Hypnosis
Hypnosis, also known as hypnotherapy, is a procedure that places a subject into a state of focused concentration during which the hypnotherapist gives positive suggestions and guided imagery that assists in re-framing the perception of painful physical sensations. Hypnotherapy is becoming more common in the medical community and is being successfully used to ease pain and support patient healing.
A hypnotherapy session begins with the subject relaxing and focusing on a specific object or the therapist's voice. Once a hypnotic state has been reached, the therapist may make beneficial affirmations, lead the subject through a visualization exercise or teach relaxation methods. While hypnosis may not be able to arrest all pain symptoms, the skills the subject learns while in the hypnotic state will help them relieve the experience and intensity of their distress.
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Scientists are not certain how hypnosis works, although they do know that while in the hypnotic state, brain patterns shift in a very specific way. Research shows that hypnosis reduces activity in the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for the perception of pain. Physiologically, it is believed that a decrease in the sympathetic arousal system increases circulation, which then allows the blood to deliver more oxygen to the body's cells, stimulating healing. Although hypnosis is not completely understood, relaxation of the simple automatic nervous system may be the key element.
Research also shows that hypnosis offers significant relief from acute or chronic pain. Patients who undergo hypnotherapy experience a considerable reduction in symptoms, require less medication or sedation and are hospitalized for shorter periods of time. Additionally, hypnosis has been shown to improve mood, reduce clinical depression and anxiety and reregulate the immune system. Learning the skills to relieve their own pain also helps patients feel more in control of their medical situation and their life.