Hypnosis

Hypnosis is also a method that is applied for pain reduction. Hypnosis was used in the
1800s during surgeries that did not use other methods of analgesia. Reports indicate that a
surgeon made an incision and removed a cancer tumor on a woman’s breast. The woman did
not show any signs of feeling pain (Sarafino & Smith, 2016). Another physician also claimed
that they conducted various surgeries using hypnosis as the only analgesic. While the
procedures were certainly painful, hypnosis has been seen as an effective method of pain
reduction. Hypnosis can be used as a tool for reducing the intensity of pain. However, the
method is not highly effective for all people (Sarafino & Smith, 2016). The ability to be
hypnotized varies from person to person. Individuals who can be hypnotized can greatly
benefit from hypnosis as a pain reduction method.
Hypnosis is a method that aims to enhance concentration while minimizing
distractions. Hypnosis ensures that one is responsive to any suggestion to alter one’s thoughts
and feelings. Although the process of reduction of the intensity of pain through hypnosis is
unclear, available research suggests that the physiological changes in both the brain and the
spinal cord help a person to experience pain reduction through hypnosis (Sarafino & Smith,
2016). People who are hypnotized experience relaxation that helps in the relaxation of pain.
Pain that lasts for a period exceeding six months is referred to as chronic pain. Chronic pain
is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and physical limitations. Close to 80 percent of
patients with advanced cancer suffer chronic pain (Elkins, Jensen, & Patterson, 2007).
Evidence suggests that hypnosis can reduce chronic pain and, in so doing, help in ensuring
that the costs associated with the management of chronic pain. Pain caused by recurrent
headaches, low back pain, and cancer can be relieved through hypnosis. Hypnotherapy can be
used to effectively achieve relaxation in patients experiencing chronic pain. Patients who
experience chronic pain can be helped to induce self-hypnosis. Tape recordings of hypnosis

can also be used to assist the patients in self-hypnosis. In some patients, hypnosis results in
instant chronic pain relief. In some patients, repeated self-practice hypnosis helps in the
reduction of the intensity of pain. Studies indicate that 75 percent of arthritis patients
experience pain reduction through hypnosis (Elkins, Jensen, & Patterson, 2007). Hypnosis
can thus be used together with other methods to help patients experiencing chronic pain.

References

Sarafino, E.P., & Smith, T.W. (2016). Health psychology: Biopsychosocial interactions (9th
ed.). Retrieved from https://vitalsource.com
Elkins, G., Jensen, M. P., & Patterson, D. R. (2007). Hypnotherapy for the management of
chronic pain. The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis, 55(3),
275–287. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207140701338621