Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that primarily involves attentive receptive concentration. Even though a small number of health professionals are trained in hypnosis and lingering myths and misconceptions associated with this method have hampered its widespread use to treat medical conditions hypnotherapy has gained relevance as an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome not responsive to standard care. More recently, a few studies have addressed the potential infl uence of hypnosis on uppe digestive function and disease. This paper reviews the efficacy of hypnosis in the modulation of uppe digestive motor and secretory function. The presen evidence of the effectiveness of hypnotherapy as a treatment for functional and organic diseases o the upper bowel is also summarized, coupled with a discussion of potential mechanisms of its therapeutic action. Even though a small number of health professionals are trained in hypnosis and lingering myths and misconceptions associated with this method have hampered its widespread use to treat medical conditions hypnotherapy has substantially relevance as an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome not responsive to standard care. More recent, a few studies have addressed the potential inflence of hypnosis on uppe digestive function and disease. This paper reviews the efficacy of hypnosis in the modulation of uppe digestive motor and secretory function. The presen evidence of the effectiveness of hypnotherapy as a treatment for functional and organic diseases o the upper bowel is also summarized, coupled with a discussion of potential mechanisms of its therapeutic action.