For some, the thought of taking more drugs or having to have surgery represents a step backward in their healthcare. So thoughts turn towards alternative medicines or some other complementary form of healthcare. Healthcare that falls into the category of complementary or alternative includes acupuncture and hypnosis.

Acupuncture has proven to be one of the most effective methods for dealing with chronic pain over virtually all other modalities. If you look at a list of issues that acupuncture addresses you would find that it is truly staggering. And yet, when you think about the fact that acupuncture is over 3000 years old and still survives today, it becomes easy to realize that if it didn't work it wouldn't be around. A brief list of the things that acupuncture can work with include: acne, allergies, arthritis, back pain, constipation, diabetes, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, headache and migraines, indigestion, menopause, neck pain, osteoporosis, PMS, sciatica, sinusitis, tendinitis, vertigo, and weakness.

Hypnosis is another alternative that can be very effective for dealing with bad habits, depression, anxiety, fear, hurt, guilt, procrastination, self-esteem issues, and phobias. You can stop smoking in as little as two sessions. Hypnosis is very effective in dealing with food issues. Hypnosis can also be used to improve different areas of a person's life. Examples where hypnosis can be beneficial include: improved memory, increased stamina, improved learning or work skills, and improved skills in sports, it can increase the desire to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Hypnosis has also been proven to be very beneficial for pre-and postoperative surgery procedures. Hypnosis is used to reduce or eliminate the fear and anxiety prior to a surgical procedure and, after the procedure; the recovery time is greatly reduced including the minimal requirement for pain medications. I have also found that hypnosis significantly aids in the surgical procedure itself by reducing the surgery time.

While most people have some inclination of how acupuncture works, most people do not understand about hypnosis. For most people their exposure has been limited to movies or stage shows. They see people doing outlandish things apparently beyond their control. The reality is that all hypnosis is self hypnosis. The hypnotherapist operates as a tour guide assisting the client to create the desired changes within themselves. The reality is that we go in and out of trance every 60 to 90 minutes as a natural, daily process. If you've ever daydreamed, you've gone into trance. If you've ever driven down the road and past your exit, you've gone into trance. In those instances you were completely aware and wide awake and yet, in trance. The reality is that I (the hypnotherapist) cannot make you do something that you would not ordinarily do. So, unless you have a really strong desire to cluck like a chicken, I can't make you do it.

All learning, behavior, and change takes place at the unconscious level. The hypnotherapist offers suggestions which, when accepted by the unconscious mind, creates the change. Just like that! So, if you would like to explore alternatives that complement your healthcare, why not consider acupuncture or hypnosis?