Can the hypnotic suggestion to "feel the sun's warmth on your head" really make hair grow?
It sounds far-fetched, but according to a small study in Belgium, it just might help. A group of 21 women and men suffering
from alopecia areataan autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out underwent a series of hypnotherapy sessions.
For nine of the participants, the treatment was totally successful: All their hair grew back. Three more patients saw
significant regrowth.
How does it work? Hypnosis may affect immune function and increase blood flow to the area, says Ria Willemsen M.D.,
a dermatologist and lead researcher on the study.