JANUARY 22, 2006Provided by RealAge.com

Picture This

60% of users found this article helpful.
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.

RealAge Benefit: Protecting your immune system can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.

RealAge Smart Search: Find expert-selected information on hypnosis here.



Take the RealAge Test

Was this tip helpful?
Tell us what you think.

Rate this tip:
liked it no thanks

Tip of the Day

In the Spotlight

8 Foods for Longevity

These simple switches will help you slim down and live a long, healthy life.

Learn More »

Yahoo! Health Videos

My Health

help

Tip of the Day

Provided by: RealAgeNov 5, 2009

Piling your favorite sandwich fixings on the right kind of bread could mean healthier blood pressure. The right choice? One hundred percent whole-grain.

Read More »

View All Tips »

Tell us what you think about Yahoo! Health - Send us your feedback