March 12, 2013

Psoriasis and Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy can help clients learn how to feel relaxed and at ease while improving the feel and look of their skin.  The Positive emotions can lead to healthier skin.

Clients with Psoriasis have benefited dramatically from Clinical Hypnotherapy.  The skin is the largest organ of the human body and it is very influenced by the emotions.  By working on relaxation as well as off loading old outdated patterns of behaviour, the whole Mind/Body System undergoes a shift of consciousness at the deepest level.  To put it simply the skin starts to heal and repair itself.  In the case of Psoriasis new cell growth can be slowed with Clinical Hypnotherapy and the outer skin can be given suggestion to be calm, cool and normal in feel and colour.  

Post Hypnotic cues can be given so that in the future the emotional significance of the skin condition changes to a much more positive outlook.  It is also possible to use regression to take clients back to a time when the skin was healthy and free from the limitations of the skin condition and to then update the subconscious as well as future pacing, to return the healthy pattern of skin generation to the affected site or sites.

Psoriasis is a non contagious skin condition. Its most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white build up of dead skin cells, called scale. In 10 to 30% of sufferers the psoriasis can also present as psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. The skin is the external barrier to our body. In order to maintain its protective function it is continually growing, as the older cells reach the surface they die and are sloughed off. When psoriasis occurs in the skin the cycle of cell growth is reduced from about a month to 3 to 4 days. The increased activity produces the characteristic redness with a white flaky build up of dead skin cells. It is believed that it is the immune system that is causing the effect by sending faulty signals.
The severity of the disorder varies from person to person. Some people experience psoriasis in a small area and some people have it all over their body.

Psoriasis can also affect a person’s joints. This inflammation can lead to psoriatic arthritis. Approximately 10-15% of people with chronic psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms of this form of psoriasis include pain, stiffness, and inflammation of the joints. The symptoms can be pretty severe in some cases and can be disabling.

Treating psoriasis can be a challenge because the exact cause is not known. Many doctors believe that the disorder is genetic in nature. Doctors have found that certain factors can irritate psoriasis including stress, drinking alcohol, and smoking.

Quality of life

Psoriasis can have a negative impact on the quality of life. The disorder often causes severe itching, which can lead to pain. These side effects can interfere with different areas of life. Many people with psoriasis lack self-esteem and often become depressed because of their disorder.  Psoriasis and Eczema are often accompanied with feelings of low self-worth and therefore a lack of confidence. A large part of the treatment is to allow the client to re-evaluate their beliefs that maintain these feelings. Clients with Psoriasis and Eczema often feel “depressed” about the way they look or the rituals they have to go through every day.

Severe cases of psoriasis have been shown to affect health-related quality of life to an extent similar to the effects of other chronic diseases, such as depression, hypertension, congestive heart failure or type 2 diabetes.  Depending on the severity and location of outbreaks, individuals may experience significant physical discomfort and some disability. Itching and pain can interfere with basic functions, such as self-care, walking, and sleep. Plaques on hands and feet can prevent individuals from working at certain occupations, playing some sports, and caring for family members or a home. Plaques on the scalp can be particularly embarrassing, as flaky plaque in the hair can be mistaken for dandruff. Medical care can be costly and time-consuming, and can interfere with an employment or school schedule.
Individuals with psoriasis may also feel self-conscious about their appearance and have a poor self-image that stems from fear of public rejection and psychosexual concerns. Psychological distress can lead to significant depression and social isolation.

In a 2008 National Psoriasis Foundation survey of 426 psoriasis sufferers, 71 percent reported the disease was a significant problem in everyday life. More than half reported significant feelings of self-consciousness (63 percent) and embarrassment (58 percent). More than one-third said they avoided social activities and limited dating or intimate interactions.

Many doctors put emphasis on controlling the symptoms of psoriasis because there is no known cure. Ointments, phototherapy, and prescription drugs are often prescribed, but many sufferers look to alternative therapy to help relieve their symptoms.