BBC News
15-04-2004
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Hypnotherapy Gains Ground in Medical Treatments

Summary: Hypnotherapy is increasingly being recognized as a legitimate medical treatment for a variety of conditions, experts have said. The treatment, which uses guided relaxation and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness, is being used to help patients with conditions ranging from chronic pain to anxiety.

Dr. Mark Smith, a leading hypnotherapist, spoke at the annual conference of the British Society of Hypnotherapists in London this week. He emphasized the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of hypnotherapy in clinical settings.

“Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool in managing pain, reducing stress, and improving overall mental health,” Dr. Smith said. “More and more studies are showing that it can complement traditional medical treatments effectively.”

One such study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, found that patients who underwent hypnotherapy for chronic pain management reported significant reductions in pain intensity and improvements in their quality of life.

Patients, too, are beginning to see the benefits. Jane Doe, a 45-year-old teacher from Manchester, turned to hypnotherapy after years of struggling with migraines.

“I was skeptical at first, but after a few sessions, I started to notice a real difference,” she said. “The frequency and severity of my migraines have decreased significantly. It’s been life-changing.”

Despite its growing popularity, hypnotherapy still faces skepticism from some in the medical community. Critics argue that more rigorous, large-scale studies are needed to fully understand its potential and limitations.

Dr. Smith agrees that more research is necessary but remains optimistic about the future of hypnotherapy.

“We are only beginning to scratch the surface of what hypnotherapy can achieve,” he said. “With continued research and acceptance, it could become a staple in medical treatment plans across the globe.”