Picture This

A little mental training could help relieve allergy symptoms.

Researchers recently discovered that allergy sufferers might be able to help quell their symptoms by picturing themselves symptom-free in a low-allergen environment. After two years of regularly practicing this kind of self-hypnosis, which they learned from a therapist, the study participants experienced significant improvement in their allergy symptoms.

You can practice positive visualization on your own by seeking a quiet place and picturing positive images in your mind. For example, if you suffer from allergies, you could picture an allergen-free environment, such as a snow-capped mountain, and see yourself symptom-free in that environment. To try a more structured program of self-hypnosis to control allergy symptoms, seek out the help of a qualified therapist. For self-hypnosis to really work, people must first achieve a state of deep relaxation in which they'll be more open to suggestion. Typically therapists can help people achieve such a state, after which they will provide suggestions to help people gain conscious control over their symptoms. However, self-hypnosis or positive visualization are not replacements for traditional allergy treatments. People in the study achieved greater relief from allergy symptoms when they used self-hypnosis in combination with standard allergy treatments. Do not adjust the timing or dose of any of your prescribed medications without consulting with your healthcare provider first.

Effect of self-hypnosis on hay fever symptoms - a randomised controlled intervention study. Langewitz, W., Izakovic, J., Wyler, J., Schindler, C., Kiss, A., Bircher, A. J., Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 2005;74(3):165-172.