Liza Boubari’s

Menopause

There is evidence supporting the use of hypnotherapy in treating menopause-related symptoms, including hot flashes. The North American Menopause Society recommends hypnotherapy for the nonhormonal management of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms, giving it the highest level of evidence.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The use of hypnotherapy services in treating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome is supported by research, including randomized controlled trials. A 2015 audit of 1000 patients undertaking gut-focused hypnotherapy in normal clinical practice found that hypnotherapy was an effective intervention for refractory IBS. Gut-directed hypnotherapy is recommended in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome by the American College of Gastroenterology clinical guidelines for the management of IBS.

Childbirth

Hypnotherapy is often applied in the birthing process and the post-natal period. Still, there is insufficient evidence to determine if it alleviates pain during childbirth and no evidence that it is effective against post-natal depression. Until 2012, there was no thorough research on this topic. However, in 2013 a study was conducted in which it was found that: “The use of hypnosis in childbirth leads to a decrease in the amount of pharmacological analgesia and oxytocin used, which reduces the duration of the first stage of labor”.In 2013, studies were conducted in Denmark, during which it was concluded that “The self-hypnosis course improves the experience of childbirth in women and also reduces the level of fear”. In 2015, a group of researchers conducted a similar study in the UK: “The positive experience of self-hypnosis gives a sense of calm, confidence, and empowerment in childbirth”.Hypnobirthing has been used by stars such as Kate Middleton.