Written by June Milligan, M.Ed., CCHt |
Those who benefit from hypnosis know that truly astonishing results can be obtained through this process. According to James Stewart, MD, “despite variations in hypnotic techniques, patients treated with hypnosis experienced substantial benefits for many very different medical conditions.”
The purpose of medically supported hypnosis for diabetes is to bring about subconscious changes so that you are improving your health and experiencing better diabetes management. Evidence shows that hypnotic relaxation can have a significant influence on a person’s body.
“Emotions are intimately involved in the initiation or progression of cancer, HIV, cardiovascular disease and auto-immune disorders,” said Yoram Barak in Autoimmunity Review. “An increase in secretory immunoglobulin A and a decrease in salivary cortisol (the stress hormone) were induced by deep relaxation accompanied by pleasant emotions.” Deep relaxation accompanied by pleasant emotions is a perfect description of the feelings generated during hypnosis.
Dr. Richard Surwit of Duke University has proven that deep relaxation over time helps people with diabetes to lower their blood sugar levels. Therefore it seems important for a diabetic to learn and practice the deeply relaxing practice of self-hypnosis on a daily basis. It’s easy to learn.
Regarding many ailments, not only diabetes, sometimes a solution to one problem creates another. For example, if a diabetic patient is depressed, then anti-depressants may cause insomnia. This is sometimes called a “hidden condition” and frustrates health care providers as well as patients. To be more specific, poor sleep robs people of their health in general. But for diabetics, it can actually worsen their condition.
At the 2005 annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association, a study was presented warning that a chronic lack of sleep may cause diabetics to become less sensitive to insulin over time. In fact, chronic sleep deprivation – six and a half hours (or less) of sleep a night – has the same effect on insulin resistance as aging.
Insulin is a storage hormone produced by the body to lower blood sugar, but over time the imbalances may stress the system and the cells may become less responsive. This condition is known as insulin resistance. Learning self-hypnosis to assist in getting a good night’s sleep is an excellent medication-free method, a reasonable, first effort treatment for insulin resistance.
Working together with a health care team, a hypnotist who is also a stress management consultant and motivational coach can help a diabetic significantly reduce stress levels and thus become much more efficient in the management of their condition. Just the ability to sleep better can make an enormous difference in one’s quality of life. Be aware that whether you are in robust health or dealing with a challenging condition, you must remember to speak well to yourself because your deep mind is always listening.
References:
1. Dr. Stewart: Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2005; 80-511-524
2. Autoimmunity Reviews, Volume 5, Issue 8, October 2006
3. Duke University Hospital Echo Newsletter, January 2007
For more info contact June Milligan, specializing in personal empowerment counseling, medical support hypnosis, and eliminating emotional blocks to success at (775) 786-9111 or june@joyfulchanges.com.
