University of Iowa Health Science Relations and
Nicole Nisly, MD
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
First Published: September 2003
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed

You're getting sleepy…very sleepy. In the past, Hollywood has given hypnosis an entertaining reputation, but today, the health benefits are hard to ignore.

"Hypnosis has been primarily targeted to relieve symptoms of illness and has been effective in everything from relieving pain during childbirth to controlling smoking and drug addictions," says Nicole Nisly, MD, UI Hospitals and Clinics Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clinic.

It is believed that hypnosis puts a person in a hypnotic state, known as a trance, where the body is in a state of deep relaxation. During this state of focused concentration, people are more likely to accept suggestions to change their behavior.

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to treat physical or psychological conditions. Since 1958, it has been recognized by the American Medical Association as a valid medical treatment for certain conditions.

A hypnotherapist can either lead hypnosis, or people can be taught to hypnotize themselves from their hypnotherapist or from books. Studies show that when used properly hypnosis can reduce anxiety, phobias, insomnia, obesity, and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. The deep state of relaxation also helps reduce stress, especially when adding positive suggestions, and eliminating negative ideas.

"But not everyone is able to feel the benefits of hypnosis. A person must be willing to follow the suggestions of the therapist," Nisly says. "If you are feeling unsure of how you will act once you are hypnotized, just relax. Once hypnotized, a person will not follow directions against his or her own wishes and will not lose control of their actions or choices."

If you are interested in giving hypnosis a try, talk to your doctor to determine whether it is appropriate for your specific condition.