Hypnosis. A medical overview

Hypnosis is often portrayed in popular culture as a form of mind control or a mystical phenomenon. However,  it is in fact, a recognised psychological and therapeutic technique. It has been studied and utilised in medical settings for various purposes, ranging from pain management to treatment for psychological disorders.

What is Hypnosis?

The term "hypnosis" comes from the Greek word hypnos, meaning sleep, but the state itself is not akin to sleep. Instead, it is a trance-like condition where the individual is neither fully awake nor asleep but is in a state of altered consciousness.

In its simplest form, hypnosis is a highly focused state of mind in which you become more open to suggestions. In the clinical setting, this is often achieved by inducing deep relaxation, followed by a state of heightened concentration. In this state of trance, the clinician offers suggestions that can lead to changes in your perception, emotions, and behaviours. Contrary to the way it’s often portrayed in films, being hypnotised doesn’t mean you lose control or consciousness. Rather, you become open to accept the suggestions you have agreed on, those suggestions that can help you manage discomfort, feel differently about a life situation or transform your behaviour. Rest assure, your mind will spontaneously come out of the state of trance if what you are hearing is not what you want. 

Hypnosis and the brain

From a medical perspective, hypnosis is quite interesting. Studies using brain scans like fMRI and EEG show that the brain behaves differently during hypnosis than in a regular waking state. Research suggests that areas of the brain linked to attention, perception, and self-awareness are activated in unique ways, which may explain why people in a hypnotic state can experience significant changes in how they perceive things, such as pain or fear.

One popular theory behind hypnosis is called dissociation proposed by Ernest Hilgard in the 1970s. This idea suggests that during hypnosis, the mind divides itself into two parts. One part becomes very focused on the hypnotist’s suggestions, while the other remains aware of the surroundings. This “split” in awareness could make it easier for people to change their thoughts or behaviour without being fully conscious of it. Think of it like being so absorbed in a book that you forget about everything around you.

One important concept is suggestibility, the ability of an individual to accept and act upon suggestions. People vary in their susceptibility to hypnosis, with some individuals being more easily hypnotised than others. Research suggests that suggestibility is linked to personality traits, such as the tendency to become deeply involved in activities or experiences. High suggestibility may explain why certain individuals are more responsive to hypnotic interventions.

The use Hypnosis for medical purposes

The medical use of hypnosis, often referred to as clinical hypnosis, is grounded in evidence supporting its effectiveness in managing certain health conditions. Clinical hypnosis is typically used to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and treat various psychological and medical disorders.

Pain Management

One of the most well-documented uses of hypnosis in medicine is for pain management. Research has shown that hypnosis can be effective in reducing both acute and chronic pain, including pain associated with surgery, dental procedures, labor and delivery, and conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Studies on hypnosis for pain management and found that hypnosis produced a moderate to large reduction in pain intensity compared to standard care. The mechanism by which hypnosis alleviates pain is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve changes in the way the brain processes pain signals, enhancing the individual's ability to manage pain perception.

Managing anxiety and stress

Many health conditions are triggered or worsened by states of anxiety and depression. Addressing these mental states in itself can set the scene for a speedier recovery and minimise the occurrence of relapses. Hypnosis has been utilised in the treatment of various psychological conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobias. The relaxation and focused attention associated with hypnosis may help patients reduce physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate and hyperventilation, while also addressing the cognitive aspects of anxiety through suggestion and reframing.

Addressing Trauma

Trauma has been shown to be associated to poor health outcomes. Hypnosis can help people process traumatic memories and reduce the distress associated with them. Some studies suggest that hypnosis can teach individuals to reframe the way they experience memories, making them less distressing and more manageable. Hypnosis, in these cases, helps them create distance from the emotional pain, allowing them to process their trauma more effectively.

Clinical evidence and effectiveness

Despite the growing body of evidence supporting hypnosis, it is important to note that clinical hypnosis is not universally effective for all individuals or conditions. The success of hypnosis as a therapeutic tool depends on a variety of factors, including the individual's level of suggestibility, the skill of the practitioner, and the nature of the condition being treated. It is essential for healthcare providers to ensure that hypnosis is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan and in conjunction with other evidence-based interventions.

Is Hypnosis right for you?

Hypnosis is a safe, non-invasive technique that can be a valuable part of treatment for a range of conditions, in particular those involving pain, and in reducing the effects of stress and anxiety on the physical body. From a medical perspective, hypnosis is seen as a viable adjunct to conventional therapies, with its effects rooted in well-understood psychological and neurological mechanisms. Hypnosis may not have the same effect on everyone, but its potential benefits for specific conditions and its non-invasive nature make it a valuable option for patients and practitioners alike.