According to Cancer Facts & Figures 2019, Cancer.org, and the Cancer Statistics Center, in the U.S. in 2019, there will be an estimated 1,762,450 new cancer cases and 606,880 cancer deaths. While most people have many cancer cells in their bodies at any given time, our bodies are well-equipped to handle them – under natural, normal circumstances. Yet with the increase in environmental toxins (in our air, water and food), coupled with poor lifestyle (stress, poor eating habits, etc.) and psychological factors such as unreleased anger, fear, resentment, and guilt, the immune system is over-worked and becomes depleted, becoming an ideal host environment for cancer.

Standard cancer treatment usually includes chemotherapy and radiation. Hypnosis is a valuable supplement to the standard chemotherapy and radiation regimen and can improve clinical outcomes when added to traditional care. A well-trained, certified clinical hypnotherapist can assist with cancer recovery in several ways:

• Reduce stress by releasing negative emotions, thus providing both emotional and physical relief.
• Clear emotional blocks that are compromising bodily functions (most importantly addressing fear and anger which compromise the immune system)
• Provide tools and techniques to manage the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation such as nausea, pain, anxiety, depression, loss of appetite
• Reprogram subconscious encoding to transform unhealthy practices into healthy habits (nutrition, exercise, weight loss, etc.)
• Re-build self-confidence and self-esteem
• Perform future pacing towards a more meaningful, purposeful life

Hypnotherapy can also be used as maintenance after recovery to help keep the body healthy and functioning at optimal levels.  According to Hypnosis for Cancer Care: Over 200 Years Young, “Hypnosis has the potential to not only help with physical side effects during survivorship, but to help with the emotional issues associated with living with uncertainty and adjusting to reduced contact with medical providers” after treatment has concluded.

Hypnosis has been shown to be safe and effective and can help patients with all types of cancer and for many different purposes, and there’s evidence of its value and efficacy.

Lori Burke, CHt/CCHt/CTHt, is a certified clinical hypnotherapist located at 100 Rialto Place  Ste 712,  Melbourne. For more information, call 321-652-1039. NOTE: Hypnotherapy for any diagnosable illness, injury or disease requires a written prescription or referral from client’s treating healthcare provider.