Hypnosis & Its Uses

Hypnosis can be defined as "an artificially induced trance state in which the subject places his ego structure in the control of the hypnotist" (Rodin & Key, 1990, p. 544). In the trance state, the subject is open to the hypnotist's suggestions. Because of this, the hypnotist is able to guide the subject through imagery which is beneficial to the subject's well-being. The hypnotist is also able to guide the subject toward controlling his or her own physical and emotional processes. Because of these capabilities, hypnosis has a number of medical uses. In particular, hypnosis shows a great deal of potential as an alternative healing technique.

Hypnosis has been found effective in the treatment of many different types of illnesses. For example, it is useful in helping cancer patients visualize themselves becoming healthy again. It is also useful in treating digestive problems and eating disorders. Hypnosis has also been found successful in behavior modification programs for stopping smoking (Rodin & Key, 1990, p. 544). One of the most practical areas for the use of hypnosis in medicine is that of pain management. In this regard, hypnosis has been found useful in helping burn patients control their own pain. It has also been used to reduce pain during the medical procedures involved in dental surgery or childbirth. There have been successful reports of hypnosis being used in the relief of chronic pain, as well. Because hypnosis is capable of reducing pain, it has

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ing resources, and providing experiences of mastery" (p. 85). Appel cites a case study in which a young wheelchair-bound patient was able to overcome a wide range of medical conditions after hypnosis helped her to experience herself "as masterful and competent" (p. 91). In learning to control their own physical and emotional processes, patients engaged in hypnosis therapy are able to dissociate themselves from their feelings of pain. Many researchers have pointed out that pain is not merely a physical sensation. In addition, there is an emotional side in the experience of pain. Because of this emotional aspect, each person experiences his or her own pain in a unique way. In the words of Fildes (1989): "The perception of pain is not just a matter of transmission of electrical signals to the cortex, but involves their filtration through a complex mesh of unconscious activity that labels, modifies and qualifies the signals according to the individual's frame of reference, needs and emotional activity" (p. 1493). Because the sensation is largely a subjective experience, each person can learn to have mastery or control over pain. There are various techniques for obtaining this sense of control. In many cases, the hypnotized

Category: Psychology - H