How Does Hypnosis Ease Pain?

Hypnosis operates on the theory that the mind controls the body. Through the power of suggestion, the body and mind enter a state of deep relaxation, which theoretically decreases pain perception. The more hypnosis is practiced, the more effective it becomes. In fact, Hypnobabies childbirth classes recommend daily practice beginning approximately halfway through the pregnancy.

History

In the late 18th century, German doctor Franz Mesmer developed the concept of "animal magnetism," which states that two beings may be attracted to each other on a physical level. Scottish doctor James Braid took this concept one step further in the mid-19th century and argued that it is in fact a psychological attraction that pulls people together. Furthermore, Braid believed people could enter into this unconscious state on command. He renamed the concept "hypnosis."

Uses

Hypnosis is used in childbirth, weight loss, smoking cessation, addiction, pre- and post- operative pain, sports performance and psychotherapy.

Studies

Top alternative health magazine "Natural Solutions" reports that anesthesiologist Sebastian Schulz-Stubner gave 48 patients hypnosis instead of sedative drugs before surgery. Hypnosis was completely successful at eradicating sensations of true pain in all of the non-emergency surgeries. Emergency surgeries were another story, however, with roughly only 25 percent experiencing any relief from hypnosis alone. This study illustrates the cumulative effect of hypnosis: patients who undergo elective surgery have more time to practice hypnosis and therefore experience greater relief.

Misconceptions

Hypnosis may bring to mind someone lying passively in a near-sleep state, but that is not always the case. As the Hypnobabies childbirth handbook points out, people can "walk, talk and move about while remaining completely relaxed and comfortable, while still deeply in hypnosis." Although hypnotists are prominent folklore figures, the majority of hypnosis is self-hypnosis. An individual may control when he decides to come out of a hypnotic state.

Warning

Hypnosis is not a cure-all. While studies show it significantly alters peoples' perceptions of pain, it does not eradicate underlying disease. For example, if a cancer patient undergoes hypnosis, it will likely lessen the pain of chemotherapy and other treatments, but it will not prevent the spread of cancer.