Is my problem to trivial to be bothered with? Any problem which affects our
lives is not trivial. IBS is certainly not trivial, it affects the lives of the
sufferer and their families.
Additional
important information on IBS and Hypnotherapy.
Definition of the Process of
Hypnosis and Trance States
Hypnosis is a process during which an individual, usually with the aid of
another, allows themselves to become more suggestible. One can experience
changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, or behavior. Hypnosis is generally
established by an induction procedure. Although there are different hypnotic
inductions, they are based on imaginative involvement with focused attention and
concentration.
People respond to hypnosis in different ways. Some describe their experience as
an altered state of consciousness. Others describe hypnosis as a normal state of
focused attention, in which they feel very calm and relaxed. Regardless of how
and to what degree they respond, most people describe the experience as very
pleasant. A person's ability to experience hypnotic suggestions can be inhibited
by fears and concerns arising from some common misconceptions. Everyone has a
conception of hypnosis. It probably comes from depictions of hypnosis in books,
movies or on television.
Those who have been hypnotized do not lose control over their behavior. They
remain aware of who they are and where they are, and unless amnesia (the
inability to recall past events, in this context the inability to recall what
has occurred during the hypnotic session), has been specifically suggested, they
usually remember what transpired during hypnosis, the only exception to this is
what is called a somnambulist. A somnambulist is an individual who has the
ability to go very deeply into hypnosis. A somnambulist will have total amnesia.
Hypnosis makes it easier for people to experience suggestions, but it does not
force them to have these experiences. Although scientists have different
theories about the nature of hypnosis, all seem to agree that hypnotized people
report changes in the way they feel, think, and behave, and these changes are in
response to suggestions. People vary in their of responsiveness to hypnotic
suggestions, what is called their hypnotizability or hypnotic susceptibility,
but most people can be hypnotized to some degree.
Hypnosis is a naturally occurring phenomenon. We go in and out of hypnosis
constantly, while watching an interesting program on television, reading a book,
driving a car, or day dreaming, just to name a few. People who appear to be low
in hypnotizability often can improve their response to suggestions with
practice. If an individual is unable to use all of their hypnotic ability during
a testing session, it might appear that they are a poor subject, but with
improved rapport, many are able to improve hypnotic ability. Most clinical uses
of hypnosis have been designed for the average individual, and a deep state of
trance is not usually needed for most clinical treatment.
American Psychotherapy & Medical Hypnosis Association
APMHA Consumer Information January 2000
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