Originally published July 3 2009
Use Hypnosis to Measure the Physiological Effects of Emotions on the Body
by Steve G. Jones, Ed.S.
(NaturalNews) The topic of hypnosis has been receiving more credibility from the medical science world. More research has been conducted that has shown definitive benefits from hypnosis. Many research studies also conclude that hypnosis may have many more benefits and that more research should be conducted to realize the full benefits of hypnosis. Hypnosis has been found to be beneficial in many different areas where emotions play a role. Great strides are being taken in researching the benefits of hypnosis and its ability to affect emotions and more research needs to be conducted in order to realize the extent to which hypnotherapy can help people.
According to Nash (2001), many people have misconceptions about what hypnotherapy is. This is mainly due to hypnosis being portrayed negatively on TV and lack of education on the subject. However, research has found that hypnosis has numerous benefits in the medical field and the extent of these benefits is still not known. More research needs to be conducted to find the various areas that hypnosis can benefit.
A study was performed to see whether emotions have a direct effect on the body (Whorwell, Houghton, Taylor, & Maxton, 1992). The best way to test their hypothesis was to use hypnosis because one can induce specific emotional states using hypnosis. Researchers studied three specific emotions: excitement, anger, and happiness. The study consisted of 18 patients who suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) between the ages of 20-48.
Doctors do not know exactly what causes IBS, but they believe that emotions play a role. It is estimated that as many as 58 million Americans suffer from IBS, so it is important to find methods to ease the symptoms associated with IBS (WebMD).
Data from the study showed that hypnosis naturally decreased motility in the colon, pulse rate, and respiration. When excitement and anger were induced by hypnosis, these three variables increased. The researchers also found that when happiness was induced, the three variables further decreased, but not significantly compared to hypnosis alone.
The researchers concluded that hypnosis helps investigate the physiological effects of emotions on the body. They also mention that emotions could have an effect on other areas of the body, not just the gastrointestinal system. The research concludes that hypnosis helps those who suffer from IBS (Whorwell, et. al., 1992).
These studies show that there are many potential benefits of hypnosis that have not yet been realized. Hypnosis is a natural technique to use and it has many applications on the body and the mind. More studies should involve the use of hypnosis because of its benefits, and it virtually has no side effects.
Sources
"Irritable bowel syndrom." WebMD. Retrieved on June 19, 2009: http://www.webmd.com/ibs/guide/irritable-bow....
Nash, M.R. (2001). The truth and the hype of hypnosis. Scientific American, 285(1), 46-49, 52-55.
Whorwell, P.J., Houghton, L.A., Taylor, E.E., & Maxton, D.G. (1992). Physiological effects of emotion: Assessment via hypnosis. Lancet, 340(8811), 69-72.
About the author
Steve G. Jones, Ed.S. has been practicing hypnotherapy since the 1980s. He is the author of 22 books on Hypnotherapy. Steve is a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, American Board of Hypnotherapy, president of the American Alliance of Hypnotists, on the board of directors of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Lung Association, and director of the Steve G. Jones School of Clinical Hypnotherapy.
Steve G. Jones, Ed.S. is a board certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Florida (1994), a master's degree in education from Armstrong Atlantic State University (2007), and is currently working on a doctorate in education, Ed.D., at Georgia Southern University. Learn more at:
http://www.betterlivingwithhypnosis.com/
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