Using Hypnosis to Treat Nausea in Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
The Journal of Oncology discussed a study on chemotherapy patients who experienced nausea and vomiting and the effects of hypnotherapy as an adjunctive treatment. The results were positive and showed that Hypnotherapy had a positive effect on patients suffering from anticipatory nausea, which comes prior to chemotherapy treatment.
Having cancer is never an easy thing. It goes without saying that many cancer patients go through the same worry and distress as others when it comes to the healing processes. The processes, which are slow and painful, can often come with other worries that can stifle or completely stop it.
Chemotherapy is a form of treatment using chemicals to kill cancer cells. There are many different types of chemotherapy and they are used for many different kinds of cancer. Below is a list of side effects related to chemotherapy:
–nausea
–vomiting
–pain
–hair loss
–anemia
–memory loss
Nausea and vomiting are very common side effects of chemotherapy. A number of drugs are often used to control nausea.
A study appeared in the Journal of Oncology in 2000 that discussed the efficacy of hypnosis in treating nausea and vomiting in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. They not only wanted to see if hypnosis played a role in reducing nausea and vomiting after receiving chemotherapy, but before as well. Many cancer patients have anticipatory nausea and vomiting just before receiving treatment.
The study consisted of 16 cancer patients who were experiencing anticipatory nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. All participants had had at least 4 chemotherapy sessions. The patients received hypnotherapy involving an induction and then suggestions to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
The results of the study were highly significant. All 16 participants’ anticipatory nausea and vomiting disappeared, meaning they no longer experienced nausea and vomiting prior to their chemotherapy treatments. Many of the participants even saw a reduction in vomiting after receiving chemotherapy.
The results showed that hypnosis is highly effective in treating anticipatory nausea and vomiting. The study also showed that hypnosis can help treat vomiting due to chemotherapy treatments. Hypnosis is a natural way to help reduce the occurrence of nausea and vomiting, helping increase the well-being of cancer patients.