Have you ever heard of medical hypnosis? This incredible method has brought a true revolution in the way we understand and treat various health issues. It is a science-backed technique that, when applied correctly and ethically, can be a valuable tool in promoting emotional health. However, many people still have questions about what clinical hypnosis is, how it works, and what its benefits are.

Whether you are a healthcare professional seeking improvement or someone interested in alternative paths to solving health problems, this article is for you. Shall we unveil the secrets of medical hypnosis together?

Here, at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis – SBH, we will explain everything you need to know: its functioning, clinical applications, applied techniques, as well as the benefits and indications of this fascinating practice.

This is the first step towards a journey of transformation through medical hypnosis, and we are honored to share this path with you. Get ready to explore a universe of possibilities.

Shall we start?

What is Medical Hypnosis and Its Scientific Validity

Let’s talk about Medical Hypnosis

Although many people still associate hypnosis with magic tricks, medical hypnosis has a consolidated presence in the field of mental health. That’s right! Medical hypnosis is a valuable tool in clinical practice, being recognized as a legitimate therapeutic modality by various federal bodies representing different professional categories.

But, what is Medical Hypnosis?

Medical hypnosis is defined as a state of focused attention, consciously induced, with reduced peripheral awareness. During this state, a person is more susceptible to suggestions, which can be used to help alter automatic thoughts or behaviors. Medical hypnosis can then be seen as a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, where the goal is to help a person react differently to their environment.

And the Scientific Validity?

The scientific validity of medical hypnosis is well established. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes this practice, and many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of hypnosis in various conditions, from anxiety to chronic pain. However, we always emphasize: the use of hypnosis should always be conducted ethically and responsibly, respecting the technical capabilities of the professional and their field of practice.

In summary…

Medical hypnosis is an evidence-based approach that can improve individuals’ emotional health and accelerate the recovery of certain health conditions. It is a powerful tool that can amplify the effect of traditional treatments, helping people achieve their well-being goals more quickly.

How Medical Hypnosis Works in the Brain

The functioning of medical hypnosis in the brain still intrigues many researchers. However, studies show that it can induce significant changes in how the brain processes information.

When a person enters a state of hypnosis, there is increased activity in the brain areas responsible for attention and concentration, while the areas dedicated to self-awareness and awareness of the surrounding world have reduced activity. This allows for greater internal focus and the ability to respond to suggestions.

This hypnotic state can be compared to how we feel when we are absorbed in a book or movie, so focused that we almost forget about the world around us. But the question remains: How can this be useful in medical practice?

The answer lies in how medical hypnosis allows access to a person’s automatic thoughts and behaviors. During hypnosis, positive suggestions can be incorporated into these automatic behaviors, helping a person make changes in how they view and react to the world.

In summary, medical hypnosis accesses the less conscious neural pathways that are often linked to automatic responses to stressors. Once these pathways are accessed, we can begin to undo or at least redirect some of these negative automatic responses.

Clinical Applications of Medical Hypnosis

In numerous areas of medicine, medical hypnosis has proven to be quite effective. It is often used in conjunction with other techniques, always aiming at the patient’s well-being.

Clinical hypnosis has relevant application in the treatment of chronic pain. During the session, the therapist helps the patient achieve a state of deep relaxation, allowing them to better recognize and manage pain. There are significant studies that prove the effectiveness of hypnosis in pain control.

Another important application of medical hypnosis is in the treatment of sleep disorders. Through suggestions and relaxation, the therapist can help the patient achieve more restorative sleep, contributing to a better quality of life.

The use of hypnosis has also shown promising results in problems such as smoking and obesity. In these cases, the technique works by helping the patient detach from immediate pleasure and focus on long-term benefits, facilitating habit change.

In summary, clinical hypnosis is a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can bring great benefits to patients, expanding treatment possibilities in various areas of health.

Medical Hypnosis in Dentistry, Psychology, and Other Health Areas

“Among the health areas that use medical hypnosis as a clinical tool are dentistry and psychology. These and other professionals find in hypnosis a new perspective to enhance their treatment methods.

Hypnosis in dentistry is fundamental in procedures such as controlling patient anxiety, minimizing pain in dental treatments and surgical procedures. Hypnosis allows the patient to be more relaxed and respond positively to the dentist’s suggestions, making the procedure less stressful.

In psychology, hypnosis plays a prominent role in unlocking traumas and helping manage disorders. With hypnosis, we can access deeper emotions, allowing a new interpretation of past experiences.

Medical hypnosis is also effectively used in other areas, such as physiotherapy, for pain control, and in nursing, for stress management and improved sleep quality.

More and more health professionals are specializing in hypnosis techniques. This knowledge is a differential, for its transformative potential and its ability to increase the effectiveness of conventional treatments.”

Techniques Applied in Medical Hypnosis

Knowing and mastering the techniques applied in medical hypnosis is essential for those seeking to help patients through this approach. The techniques go beyond the simple induction of the state of focused attention – it is necessary to promote suggestibility, emotional stability, and design assertive interventions.

Creating Rapport

The technique of “rapport,” or establishing an empathetic connection with the patient, is essential before starting the hypnotic induction. This increases trust and comfort, factors that favor induction.

Hypnotic Induction

Induction is the phase where the patient enters the hypnotic state. There are various induction techniques, such as Elman induction, Erickson induction, among others. The choice depends on the professional and the patient’s receptivity.

