Why it's done

Hypnotherapy can be an effective method for coping with stress and anxiety. In particular, hypnosis can reduce stress and anxiety before a medical procedure, such as a breast biopsy.

Hypnosis has been studied for other conditions, including:

• Pain control. Hypnosis may help with pain due to burns, cancer, childbirth, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint problems, dental procedures and headaches.
• Hot flashes. Hypnosis may relieve symptoms of hot flashes associated with menopause.
• Behavior change. Hypnosis has been used with some success in the treatment of insomnia, bed-wetting, smoking, and overeating.
• Cancer treatment side effects. Hypnosis has been used to ease side effects related to chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
• Mental health conditions. Hypnosis may help treat symptoms of anxiety, phobias and post-traumatic stress.