As summer fades and autumn moves towards winter so memories of hay fever are swiftly forgotten. For many the winter months provide much needed relief from the itchy eyes and sneezing that accompanies what the medical world calls allergic rhinitis. Research from Switzerland is offering a new beacon of hope for sufferers of this sometimes debilitating condition. They conducted a study that took place over 2 pollen seasons where 66 volunteers were randomly allocated to one of two groups. The first group (A) regularly practiced self-hypnosis whilst continuing to take anti-allergy medication over the two seasons, whilst the second group (B) took anti-allergy medication only. After the first season group B were then asked to practice self-hypnosis whilst continuing to take their medication.
Results showed that after the first year group A reported fewer hay fever symptoms than group B. At the end of the second year group B (who had started to practice self-hypnosis) also reported fewer symptoms. Both groups cut down the amount of medication they were taking whilst practicing self-hypnosis. According to the study, self-hypnosis also improved nasal airflow when the volunteers were exposed to allergens. The authors of the study hypothesise that this may be the result of hypnosis’ ability to alter blood flow to the mucous membranes of the nose thus reducing congestion.
Even though some the findings of the study were not conclusive the results were encouraging. This has led to the authors and other authorities on allergy to recommend that further research be carried out to examine the true potential of hypnosis in the management of allergic symptoms.
Source: Langewitz W, Izakovic J, Wyler J, Schindler C, Kiss A and Bircher AJ (2005) Effect of Self-Hypnosis on Hay Fever Symptoms – A Randomised Controlled Intervention Study Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 74(3) 165-172
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