Pledge to end smoking in England by 2030
Nick Triggle • 14 August 2023
By Nick Triggle
Health correspondent
The government is pledging to end smoking in England by 2030 as part of a range of measures to tackle the causes of preventable ill health.
Promoting physical activity, developing guidelines on sleep and targeting those at risk of diabetes are also set out as priorities in the green paper.
The policy document aims to reduce the number of years spent in poor health.
Currently men and women spend over a fifth of their lives in ill health - 19 years for women and 16 for men.
Those in deprived areas experience the longest periods of poor health.
The green paper, which will now be consulted on, proposes a number of ways of tackling this.
They include:
- Ensuring any smoker admitted to hospital automatically gets offered help to quit
- Extending tooth brushing schemes in nurseries and primary schools
- Reviewing the evidence on sleep and health with a view to developing clear national guidance on daily recommended hours of sleep
- Encouraging "active play" such as skipping in nurseries and more travel by bike and on foot
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The measures come on top of steps that have already been consulted on, including:
- Clearer calorie labelling in cafes, restaurants and takeaways
- A ban on junk food advertising before 21:00
- Banning the sale of energy drinks to children
Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be challenging. The unpredictability of symptoms such as bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation can make daily life difficult. While traditional treatments often focus on managing the physical symptoms through medications and dietary changes, many people with IBS find relief through a less conventional but highly effective approach: hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses the power of relaxation, focus, and suggestion to help change the way the mind and body respond to certain conditions. Over the years, research and clinical studies have shown that hypnotherapy can be incredibly effective in managing and even alleviating the symptoms of IBS . Here's why: 1. Stress and IBS: The Powerful Connection One of the most significant triggers for IBS symptoms is stress. Our gut and brain are deeply connected through what’s called the gut-brain axis. When we experience stress, our body releases hormones and chemicals that affect gut motility, leading to flare-ups in IBS symptoms. Hypnotherapy helps by reducing stress and promoting deep relaxation. Through guided hypnosis, you enter a deeply relaxed state, where your subconscious mind is more receptive to suggestions that can help reduce your physical symptoms. By calming the stress response, hypnotherapy can reduce the severity and frequency of IBS symptoms over time. 2. Targeting the Mind-Body Connection IBS isn’t just a physical condition—it has a significant psychological component. Anxiety, stress, and emotional distress can directly impact gut health. Hypnotherapy works by addressing the mind-body connection, allowing you to reframe your emotional responses to IBS triggers. Through mindfulness-based techniques and guided imagery, hypnotherapy helps you gain more control over how you experience stress and discomfort. This can lead to better management of symptoms, as your body becomes less reactive to emotional and psychological triggers that may cause flare-ups. 3. Behavioral Changes and Dietary Adjustments Many people with IBS find it challenging to maintain a healthy diet, as certain foods can exacerbate symptoms. Hypnotherapy can help facilitate positive behavioral changes, such as making healthier food choices or adopting a more mindful approach to eating. It can help you develop better habits around meal planning, portion control, and understanding your body's food sensitivities. In addition, hypnosis can help you develop more consistent self-care routines—whether it’s improving sleep, exercising more, or managing your overall lifestyle in a way that supports your digestive health. 4. Pain Management and Symptom Relief One of the most frustrating aspects of IBS is dealing with pain and discomfort. Hypnosis for pain management has been shown to be highly effective in helping people reframe their experience of physical discomfort. Instead of focusing on the pain, hypnotherapy helps you focus on relaxation and comfort, reducing the perception of pain and helping you manage symptoms like bloating and cramping. With regular sessions, you may find that you experience fewer episodes of intense discomfort, and the symptoms you do experience may feel less intense and more manageable. 5. Scientific Evidence: What the Research Shows Clinical research supports the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in treating IBS. Studies have shown that individuals who undergo hypnotherapy for IBS report significant improvements in their symptoms, including reduced pain, bloating, and diarrhea. In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that patients who participated in hypnotherapy sessions experienced a significant reduction in IBS symptoms and overall improvement in quality of life compared to those who did not receive hypnosis. Hypnotherapy helps patients gain greater control over their bodies, allowing them to feel empowered in managing their IBS. 6. No Side Effects Unlike many medications, hypnotherapy for IBS has no side effects. While medications may help manage symptoms in the short term, they often come with undesirable side effects that can affect your quality of life. Hypnotherapy is a natural, drug-free alternative that helps you work with your body’s own processes to find relief. 