New View Hypnosis
Hypnosis Works!
Hypnotic practices have shown promising results in managing discomfort in various medical scenarios, including acute conditions. A study with strict control measures demonstrated that during certain radiological interventions, participants who did not receive hypnotic treatment reported escalating discomfort as the procedure lengthened. In contrast, those who were equipped with self-hypnotic strategies reported not only less discomfort but also a lower need for pain relief medications, as evidenced by reduced usage of patient-controlled analgesia devices.
These individuals also showed more stable vital signs post-procedure and a notable reduction in procedure duration by 22% compared to their counterparts. Accounting for the costs associated with hypnosis training, there was an average financial savings of $338 per procedure. Beyond acute pain, hypnosis has also been beneficial for chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, cancer-related pain, and migraines.
​
The integration of hypnosis with other psychological interventions has also been studied, showing amplified benefits. For instance, incorporating hypnotherapy into group therapy, for individuals with metastatic breast cancer, led to reductions in anxiety, and depression, improved coping mechanisms, and alleviated discomfort.
The analgesic impact of hypnotherapy is primarily attributed to two pathways: inducing physical calmness and modifying perception or providing cognitive diversions. Muscle tension is a common accompaniment to pain, and hypnotherapy often uses imagery that promotes relaxation—like sensations of 'floating' or 'lightness'—which in turn lessens muscle tension and pain.
​
Tailoring techniques to an individual's hypnotic responsiveness is crucial. Those with lower susceptibility to hypnosis may find distraction techniques more effective. These techniques focus on creating sensations in parts of the body unaffected by pain. In contrast, highly hypnotically responsive individuals may benefit from suggestions of numbness or anesthesia in the affected area, evoking memories of analgesic injections or dental anesthetics to reduce the sensation of pain.
​
The temperature metaphor is another effective strategy for those with moderate to high hypnotic susceptibility. It employs imagery, of extreme temperatures, to facilitate the sensation of the painful area becoming colder or warmer, respectively, leveraging the connection between pain and temperature pathways in the body.
​
In employing imagery and metaphors for pain relief, several ideas are key. Patients should differentiate between the actual pain signal and the resulting discomfort, learning to mentally separate the two. Hypnosis should enable them to transform the perception of pain into less distressing sensations, such as tingling or changes in temperature. Additionally, patients are encouraged not to resist pain, as this can actually heighten discomfort, along with associated anxiety and tension, potentially exacerbating their pain.