
The Promising Role of Hypnotherapy for Managing Parkinson’s Disease

Living with Parkinson’s Disease often means navigating a complex and challenging landscape. From physical symptoms like tremors and stiffness to emotional hurdles such as anxiety and depression, the condition can significantly impact one’s quality of life. While medical treatments provide essential support, alternative therapies like hypnotherapy are gaining attention for their potential to complement traditional care.
Hypnotherapy as a Complementary Approach for Parkinson's Disease
While traditional medical treatments remain the cornerstone of managing this condition, emerging research suggests that hypnosis may offer valuable complementary benefits for those living with Parkinson's.
What Does the Research Say?
Although research into hypnotherapy for Parkinson’s is still in its early stages and more extensive clinical trials are necessary to establish its efficacy comprehensively, the findings so far are promising:
A 2020 review of research literature concluded that hypnosis demonstrated beneficial effects, improving patients’ physical well-being and quality of life for individuals with neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s. [1]
A promising case study published 2013 also showed that hypnotherapy can help with the tremors caused by Parkinson’s, reporting a 94% reduction in rest tremors following treatment as well as improving depression, anxiety, sleep, pain, stiffness and libido. [2] Similar results were found in another case study in 1990. [3]
A 2002 study revealed that meditation can increase dopamine tone. The researchers observed a 65% increase in endogenous dopamine release in the ventral striatum during meditation, accompanied by decreased desire for action and heightened sensory imagery. While this study focuses on meditation, it suggests that practices involving deep relaxation and focused attention, such as hypnosis, may similarly influence dopamine release. [4]
In a small 2007 study, researchers found that hypnosis can slow down the impacts of dementia and improve quality of life for those living with the condition, which is an encouraging finding given that one third of Parkinsons patients go on to develop dementia. [5, 6]
In addition to these studies, we know that hypnotherapy has proven benefits in aiding mental and physical relaxation, soothing the sympathetic nervous system and helping to manage chronic pain and discomfort.
Hypnosis in Practice for Parkinson’s
By inducing a state of deep relaxation, hypnosis may offer several advantages for those with Parkinson’s:
Improved sleep
Ease stress and anxiety
Boost confidence, optimism, resilience and feelings of wellbeing
Reduce tremors
Pain management
Encourage take up of dopamine-producing activities and new healthier habits in line with medical advice
A Holistic Path Forward
Hypnotherapy is not a cure for Parkinson’s, and no result can be guaranteed, but it can be a supportive complementary therapy for managing symptoms and enhancing overall well-being.
As research continues to evolve, the potential for hypnotherapy to play a more significant role in managing Parkinson’s looks increasingly hopeful. For now, the existing studies and anecdotal evidence provide a compelling case for its integration into a holistic care plan alongside medication, physical therapy and diet.
If you or someone you love is managing Parkinson’s, exploring hypnotherapy as a complementary approach could be a positive step towards improved well-being.
References
[1] Vescovelli, F., Ruini, C., Guse, T. Hypnosis as A Complementary Therapy for Promoting Well-Being in Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Review of The Literature. Online Journal of Complementary &Alternative Medicine, 2020, March.
[2] Elkins G, Sliwinski J, Bowers J, Encarnacion E. Feasibility of clinical hypnosis for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: a case study. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2013
[3] Wain HJ, Amen D, Jabbari B. The effects of hypnosis on a parkinsonian tremor: case report with polygraph/EEG recordings. Am J Clin Hypn. 1990, October.
[4] Kjaer TW, Bertelsen C, Piccini P, Brooks D, Alving J, Lou HC. Increased dopamine tone during meditation-induced change of consciousness. Brain Res Cogn Brain Res. 2002 Apr;13(2):255-9. doi: 10.1016/s0926-6410(01)00106-9. PMID: 11958969.
[5] Duff, S., Nightingale, D. Alternative Approaches to Supporting Individuals With Dementia: Enhancing Quality of Life Through Hypnosis. Alzheimer's Care Today 8(4):p 321-331, October 2007
[6] https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/parkinsons-disease