7. Personalized Approach One of the best things about hypnotherapy is that it can be tailored to each individual’s unique experience with IBS . Whether your symptoms are related to anxiety, stress, food sensitivities, or emotional triggers, a trained hypnotherapist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that targets your specific needs. Conclusion: Hypnotherapy as a Path to IBS Relief If you’re struggling with IBS , hypnotherapy could be the solution you’ve been searching for. By addressing the root causes of your symptoms, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation, hypnotherapy can help you find relief from the discomfort that often comes with IBS. It’s a natural, holistic approach that empowers you to take control of your health and well-being, without relying on medication. If you're curious about how hypnotherapy can specifically help with your IBS , feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to discuss how this approach might work for you and support you on your journey to a calmer, more comfortable life. e body content of your post goes here. 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The Benefits of Hypnotherapy for Anxiety: How It Can Help You Find Relief Anxiety is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s triggered by stress, life changes, or uncertainty, anxiety can leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control. Traditional treatments like medication and therapy can be effective, but many people are turning to hypnotherapy for anxiety as a natural, holistic alternative that offers lasting relief. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of hypnotherapy for anxiety, how it works, and why it’s a powerful tool in managing and reducing anxiety symptoms. What is Hypnotherapy for Anxiety? Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness or “trance.” In this relaxed state, the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions and therapeutic interventions, which can help to reduce anxiety. Unlike traditional talk therapy, hypnotherapy addresses the root causes of anxiety by tapping into the unconscious mind. This allows individuals to reframe negative thoughts, resolve unresolved emotional issues, and manage stress in a more positive, constructive manner. How Hypnotherapy Can Help with Anxiety Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress: One of the primary benefits of hypnotherapy for anxiety is its ability to induce deep relaxation. Anxiety often triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, resulting in symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and muscle tension. Hypnotherapy helps to activate the body’s relaxation response, reducing stress and calming the mind. Helps Change Negative Thought Patterns: Anxiety is often fueled by negative thinking, such as catastrophizing or overestimating potential threats. Hypnotherapy allows individuals to identify these irrational thoughts and replace them with positive, empowering beliefs. This helps to break the cycle of anxiety and promote a more balanced, rational way of thinking. Addresses Root Causes of Anxiety: Hypnotherapy works by uncovering the underlying causes of anxiety, which may be deeply rooted in past experiences or trauma. By addressing these root causes, hypnotherapy helps individuals to process and release repressed emotions, ultimately alleviating anxiety. Improves Self-Confidence: Anxiety often stems from a lack of self-confidence or fear of failure. Through hypnotherapy, clients can build greater self-assurance by visualizing themselves overcoming anxiety and achieving their goals. This boost in confidence can help manage social anxiety, performance anxiety, and other forms of distress. Offers Long-Term Relief: While medication or short-term solutions may provide temporary relief from anxiety symptoms, hypnotherapy for anxiety can provide lasting results. By addressing the core issues and reprogramming the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy helps to make positive, sustainable changes that last long after treatment. Real-Life Success Stories: How Hypnotherapy Can Transform Your Life Many individuals have successfully used hypnotherapy to reduce anxiety and reclaim control over their lives. For example, a client who struggled with social anxiety, found that hypnotherapy helped her feel more confident and relaxed in social settings. After just a few sessions, she was able to attend family gatherings and work events without feeling overwhelmed. Similarly, a further client, who had been battling generalized anxiety, experienced significant relief after addressing past trauma through hypnotherapy. By tapping into his subconscious, he was able to confront old wounds and reframe his anxious thoughts, leading to a noticeable reduction in his anxiety levels. These success stories demonstrate the power of hypnotherapy to bring about meaningful, lasting change. Why Choose Hypnotherapy for Anxiety? Hypnotherapy is a safe, non-invasive, and natural alternative to medications. It’s a personalized approach tailored to your unique needs and challenges, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a holistic solution to anxiety. Moreover, hypnotherapy for anxiety can complement traditional therapies, allowing clients to experience the benefits of both approaches. Take the First Step Toward Anxiety Relief with Hypnotherapy If you’re ready to take control of your anxiety and start living a calmer, more fulfilling life, hypnotherapy may be the solution you’ve been seeking. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how hypnotherapy can help you reduce anxiety and enhance your well-being. Call to Action: Reach out now for a free consultation and find out how hypnotherapy can help you manage anxiety.
