You have probably heard of the powerful effects of hypnosis to help with behavior changes, self-improvement and memory recall. Lesser known are the powerful effects hypnosis can have on the body and physical healing. Since the mind is always working worth the body it makes good sense.

This field is known as Medical Hypnosis. The natural results often seem miraculous. Sadly, this wonderful modality has been pushed to the side because it is hard to analyze with standard scientific tools.

Nonetheless, Medical Hypnosis has a very long, well documented history. For instance, starting in 1846, Dr. James Esdaile performed over 2000 operations using hypnosis as the sole means of anesthetic. Back then the chances of surviving even minor surgery were slim, yet Dr. Esdaile had a very low mortality rate and rapid post-operative recovery. If chloroform hadn’t been introduced it is likely that hypnosis would be commonly used in surgery today. Hypnosis has also been shown to speed up post-operative recovery.

As long ago as 1955 the British Medical Association approved of hypnosis for certain uses. The American Medical Association quickly followed suit in 1958. There are countless modern studies showing the effectiveness of medical hypnosis.

So what is Medical Hypnosis, and what can it do for you?

Simply put, Medical Hypnosis is the use of hypnosis to assist physical healing and changes. The American Medical Association and many doctors have acknowledged that between 70 to 90% of illness starts in the mind. Negative mental states can weaken the body’s delicate defense mechanisms.

Doesn’t it seem obvious that if the mind can be the underlying factor for so much illness then it should also be able to heal that illness? Of course! Even the incredible effect of placebos proves this. It is hard to fathom why health professionals don’t see this. Well, things are changing – slowly…

The field of study and research in this area is known as psycho-neuro-immunology. It has been clearly shown that your thoughts and moods can cause changes in hormone and neurotransmitter levels. The brain and its chemicals interact with every other part of the body.

This knowledge is not new. Andrew Schalley and Roger Guillemin received the Nobel Prize in 1977 after showing how the brain uses neurotransmitters to ‘give orders’ to the body. Research at Michigan State University has demonstrated that a single cell can be controlled by how we think. Our state of mind plays a major role in our body’s susceptibility to illness and its ability to heal itself.

Since the body is controlled by the brain, and the brain by the mind, it follows that we can influence our body through the mind. Hypnosis allows us access to our subconscious mind, and is therefore the best tool for this purpose.

Many scientific hypnosis demonstrations have baffled the minds of the audience. Warts can be made to vanish. Ice can create heat blisters. Bleeding can be turned on and off at will. People walk on red hot coals without burning. Strength can be increased many times. These demonstrations are just to show the incredible potential we all have. Medical hypnosis uses these principles to enhance our health.

Medical Hypnosis has many favorable qualities. It is totally safe and non-invasive. Hypnosis has no risks or side effects. It generally costs only a fraction of standard medical treatment. Hypnosis can easily work alongside other therapies, and might even enhance their effectiveness. This is because the mind has the ability to block treatments from working.

Here is a brief list of some of the more common issues Medical Hypnosis has been used for:

* Allergies
* Asthma
* Bed wetting
* Blushing
* Body building
* Breast enlargement
* Childbirth
* Duodenal ulcer
* Eyesight
* Hair loss
* Headaches/Migraines
* Immune strengthening
* Insomnia
* Menstrual problems
* Pain Control
* Sexual problems
* Skin disorders
* Sports improvement
* Stammering
* Twitching
* Warts

The list could go on for ever!

You were born with an incredible ability to heal. A medical hypnotist’s job is to help you utilize it. Some problems may need diagnosis or referral from your physician. Your doctor is necessary, so always consult with your physician concerning a medical issue.

One final word. When selecting a hypnotist be sure to check that they are properly qualified. Keep in mind that a medical of psychology degree does not include hypnosis training, so check their qualifications in terms of hypnosis training and experience. A medical hypnotist does not have to be a medical doctor, but will happily work with your doctor. I urge you to discover for yourself just how great medical hypnosis can be.

Andrew McCole is a leading hypnosis counselor, educator and researcher, who specializes in Medical Hypnosis, and stress management. Want to know if hypnosis can work for you? To get an immediate, accurate assessment of how hypnotizable you are, take Andrew’s popular free online Hypnosis Quiz. You can take the quiz, and find out more about hypnosis at => http://www.behyp.com