There is increasing evidence that worsening of ulcerative colitis (UC) can be provoked by psychological stresses. As yet, there have been no proper scientific studies to find out whether stress reduction can improve the course of UC. Hypnotherapy is a technique by which a practitioner induces a temporary trance-like state in patients: while they are in this state, the practitioner uses suggestion to induce relaxation as well as beneficial modification of the way in which the patient experiences the gut working. In previous studies in our lab, we have shown that a single 50 minute session of hypnosis can reduce special indicators of inflammation both in the blood-stream and in the lining of the lower bowel (rectum). Further more, in earlier work by others, hypnosis has been shown to be effective in the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome, duodenal ulcer and indigestion unassociated with ulcers.