Hypnotherapy is an often misunderstood yet incredibly effective therapeutic technique that uses the power of hypnosis to help individuals achieve positive changes in their lives. Whether it's managing stress, overcoming fears, breaking bad habits, or even achieving personal goals, hypnotherapy can be a transformative experience. If you've ever been curious about hypnotherapy and how it works, this blog will walk you through its definition, process, and the various benefits it offers. What is Hypnotherapy? Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that utilizes hypnosis, a natural, altered state of awareness, to bring about change in a person’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. When you're in a state of hypnosis, your mind becomes highly focused and open to suggestion. Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not about being "put to sleep" or losing control. Instead, it’s a state of deep relaxation where your subconscious mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions that can help improve various aspects of your life. Hypnotherapy can be used to treat a variety of issues, from stress and anxiety to phobias, addiction, pain management, and more. The goal of hypnotherapy is not just to address the symptoms of a problem but also to uncover the underlying causes of emotional or behavioral challenges and make lasting changes. How Does Hypnotherapy Work? The process of hypnotherapy typically involves the following stages: Induction: The therapist helps you relax and enter a focused, calm state. You may be asked to focus on your breathing or follow the therapist’s voice to help you achieve a deep state of relaxation. Deepening: Once you're relaxed, the therapist deepens the state of hypnosis. This state allows you to access your subconscious mind, where much of your habits, memories, and emotions are stored. Suggestion: With your subconscious mind more open and receptive, the therapist will offer positive suggestions or work through specific issues you're facing, like overcoming a fear or breaking a habit. Awakening: Once the work is done, the therapist will gradually bring you out of hypnosis, and you'll feel fully awake, alert, and refreshed, with the positive suggestions beginning to take effect. Benefits of Hypnotherapy There are many reasons why people turn to hypnotherapy. Some of the most common benefits include: Stress and Anxiety Relief : Hypnotherapy can help calm the mind and manage the physical symptoms of stress, such as tension, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. It can also help address the underlying causes of anxiety by helping you change the thought patterns that trigger anxious feelings. Breaking Bad Habits : Whether it's smoking, nail-biting, or overeating, hypnotherapy is widely known for its ability to help individuals break free from harmful habits. By reprogramming the subconscious mind, individuals can gain better control over their behaviors and make lasting changes. Overcoming Phobias : Hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment for various phobias, such as fear of flying, public speaking, or spiders. It works by accessing the root cause of the phobia and replacing the negative emotional response with a more balanced and neutral feeling. Pain Management : Hypnotherapy can be used to manage chronic pain conditions like arthritis, migraines, and even the pain associated with medical procedures. It works by altering the way the brain perceives pain signals, allowing for greater comfort and relaxation. Improved Sleep : For those struggling with insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns, hypnotherapy can provide a natural and non-invasive solution. It can help promote deep relaxation and improve the body's ability to fall and stay asleep. Self-Confidence and Personal Growth : Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for boosting self-confidence and self-esteem. By addressing negative self-talk and limiting beliefs, individuals can tap into their full potential and achieve personal goals. Is Hypnotherapy Safe? Yes, hypnotherapy is a safe and well-established form of therapy when performed by a trained and certified hypnotherapist. Unlike what you may have seen in movies or TV shows, hypnotherapy doesn't involve mind control or suggestive "mesmerizing" techniques. A person undergoing hypnotherapy always retains control and can end the session at any time if they feel uncomfortable. However, as with any therapy, it’s important to work with a qualified professional who is experienced and trustworthy. A certified hypnotherapist will guide you through the process in a safe, ethical, and supportive manner. Who Can Benefit from Hypnotherapy? Hypnotherapy is suitable for almost anyone, but it works particularly well for people who are open to the process and motivated to make positive changes. Whether you're seeking help with a specific issue like stress, smoking, or pain management, or simply looking for overall personal development, hypnotherapy can be a helpful addition to your therapeutic journey. Conclusion Hypnotherapy is a powerful and versatile tool that can help individuals address a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues. By tapping into the subconscious mind, it provides a means of reprogramming negative thought patterns and facilitating lasting change. If you're struggling with stress, anxiety, phobias, bad habits, or just want to achieve personal growth, hypnotherapy could be the key to unlocking your full potential. If you’re curious about hypnotherapy and how it could benefit you, consider consulting with a certified hypnotherapist. They will assess your needs and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals. Embrace the power of your mind and see what positive changes hypnotherapy can bring into your life!