The Use of Hypnosis in Medical Practice
A literature review
Ashley Gowty 10207287
For centuries hypnosis was far from being part of the scientific world. But in the last couple of decades its reputation has moved from that of cult practise to a highly recognised psychological practice. Recently there has been an emerging trend using hypnosis in a physiological manner; this review will look at how hypnosis is currently being used in the medical field. Looking at what exactly hypnosis is and its therapeutic uses, it’s use as a treatment for pain relief and reflecting on how hypnotizable the general population is.
The literature reviewed is generally definitive in the nature of hypnosis. Bryant and Mabbutt (2006, p. 12) describe it as “ … a state of mind connected to deep relaxation, narrowed focus, and increased suggestibility. They also suggest that “Hypnosis is an intermediate state between sleep and wakefulness.” Bryant and Mabbutt’s description is echoed by Cyna, McAuliffe, & Andrew who apply the use of hypnosis to the clinical setting (hypnotherapy) and suggest that it is used to “to achieve specific therapeutic goals such as the alleviation of pain or anxiety.” (Cyna, McAuliffe, & Andrew, 2004). Staff at The Mayo Clinic extend upon the defination of hypnosis by stating that “Hypnosis is intended to help you gain more control over undesired behaviours or emotions or to help you cope better with a wide range of medical conditions.” (Staff, 2009). They continue by
“What is Hypnosis?” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy.
What is hypnosis? Hypnosis has amazing benefits and can enhance people lives in many ways. In modern times, it is unfortunate that Hypnosis is seen as a method of entertaining people instead of it being respected for its true aspects. In reality, hypnosis bears little resemblance to these stereotyped images, as it can improve focus and general well-being mentally and physically. It is a cooperative interaction in which the participant responds to the suggestions of the hypnotist. It can also be described as a sleep like trance state or better expressed as a relaxed creative mind, focused by the individual. Despite stories about people being hypnotised out of their consent hypnosis requires voluntary participation on the part of the
The content of this essay will explore how hypnosis has been defined in both the past and the present. I will explain my understanding of hypnosis as well as exploring the history of hypnosis, its origins and how it was first practiced. I shall also detail some of the techniques used and the psychological and physical changes which occur during hypnosis. Finally I will discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy and look at some of the reasons that individuals wish to undergo hypnosis and the benefits they may experience.
Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that can be used for many purposes, in different settings. Nowadays research in the field of hypnosis and associated areas has blossomed and there are valuable evidence that hypnosis has real and measurable affects on both body and mind. During this essay I will be describing what is hypnosis including what the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis are, further I will be discussing the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy.
“What is hypnosis?” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy
It can be used to make patients less nervous before a surgery and can comfort them during recovery. It can also be used to combat the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, or a chronic illness (World Book). Hypnosis can also help the 25% of Americans who avoid and fear the dentist. After a five minute hypnosis session, patients can be relaxed enough to receive novocaine and the treatment they need inexpensively and without medication (healing power). Finally, hypnosis can help burn victims. These people must have their dead skin removed every day for up to a few months. The process is so painful that most patients must be given powerful painkillers that can be addictive and can cause confusion, gastrointestinal problems, and breathing trouble. Hypnosis can relax the patient and can allow them to go through the treatment without experiencing pain. The hypnosis session is inexpensive and does not require addictive medication (healing power). Despite the evidence that supports the fact that hypnosis is a legitimate approach to treating conditions, many graduate schools have little hypnosis training in their psychology programs (Smith). This needs to change so that more people can become trained hypnotists so the approach can become more widespread. As previously stated, it would benefit hospitals financially and patients physically. It is free, can treat a variety of conditions, has no side effects, and is not addictive. Dr. Spiegel believes that it could even be used in place of addictive opiates. More time and money must be put into research on hypnosis and its practice as it could save hospitals and patients money in the long run and could help a variety of patients heal
Hypnosis is widely used in therapy for a number of reasons. The promotion of hypnosis as a cure for weight loss, smoking, exam nerves and other such
The American Psychological Association (2014) defines hypnosis as “… a therapeutic technique in which clinicians make suggestions to individuals who have undergone a procedure designed to relax them and focus their minds.”
Hypnosis is a natural psychological state of consciousness similar to a sleep state where the subject is vaguely aware of their surroundings. In this condition, subjects enter a tranquil state that allows them to easily reach into their subconscious and readily react to suggestion. While hypnosis has been widely used for entertainment purposes, it can also be used in a clinical setting to help relax the body and promote health through decreased heart rate and slowed breathing.
Hypnotherapy has been acclimated for bags of years, in assorted forms, throughout a array of cultures. Modern hypnotherapy was accustomed as a medical action in the mid 20th aeon by both British and American Medical Associations. By 1995, the NIH issued a account that accurate affirmation advantaged the use of hypnotherapy for abiding pain.
In the therapy setting, “hypnotherapy is guided hypnosis, or a trance-like state of focus and concentration achieved with the help of a clinical hypnotherapist” (Psychology Today, 2018, para. 1). When using this technique it allows clients to turn off everything around them and put their focus towards their main problem. It is also used for a variety of situations such as anxiety and to help improve sleeping, and this is why I thought it would be a great option for my client; there’s no medication involved and it’s completely natural. There are many different techniques to use when performing hypnotherapy, but normally he client will be in a calm state of mind and the hypnotherapist will relax them into their situation. He/she will guide them to think of their horrific situation in ways to improve their self and to be able to change the way they might think and/or behave when they are confronted by events that may remind them of that specific event. Many people are misinformed of what actually goes on in hypnotherapy; they think the client will be unconscious and unaware of what is going on, however this is not the case and the client is very aware of what is going on around them including what they are thinking. There is no set time limit of the hypnotherapeutic session, because it can take the client awhile to open up to the hypnotherapist and allow their self to think comfortably of the event that is causing them problems. Then when the client is comfortable enough to start the process it could take them awhile to overcome the event and allow their self the ability to improve from it. In a study it was found that hypnotherapy was very successful when used in the therapeutic
The purpose of this essay is to describe and explain the uses of hypnotherapy in the treatment of a medical condition. For this essay I have chosen to look at a chronic life limiting illness called Motor Neurone Disease. This is a disease that can affect many different aspects of a person’s life and is very aggressive in its symptoms. I have met quite a few people with this condition whilst working in the Neurophysiology department at the QMC, where all the nerve and muscles studies and EMG’s are performed. It not only changes the person’s life but also the lives of the people around them. I found this research both upsetting and informative.
All in all, hypnosis is typically only used in circumstances where other more conventional therapies have had limited success or have failed altogether (Taylor and
Hypnosis might not be appropriate for a person who has psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, or for someone who is using drugs or alcohol. It should be used for pain control only after a doctor has evaluated the person for any physical disorder that might require medical or surgical treatment. Hypnosis also may be a less effective form of therapy than other more traditional treatments, such as medication, for psychiatric disorders.
Hypnosis is an intense state of consciousness in which the psychologist asks several specific questions to either alleviate pain or come to a better understanding of the symptom of event that causes them distress. Although a controversial tactic, those who choose to go through with hypnosis can only be hypnotized if they are willing. If a patient requires more treatment such as medication, a psychologist can work with medical personnel to further their recovery (“What Do”). They work with a person’s motivation and energy to examine their thoughts, feelings, and behavior to develop ideas about how to move forward with their life (Cohen).