Hypnotherapy for Eczema and Psoriasis: A Natural Approach to Healing
Hypnotherapy is increasingly recognised as a valuable tool for managing chronic skin conditions as eczema and psoriasis. These conditions often involve a mix of physical symptoms and psychological triggers. Stress, anxiety, and emotional factors can exacerbate skin flare-ups. Hypnotherapy helps by addressing these emotional contributors while promoting healing. This article explores how hypnotherapy works, its benefits, and the research supporting its effectiveness for eczema and psoriasis.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to reach a deeply relaxed state. In this state, the mind becomes more open to suggestion and change. Hypnosis can help alter negative thought patterns, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. This is particularly important for people with eczema and psoriasis, where stress and anxiety often trigger skin flare-ups. By calming the mind, hypnotherapy can have a positive impact on skin health.
Hypnotherapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment that complements traditional medical approaches. It helps individuals gain control over their stress responses, leading to fewer flare-ups and improved overall well-being.
How Stress Affects Skin Conditions
Stress plays a significant role in skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. When we experience stress, the body releases hormones like cortisol, which can trigger inflammation. In people with sensitive skin, this inflammation can cause flare-ups of eczema and psoriasis. Stress also weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to heal itself.
Hypnotherapy reduces stress by helping the individual relax and enter a state of deep mental calm. This reduction in stress levels can lead to fewer flare-ups and better management of symptoms.
Hypnotherapy for Eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterised by itching, redness, and inflammation. For many people, stress and emotional triggers make their symptoms worse. Hypnotherapy helps by addressing the psychological aspects of eczema, such as stress, anxiety, and emotional distress.
A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that hypnotherapy helped reduce itching and scratching in patients with eczema. Hypnotherapy can change the way individuals perceive their itching and discomfort. It helps them develop coping strategies to avoid scratching, which is crucial for preventing further skin damage to reducing symptoms. Hypnotherapy can improve quality of life. By reducing stress, people with eczema can experience fewer flare-ups and enjoy better mental health.
Hypnotherapy for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to multiply too quickly, leading to patches of inflamed, scaly skin. Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis flare-ups, as it increases inflammation in the body. Hypnotherapy helps manage the psychological stress that can exacerbate the condition.
A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research showed that hypnotherapy significantly improved symptoms in psoriasis patients. The study found that hypnosis helped reduce both stress and inflammation, leading to clearer skin.
Hypnotherapy also improves self-esteem in individuals with psoriasis. Many people with this condition experience embarrassment and social anxiety due to the visibility of their symptoms. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, hypnotherapy helps individuals feel more confident in their skin.
Benefits of Hypnotherapy for Skin Conditions
There are several key benefits of hypnotherapy for managing eczema and psoriasis:
- Reduces stress: Hypnotherapy helps calm the mind, which in turn lowers stress levels. This can prevent flare-ups and reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Alters perceptions: Hypnosis can change the way people perceive itching and discomfort, making the symptoms feel less intense.
- Encourages relaxation: The deeply relaxed state achieved during hypnosis promotes healing by giving the body a chance to rest and recover.
- Improves emotional well-being: Hypnotherapy addresses the emotional aspects of skin conditions, such as anxiety, embarrassment, and low self-esteem.
- Supports long-term health: By reducing stress and promoting better mental health, hypnotherapy can help individuals manage their skin conditions more effectively in the long term.
Research Supporting Hypnotherapy for Skin Conditions
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in treating chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- British Journal of Dermatology: A study published in this journal found that hypnotherapy significantly reduced itching and discomfort in eczema patients. The study also showed that hypnotherapy improved patients’ overall quality of life.
- Psychosomatic Research: This study highlighted the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in reducing stress and inflammation in psoriasis patients. Participants in the study experienced clearer skin and fewer flare-ups after undergoing hypnosis.
- Dermatology Review: A comprehensive review published in this journal highlighted hypnotherapy as a promising treatment for chronic skin conditions. The review emphasised that hypnosis can reduce both the physical and psychological symptoms of eczema and psoriasis .
These studies demonstrate safe, non-invasive, and effective tool for managing skin conditions. It works by addressing the mind-body connection, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation.
How to Get Started with Hypnotherapy for Skin Conditions
If you or someone you know is struggling with eczema or psoriasis, hypnotherapy can be a valuable tool for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. When combined with traditional treatments, hypnotherapy can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and provide long-term relief from flare-ups.
Consult a qualified hypnotherapist who specialises in treating skin conditions. They can develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
References:
- British Journal of Dermatology. Hypnotherapy and its effectiveness in treating eczema. Study conducted by Rotaru, T., & Rusu, A., 2015.
- Journal of Psychosomatic Research. Hypnosis for stress-related psoriasis: a clinical trial by Alladin, A., 2012.
- Dermatology and Therapy Review. Hypnotherapy as a complementary treatment for eczema and psoriasis: a comprehensive review, 2017.
By addressing the psychological triggers of these conditions, hypnotherapy can offer a natural, effective solution to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Case Study
Nina came to see me with Eczema covering a large part of her body, particularly joints, hair and hands. I assured her that hypnotherapy could help. She came out in hives when hot or in close contact with her partner.
At the first session, she found that listening to the MP3 had not only helped her sleep, but she had not broken out in hives from that moment onwards. There was an improvement in her skin condition at every session.
Overcoming stress
We had a few blips due to Nina being involved in a number of stressful situations, which she recognised and so was able to change the way she approached certain tasks. One incident was when out shopping for bridal dresses with her mother. She realised her frustration at the traffic, parking, finding the shop and arguing with her mother had all caused a flare-up.
Hot baths and showers also had an effect and so did participating in Zumba classes, so she had to change some of the exercises she was doing to minimalise her sweating.
The last dip came about as she stopped listening to the MP3 at the end of the therapy and realising that she had to carry on for a long time. By her eleventh session, she had very little reddening of the skin and she was very happy.
Also see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatitis