Hypnosis and Hay Fever

A group of Researchers from Switzerland, at the University of Basel, performed a randomized control study in the use of self-hypnosis on hay fever symptoms. They knew that hypnosis has proved to be a useful adjunct in the treatment of conditions where allergic phenomena have an important role.

The study was done over two consecutive pollen seasons. The data that was compared was, nasal flow under hypnosis, symptoms from diaries and retrospective assessments, sense of well-being or not, and anti-allergic medication.

The group had 79 patients with a mean age of 34, 41 males and 38 females. They had moderate to severe allergic rhinitis of at least 2 years duration and mild allergic asthma. Self-hypnosis was taught with a mean of 2.4 sessions and there was a continuation of standard anti-allergic pharmacological treatment. 66 completed one season and 53 completed two seasons.

In year 1, the scores where significantly higher for those who had learned self-hypnosis. In year 2, the control group improved significantly having learned self-hypnosis as well.

Another hypnosis success!!