By Lainey
Ebright
Did you know that in 1958 the
A.M.A. approved the use of
hypnosis for medical purposes?
And, an outstanding professional
organization for hypnotists is
the International Medical and
Dental Hypnosis Association (IMDHA).
As
it turns out, this 1958
endorsement was a wise
development since many patients
have benefited from hypnotic
sessions for problems that range
from a dangerous smoking habit
to fear of needles. Indeed, the
areas for which hypnosis is
appropriate are many and
varied. This is because during
the process the subconscious
mind’s detrimental fears and
habits are replaced with newer,
healthier, more accurate ideas.
As you may know, the
subconscious mind is robotic and
computer-like and stores
memories, habits, and thousands
of bits of information, among
other things.
Hypnosis is unusual in that it
bypasses the usual filters of
the conscious mind. A person
trained in medical hypnotism,
therefore, (not usually the
entertainer variety) can assist
a patient reach his/her goal,
and make beneficial changes
using hypnotic relaxation
coupled with visualization,
appropriate suggestions to the
subconscious mind and other
related techniques. In the
process, the patient also learns
self-hypnosis and valuable
breathing techniques, skills
that can benefit them in their
medical treatments and their
lives.
A
doctor/patient relationship can
be enhanced by the doctor’s
encouragement of the patient to
seek hypnosis for situations
that typically respond favorably
to this modality. Examples
would be MRI claustrophobia,
smoking cessation, pain
management, weight control,
stress reduction, fear of the
dentist, fear of public
speaking, and on and on. You
get the idea!
