Hypnosis is formal process of accessing subconscious thought and then directing it to support intended goals. Think of a hypnotist as a tour guide. They point out wonderful vacation spots in your mind, which you may visit if you choose. They create a safe, relaxing environment and are prepared to direct client toward still, peaceful depths of subconscious thought. For most clients hypnosis is deepest level of relaxation they have ever experienced.

Then hypnotist offers clients subconscious mind help it needs. They assit client to relax and focus inwardly and then gently give subconscious mind new direction it needs. Also, because imagination is part of subconscious mind hypnotist will help clients create vivid imagery involving goals and desires, which can offer dramatically positive results. The hypnotist should tailor all sessions to specific needs of client. A typical session might be 15-25 minutes long. Often there is soft music or nature sounds playing quietly in background. Some hypnotists may have clients wear headphones, which allows them to blend music and voice while blocking out any extra sounds that may interfere with process of relaxation. It’s also ideal if they record session so you can listen to it on your own.

What a Deal Not only can you create positive healthy changes with hypnosis, but you are involved with process. You choose to enter this level relaxation, accept suggestions and create images supporting your success. Hypnosis is also an empowering tool you can use on your own. There is no withdrawal, patches or gum, no sedation, medications, prescriptions, interactions or allergic reactions. And once you know technique, it’s free.

Other studies reveal more positive results: “Positive intraoperative suggestions seem to have a significant effect in reducing morphine requirements in early postoperative period.” (5)

“Patients in hypnosis group had significantly less vomiting, 39% compared to 68% in control group, less nausea and less need of analgesics postoperatively. Preoperative hypnotic techniques in breast surgery contribute to a reduction of both post operative nausea and vomiting and postoperative analgesic requirements.” (6)

“Anxiety before operation increased significantly in control group but remained at baseline level in experimental (hypnosis) group. Postoperative consumption of analgesics was significantly reduced in experimental (hypnosis) group compared to control (non-hypnosis) group.” (7)

“A significant correlation was found between anxiety and perceived knowledge of procedures. The results suggest that pre-operative hypnosis provides a quick and effective way to reduce pre-operative patient anxiety and anesthetic requirements for gynecological daycare surgery.” (8)

Through early 20th century debate was if hypnosis existed at all. The American Medical Association said it did in 1958 and since then hypnosis has been dissected and analyzed and positive results are available for anyone to read.

Now debate is over and verdict is in. It may not be for everyone, but what is? Hypnosis is safe, relaxing and an effective option for clients going through trauma of surgery. There are no side effects or allergic reactions and it costs next to nothing. Some also believe that it should be client’s right, not hospital’s option, as to which holistic supports are available. Someday soon it will hopefully be as simple as selecting ‘hypnosis’ on a pre-op check list.

(1) Disbrow EA. Bennett HL. Owings JT. Effect of preoperative suggestion on postoperative gastrointestinal motility Western Journal of Medicine. 1993; 158(5): 488-92. (2) The Effectiveness of Adjunctive Hypnosis with Surgical Patients: A Meta-Analysis Guy H. Montgomery, PhD*, Daniel David, PhD*, Gary Winkel, PhD*, Jeffrey H. Silverstein, MD , and Dana H. Bovbjerg, PhD* (3) Origins of Surgical Hypnosis. John F. Kihlstrom (4) Adjunctive non-pharmacological analgesia for invasive medical procedures: a randomized trial. Elvira V Lang, Eric G Benotsch, Lauri J Fick, Susan Lutgendorf, Michael L Berbaum, Kevin S Berbaum, Henrietta Logan, David Spiegel. The Lancet, Vol 355, April 29, 2000, pages 1486-1490. (5) McLintock TT. Aitken H. Downie CF. Kenny GN. Postoperative analgesic requirements in patients exposed to positive intraoperative suggestions. BMJ 1990; 301(6755): 788-90 (6) Enqvist B. Bjorklund C. Engman M. Jakobsson J. Preoperative hypnosis reduces postoperative vomiting after surgery of breasts. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica 1997; 41(8): 1028-32. (7)Enqvist B. Fischer K. Preoperative hypnotic techniques reduce consumption of analgesics after surgical removal of third mandibular molars: a brief communication. International Journal of Clinical & Experimental Hypnosis 1997; 45(2): 102-8. (8)Goldmann L. Ogg TW. Levey AB. Hypnosis and daycase anaesthesia. A study to reduce pre-operative anxiety and intra-operative anaesthetic requirements. Anaesthesia 1988; 43(6): 466-9.