Medical hypnosis

The idea of a doctor putting you under and making suggestions sounds like something out of an old movie. But medical hypnosis is very much a real thing, and it’s been used to treat various conditions for years. However, many people are hesitant about the practice because they think it might be too weird and not as effective as other methods. Whether or not you agree with that last part, the truth is that many people are wary of going through medical hypnosis treatments. We live in a world where even the smallest things can cause us to worry – and that extends to our doctors. There’s even an entire section on the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis website dedicated to answering questions regarding safety concerns and protocols before undergoing hypnosis as a treatment option.

What is Medical Hypnosis?

Medical hypnosis is a trance-like state in which you’re highly focused on a specific goal. It’s not the same as the type of hypnosis used for entertainment purposes, and the two shouldn’t be confused. When you’re hypnotized for medical purposes, you’re in control of your actions the entire time and are consciously aware of what you’re doing – even if you don’t remember it. Medical hypnosis is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as medications and cognitive behavioral therapy, to help patients achieve the desired outcome. In this scenario, the patient would meet with a hypnotherapist and discuss their medical history. After an evaluation, the hypnotherapist would use suggestions and visualization techniques to reduce pain or manage stress levels.

How is it Done?

You may be surprised to discover that hypnosis is actually a very common practice. Doctors use it on a daily basis to help their patients relax and feel more at ease before and/or during a procedure or diagnosis. Patients who are in a relaxed state are typically able to go through their procedures more easily and without pain. When you visit your doctor for a hypnosis session, it’s important that you feel comfortable and relaxed. You’ll be asked to sit in a comfy chair, either in the exam room or another private space, and be hypnotized by a healthcare provider. Some doctors may also choose to use hypnosis as an anesthetic during surgery, which is known as hypnotherapy.

Is it Safe for Children?

Simply put, yes. The misconception that children aren’t safe with hypnosis stems from a time before the therapy was common, when doctors would suggest it as a method to put kids to sleep during exams. While hypnosis is a valid and safe form of treatment, it’s important to note that it’s not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care. Similarly to adults, children respond to hypnosis in a positive manner, often experiencing a decrease in pain and an increase in calmness. Because of this, many pediatricians use it as a form of pain management. Doctors may also suggest using hypnosis with kids who have to undergo frequent medical procedures, such as blood tests.

Is Medication Required?

Unlike other treatments, such as sleep or cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis doesn’t require any type of prescription drugs. At first glance, you might think that’s a bad thing. After all, who wants to go through something as serious as treating a medical condition without any help from medication? But, in reality, hypnosis is a safe and effective procedure that doesn’t require any drugs whatsoever. That being said, there are instances where a doctor might suggest combining hypnosis with other treatment methods. For example, if you’re going through a painful procedure, your doctor may recommend taking a mild pain reliever beforehand. Additionally, if you have anxiety or a mental health issue that could interfere with the effectiveness of hypnosis, your doctor might recommend taking prescription medications.

Is It Effective?

Medical hypnosis has been used to treat and manage a number of health conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Because different people respond to treatments differently, it’s difficult to generalize and say that hypnosis “works” for everyone. However, there is ample research that indicates hypnosis is a safe and effective treatment for many conditions. One of the most common uses for hypnosis is for managing pain. As mentioned above, it can be used in combination with other treatments, such as opioids, or alone. Patients who undergo hypnosis for pain management report feeling less discomfort and are able to go about their daily lives much more easily.

Final Thoughts

Hypnosis has been around for centuries, but it’s only recently that more and more people have become aware of its benefits. Now, it’s commonly used to treat a wide variety of conditions and is safe for people of all ages. There have been many misconceptions about medical hypnosis over the years, but the truth is that it’s a very safe and effective treatment. It’s even used during surgical procedures to help patients relax during the procedure. If you find yourself facing a medical condition that doesn’t seem to be going away, or if you just want to improve your general health, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about hypnosis.