Overview

Hypnotherapy is hypnosis used for therapeutic purposes. Hypnosis is a state of mind in which someone has reduced awareness and is responsive to instructions.

It's not clear how hypnosis works. It's been linked to changes in the body, including changes in skin temperature and heart rate. Some of these changes might help the body to relax and reduce feelings of anxiety. Some people may respond better to hypnotherapy than others.

People use hypnotherapy for various types of pain, alcohol use disorder, anxiety, asthma, constipation, depression, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Stomach pain. Hypnotherapy seems to help reduce stomach pain in children. But it's not clear which type of hypnotherapy works best.
  • A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). Hypnotherapy seems to help reduce symptoms of IBS in some adults and children.
  • Acute pain. Hypnotherapy might help reduce different types of acute pain in both adults and children.
  • Chronic pain. Hypnotherapy seems to help with different types of chronic pain in adults. But it's not clear if it helps in children.
  • Pain after surgery. Hypnotherapy may help reduce pain after surgery. But it’s not clear if it helps in children.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Childbirth. Practicing self-hypnosis doesn't seem to help reduce complications during childbirth.

There is interest in using hypnotherapy for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects



Special Precautions and Warnings



Hypnotherapy is possibly safe when used appropriately. There are no known serious side effects. But hypnotherapy shouldn't be used in place of treatment with more proven therapies.

Pregnancy: Hypnotherapy is possibly safe when used appropriately. Self-hypnosis has been used during childbirth without any known serious side effects. But hypnotherapy shouldn't be used in place of more proven therapies.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough information to know how hypnotherapy might affect breast-feeding. But there's no reason to expect safety concerns when used correctly. Hypnotherapy shouldn't be used in place of more proven therapies.

Children: Hypnotherapy is possibly safe when used appropriately. But hypnotherapy shouldn't be used in place of more proven therapies.

Interactions

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Dosing

Hypnotherapy can be conducted many different ways, including by a trained hypnotherapist, through audio recordings, individually or in a group, or through self-hypnosis. Sessions are usually 30-60 minutes long and may take place weekly or at other intervals for up to 15 weeks.

There is no standard licensing for hypnotherapists in the US, but certifications are granted by multiple organizations. Many different types of hypnotherapy are practiced, including mindful hypnotherapy, Erikson's hypnosis, cognitive hypnotherapy, and gut-directed hypnotherapy. Talk to your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment. Hypnotherapy shouldn't be used in place of more proven therapies.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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