Hypnotherapy has so much to offer patients with cancer, at any stage and during any form of hospital treatment. Calming and relaxing, as we know, allows the immune system to function better. Clearing fear or panic. Changing perceptions of childhood traumas that may interfere with healing. Taking on strength, courage and resolve and importantly strengthening the immune system; getting it fired up for the task at hand.

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The relatively new area of study called Psychoneuroimmunology has now clearly shown there is a strong link between the mind and the function of the immune system. For cancer patients, this is important to grasp, but not only to grasp, as most patients I see understand this, but to 'act upon' which is where most don't go. Generally, they don't know what to do, how to do it, or even where to start. 

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RESEARCH

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Ruzyla-Smith, Patricia et al. (1993). As reported at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association.

In a study at Washington State University, a group of volunteers were given hypnotic suggestions specifically to boost their immune systems. Another group received only relaxing suggestions, or no suggestions. Their levels of T- and B-cells (special defence cells) were measured. Those who had received hypnotic suggestions showed significant increases in their levels of protective cells.

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