For tummy troubles, hypnosis might be the answer

At least once a month, sixty million Americans deal with heartburn. But it’s not just painful it can also be deadly if ignored and that’s probably why heartburn meds are some of the most popular drugs on the market. However, while they work for some they don’t work for everyone and can come with long-term side effects.

14 Home Remedies for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

For those who don’t find relief with OTC and prescribed meds, hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment. In fact, it’s a powerful alternative treatment, backed by plenty of scientific evidence, that is increasingly being offered at the nation’s leading medical centers. ¹ (I personally use hypnosis and highly recommend it.)

“Hypnosis, which exploits the relationship between the mind and digestive system, can also help with conditions like GERD and the inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Untreated GERD has been linked to esophageal cancer.
Hypnosis uses progressive relaxation techniques through suggestions of calming imagery and sensations. Patients are able to concentrate on improving their symptoms which often range from abdominal pain and constipation to diarrhea and bloating. For the therapy to be effective it takes a series of eight or more visits and some homework is required of the patient, like listening to tapes at home. The treatment is covered by most insurance plans and cost for each visit ranges between $100 and $150.” ²

Now, for those concerned about hypnosis being “mind-control,” it doesn’t work like that. Normally, patients are aware of their surroundings and what’s happening during and after the session. And, sessions can be done in-person or remotely.

However, it’s not a fix for everyone. Dr. Olaf Palsson, apsychologist and professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, reports that about 15-20 percent of people can’t be hypnotized. But, patients do not have to be “highly hypnotizable” in order to benefit from gut-directed hypnotherapy.

Studies show more than three-quarters of patients experience at least a 50 percent reduction in symptoms and many are able to stop medication completely. For a list of U.S. state-licensed health professionals trained in hypnosis, click here.