For thousands of years, hypnosis has been used to treat patients suffering from chronic pain. Today, some surgeons are beginning to take hypnosis one step further, using it instead of drugs during operations. It’s an intriguing method for patients who fear anesthetics could lead to side effects, even death.
Q: I’m not sure what to make of hypnosis. What is it?
A: Hypnosis is a technique to help a patient reach a focused state – just like getting absorbed in a book. A therapist guides the patient to enter into a hypnotic “trance,” similar to daydreaming, where the patient focuses on the sights, sounds, and sensations he or she wants to experience.
A: A specially-trained nurse or hypnotherapist guides the patient into a trance, usually while conveying very specific “anti-pain” messages to the patient.
While in the trance, the patient becomes so focused on positive, “pain-free” words and images that he or she is able to mentally filter out any sensations of pain. The patient may still be aware of the stimuli, but can filter out the hurt.
Painful stimuli are experienced as acceptable – analogous to bodily insult during sports, which under other circumstances we would wildly complain about.
Q: What if hypnosis doesn’t work or wears off before the surgery is done?
Usually a combination of medication and relaxation works well. Studies show, however, that most patients who use hypnosis, with or without some anesthesia, are more relaxed and experience less pain throughout the duration of the surgery compared to patients who don’t use hypnosis.
Q: How do I know if hypnosis would work for me?
A: Most people are hypnotizable. In fact, people often enter similar “trance-like” states without even knowing it.
Interestingly, studies show that patients who are the most anxious also respond the best to hypnosis. As being very anxious requires a vivid mind, all the better for bringing to life a good scenario.
Q: How can I get my doctor to offer hypnosis?
A: Hypnotherapy is gaining more acceptance as a valid medical treatment. The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, for example, has a membership of more than 4,000 physicians, psychologists, and dentists.
Cost savings may also be an incentive for more doctors to incorporate hypnosis into their practice, as studies show that the use of hypnosis during surgery actually reduces the cost of surgery – despite the need for a psychologist or training of the nursing staff.
Q: Would hypnotherapy affect my recovery post-surgery? What are the side effects?
A: Studies suggest a speedier recovery when hypnosis is used during surgery. It eliminates the risk of oversedation that can get the healing process off to a sluggish start. There are no risks or side effects.
Q: For what other diseases and conditions is hypnotherapy effective?
A: Hypnotherapy is used for a wide range of conditions in addition to pain control in surgery. It’s used to treat mental disorders, addictions, and weight problems. It’s successfully alleviated many symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and irritable bowel syndrome.
It’s even been known to help control allergies, nausea, and vomiting, reduce bleeding during surgery, steady the heartbeat, and bring down blood pressure.