What is hypnosis (Hypnotherapy) for pain?
ANSWER
This is a type of therapy where you learn to use your mind to make and control positive changes.
During hypnosis, you’ll focus on relaxation and letting go of distracting thoughts. You may become more open to specific suggestions and goals, such as lowering pain. After your session, your therapist will go over the things that you can do to help you reach those goals. Research shows that medical hypnosis can help with both sudden and long-term pain from cancer, burns, and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also ease the anxiety some people feel before surgery.
From: Hypnosis, Meditation, and Relaxation for Pain WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin on June 10, 2017
SOURCES:
Continuum Health Partners: "Psychological/Mind-Body Therapies."
American Society of Clinical Hypnosis: "Common Questions About Hypnosis,” “Definition of Hypnosis,” “Selecting a Qualified Professional.”
The Journal of the American Medical Association , July 24-31, 1996.
Montgomery, G.H. , April 2000. International Journal of Clinical Hypnosis
Vickers, A. , October 2001. The Western Journal of Medicine
Breastcancer.org: "What is Meditation?"
University of Maryland Medical Center: "Relaxation Techniques."
NYU Langone Medical Center: "Relaxation Therapies."
News release, University of North Carolina, Charlotte.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Meditation: In Depth.”
Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine: “4-7-8 Breath Relaxation Exercise.”
SOURCES:
Continuum Health Partners: "Psychological/Mind-Body Therapies."
American Society of Clinical Hypnosis: "Common Questions About Hypnosis,” “Definition of Hypnosis,” “Selecting a Qualified Professional.”
The Journal of the American Medical Association , July 24-31, 1996.
Montgomery, G.H. , April 2000. International Journal of Clinical Hypnosis
Vickers, A. , October 2001. The Western Journal of Medicine
Breastcancer.org: "What is Meditation?"
University of Maryland Medical Center: "Relaxation Techniques."
NYU Langone Medical Center: "Relaxation Therapies."
News release, University of North Carolina, Charlotte.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Meditation: In Depth.”
Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine: “4-7-8 Breath Relaxation Exercise.”
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.