Hypnosis, and the possibility to manage pain

The idea of using hypnosis for pain relief may seem mysterious, but it is no longer considered a myth. Pain is a complex experience produced by various parts of the central nervous system, not just tissue damage. Hypnosis, as a psychological technique, can alter pain perception by modifying activity in the brain and spinal cord.

What is hypnosis, and how does it work?

During a hypnosis session, a trained professional induces a trance-like state of heightened concentration and then uses suggestions to improve the patient’s emotional or physical well-being. Studies have shown that hypnosis is effective in reducing pain, but the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood.

Research suggests that hypnosis alters pain perception by changing activity in brain areas associated with pain processing. This can be seen by inducing pain with hypnotic suggestion and measuring brain activity. In one study, participants reported experiencing pain when it was suggested under hypnosis, and brain scans showed patterns similar to those seen in real pain.

Who can benefit from hypnosis?

Some people are more susceptible to hypnosis than others. The level of hypnotic suggestibility can vary depending on individual and situational factors. However, the effectiveness of hypnosis in reducing pain has been shown in multiple studies. Medium-to-high suggestibility individuals can experience 29-42% reductions in pain, while low suggestibility individuals have minimal benefits of around 17%. (Refering link here)

The importance of proper training and regulation

It is important to note that hypnosis should only be conducted by legitimate clinicians who have been professionally trained to manage a given condition. Simply performing hypnosis is not enough to achieve pain relief, and health professionals must consider the type of pain and the patient’s profile.

Incorporating hypnosis into a comprehensive treatment plan

Pain is a complex phenomenon that requires a multifaceted approach. Hypnosis can be incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan by trained professionals to achieve clinically meaningful results. Health professionals must take into account the type of pain being treated (such as acute or chronic, cancer-related or non-cancer-related, neuropathic, nociceptive, or nociplastic) and the patient’s individual profile when using hypnosis as a treatment option.

In conclusion, hypnosis can be an effective tool for pain management, but it should only be used by trained professionals who have the knowledge and experience to properly employ the treatment. For hypnosis to be considered a reputable therapeutic approach, proper training and regulation are necessary. By incorporating hypnosis into a comprehensive treatment plan, health professionals can help their patients achieve meaningful reductions in pain and improved emotional and physical well-being.