Dr Simon Duff, a Forensic Psychologist at Liverpool University, has been studying the effects of hypnotherapy on dementia and comparing them with other methods. Significant improvement has been noticed in those who have had hypnotherapy compared to standard treatments.
More research is now ongoing to see the long term effects. Dr Duff comments “Those having regular hypnosis sessions showed real improvement across all of the areas that we looked at whilst the group who received treatment as usual showed a small decline over the assessment period.” He also added, “Participants who are aware of the onset of dementia may become depressed and anxious at their gradual loss of cognitive ability. Hypnotherapy could help sufferers relax so that they can concentrate on positive activities.”
Loma Linda University in California have been studying the effects of laughter. To date their published studies have shown that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle flexion, and boosts immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.
Recent research from the UK has shown that hypnosis has a ‘very real’ effect on brain activity which can be picked up on scans.
An imaging study conducted by researchers at Hull University, and involving participants who had been hypnotised, showed decreased activity in the parts of the brain linked to daydreaming.
According to one psychologist, the study strengthens the theory that hypnosis ‘primes’ the brain so it can be open to suggestion.
Suggestion is a powerful tool for altering the way people think and behave and is used to help with overcoming phobias or quitting smoking.
Hypnotherapy is also increasingly being used for weight loss and has recently been recommended for NHS patients suffering IBS. BBC news reports further….