A Peculiar Journey into Hypnosis, Pain and the Mind

Ladies and gentlemen, let us explore pain, the mind, and the curious practice of hypnosis. Hypnosis often seems like a last resort, but Dr. David Spiegel believes it should be the first. Dr. Spiegel, associate chair of psychiatry, has dedicated years to studying hypnosis and its effects.

The Case for Hypnosis as a First Choice

Much like getting lost in a good movie, Hypnosis helps to focus your attention. It is not magic or trickery. Imagine being so absorbed in a movie that you forget the theater around you. That’s the power of hypnosis.

How Hypnosis Wrangles Pain

Pain is not just a physical sensation. The brain interprets it and amplifies its intensity. Hypnosis helps the brain reduce that amplification. Dr. Spiegel’s studies show hypnosis calms the salience network, the brain’s alarm system. For example, cancer patients might imagine floating in a warm bath, easing their discomfort. Hypnosis separates the pain from the emotional distress.

The Effectiveness of Hypnosis on Different Types of Pain

Hypnosis works especially well for chronic pain, but it can also help with acute pain. Soldiers use hypnosis to manage battlefield injuries. Athletes sometimes finish games before noticing serious injuries. Hypnosis reduces anxiety about pain and its possible causes.

Can Most People be Hypnotized?

Not everyone can be hypnotized in one session. With training over time anyone with the ability to follow instructions can enter hypnosis. Genetics play a role, particularly dopamine metabolism. People with balanced dopamine levels are more hypnotizable. Children are naturally good at entering trance states. Adults who retain this skill often had supportive or imaginative childhoods. Some used imagination to escape trauma. Some will argue that by age 21, your hypnotizability is fixed but my experience is different. Most people can be hypnotized if the person is ready and the conditions are right.

Dr. Spiegel’s Personal Experience with Hypnosis

Dr. Spiegel uses self-hypnosis. After shoulder surgery, he needed very little pain medication. He attributes this to hypnosis, not nerve damage. Hypnosis allowed him to control his pain without heavy reliance on drugs.

The True Purpose of Hypnosis

Hypnosis isn’t about belief or magic. It offers a fresh perspective on pain, stress, or insomnia. We all seek clarity and relief. Hypnosis provides a tool to make life’s challenges more bearable.

 

 

 

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