If you are like me, you may remember those first science classes and later biology classes that taught you your brain stopped growing and changing once you hit adulthood. And of course, then it was downhill from there!

We'll, as it turns out...it's not true! 

We really can change our brains and hence our minds. 

We can create new neuropathways to change old behaviors, habits, and thoughts. Hypnotherapy can help move that process along quicker.

Watch this short video to get a better idea of neuroplasticity.

Can hypnosis and hypnotherapy really help with chronic pain?

The answer is a resounding yes. This should come as no surprise since it's been used for centuries for treating pain; performing surgery (without anesthesia), for childbirth and dental procedures.

Mark P. Jenson, Ph.D., a researcher, author and professor at the University of Washington who focuses on the use of hypnosis in chronic pain writes:

How can hypnosis affect pain management? The results from three lines of research have combined to create a renewed interest in the application of hypnosis for chronic pain management.

First, imaging studies demonstrate that the effects of hypnotic suggestions on brain activity are real and can target specific aspects of pain. Hypnosis for decreases in the intensity of pain result not only in significant decreases in pain intensity, but also decreases in activity in the brain areas that underlie the experience of pain intensity. At the same time, hypnotic suggestions for...

Hypnosis and its benefits for general wellness are often misunderstood. Here is an overview of just a few of the areas in our lives that may benefit from hypnosis.

The mind is a major part of how we live our lives and what we strive to become. As much as it is a major part of who we are, however, the mind is something we often take for granted. Despite our affinity for keeping a healthy lifestyle and being kind to our body, there is often little we do to keep a healthy state of mind.

Truth be told, a healthy mind begets a healthy body. A mind that is balanced, fit and strong is a mind that will enable us to do the things we love to do, shun away things that make us weak and vulnerable and empower us to do and feel better. A healthy mind is indeed a cornerstone in achieving general wellness.

But unlike other parts of ourselves that we want to keep well and strong, thinking positive thoughts is not always easy.

Besides, there’s more to accessing the deep recesses of the mind...

Hypnosis Might be the Answer This news article discusses the use of hypnotherapy for gastrointestinal issues, specifically irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (Click the title above for further details, the video below is just an excerpt).

  Indeed, there is a great deal of evidence for using hypnosis for many gastrointestional disorders including irritable bowel syndrome. A few selected references include:

•  IBSHypnosis.com (referenced in the video).
• GI Society - Gut Directed Hypnotherapy for IBS
• UNC Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders - Effects of Hypnosis on GI Problems.

Understanding the science of pain, with the help of virtual reality. This PBS NewsHour discusses the treatment of pain using the brain (hypnosis) and distraction (virtual reality). Much of this work is coming from the University of Washington in Seattle. Worth watching.