Hypnosis and stress - research results

In 2013, research at UCLA in Los Angeles studied the effect of an hypnosis programme designed to improve reactions to work and life stress. To monitor the effect of hypnosis, the level of the cytokine IL-6 in the blood was measured in eleven participants before and after the programme. IL-6 is a protein released in response to stress including infection burns and trauma. Over a period of 12 weeks a significantly lower level of IL-6 was observed. Participants also reported a significant decrease in negative and pessimistic thinking and an improvement in eating/nutritional habits. 

Reported in Complementarytherapies in clinical practice 19:2 2013 May pg 83-8

More Hypnotherapy research planned

The Medical School Hypnosis Association plans to bring medical specialists and students together with hypnotherapists to conduct coordinated national trials of the effects of hypnotherapy. The first trials will examine the effect of hypnosis on stress reduction using standardised questionaires and measuring levels of stress hormones in trial participants. The Association believes it is time for clinical hypnosis to take its proper place in medicine. New Scientist 18 October 2008 p18