Hypnotic Suggestions

Suggestions are the ‘tools’ most used in clinical hypnosis. Through them, it is possible to alleviate symptoms, promote new perspectives, and propose behavior changes.

Therapeutic Interventions

Depending on the medical specialty, various interventions can be made during the hypnotic state. For example, in psychology, hypnosis can be used to work with traumatic memories or strengthen self-esteem. But regardless of the intervention, ethics and respect for the patient must always prevail.

These are just some of the many techniques involved in the practice of medical hypnosis. Training and constant updating are vital to offer quality and ethical care to patients.

Benefits of Medical Hypnosis and Scientific Support

Exploring the benefits of medical hypnosis is almost like exploring a new world of possibilities for individual well-being. And the most incredible: everything is based on the best scientific evidence currently available.

One of the greatest advantages of medical hypnosis is promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety. When controlled, these factors enhance the body’s functioning, favoring, for example, better quality sleep and strengthening the immune system.

• Pain reduction: Multiple studies have pointed out the effectiveness of medical hypnosis in reducing chronic pain. This occurs because the mind intervenes directly in the perception of pain in the body.
• Weight control: Work with medical hypnosis has shown promising results in combating obesity and eating disorders, as they control the internal stimuli that lead to inappropriate behaviors towards food.
• Treatment of psychological disorders: Hypnosis has also proven potent in assisting treatments for disorders such as depression and anxiety.

It is important to highlight that the scientific aspect of our work is always based on solid evidence. Confidence in medical hypnosis as an effective therapeutic strategy grows as studies confirming these positive results emerge. Thus, we increasingly consolidate our mission to assist those seeking more balanced mental health and a better quality of life.

However, it is important to remember that medical hypnosis should be applied ethically and responsibly, always by properly trained and certified professionals.

Cases in Which Medical Hypnosis Is Not Indicated

Medical hypnosis is a versatile clinical tool with a wide variety of applications. However, it is important to highlight that there are cases where medical hypnosis is not indicated.

First, for those suffering from psychosis, schizophrenia, or other severe psychological conditions, medical hypnosis can have a potentially harmful effect, exacerbating disconnection from reality.

Additionally, individuals with epilepsy or neurological disturbances should also avoid medical hypnosis, as there is a risk of inducing a seizure.

Medical hypnosis is also not indicated for people who are not in a condition to actively participate in the hypnosis session. For example, intoxicated individuals or those under the influence of illicit drugs.

Similarly, it is important to mention that medical hypnosis should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatments. It is essential to follow the recommendations of qualified healthcare professionals and use medical hypnosis as a complement to treatment, whenever appropriate.

Lastly, young children or individuals with difficulty understanding or adhering to hypnosis instructions may not be good candidates for this method. The ability to concentrate and follow instructions is a crucial part of the hypnosis process.

Therefore, it is vital that the practice of medical hypnosis is conducted by a certified professional who can adequately assess each case and determine the best treatment strategies.

Practical Examples of the Use of Medical Hypnosis

The medical hypnosis has a range of practical applications that deserve to be highlighted. These are concrete examples that strengthen the role of this practice in improving emotional and physical health conditions.

One of the most essential examples is the use of hypnosis as an analgesic. Patients with chronic pain, including migraines and back pain, have found relief through hypnosis. In many of these cases, medication and conventional interventions were not enough, but hypnosis provided significant well-being.

Let’s also talk about the role of medical hypnosis in controlling anxiety and stress. It is common to hear reports of people who, through hypnosis, managed to manage these symptoms and now live a more balanced life, with significantly improved quality.

And we cannot leave out medical hypnosis as a useful tool to help quit smoking. A series of studies indicate that hypnosis can increase a person’s chances of quitting smoking, especially if associated with other forms of treatment.

Finally, medical hypnosis is also useful for patients with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), helping to alleviate the symptoms of the disorder and improve quality of life.

These are examples of the real and tangible benefits this practice can bring to those seeking alternative or complementary treatments. A fascinating field of study that constantly expands its application possibilities.

How SBH Approaches Medical Hypnosis

The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH) views medical hypnosis as a valuable tool that enhances health treatment when aligned with practices based on scientific evidence.

Our approach to hypnosis moves in accordance with the guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA), where hypnosis is understood as an intentionally induced state of consciousness, marked by elevated concentration and a reduction in peripheral awareness. It is important to emphasize that SBH always values the ethical and responsible application of this resource.

Valuing ethics and responsibility

Here at SBH, one of our primary missions is to ensure that hypnosis is used appropriately. We understand that a healthcare professional using hypnosis must respect their technical capabilities and their field of practice. We do not seek miraculous solutions but rather treatments supported by scientific evidence, and we are clear when situations do not support the use of hypnosis.

Integration with other techniques

SBH seeks to integrate hypnosis with other established health practices. Our approach aligns with theories and procedures such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, Daniel Kahneman’s “fast and slow” theory, and Irving Kirsch’s “Open Placebo” concept. We believe this attitude enriches hypnosis, bringing new horizons for its use in medicine.

Ethics in the Practice of Medical Hypnosis

Understanding ethics in the practice of medical hypnosis is fundamental for those who wish to pursue this profession. If you, like me, have fallen in love with the benefits of this technique, I’m sure you also care about using it safely and responsibly.

After all, what defines ethical practice in medical hypnosis? Firstly, it is necessary to respect personal technical capacities and one’s own field of practice. This means that we must use hypnosis only within the limits of our professional competencies.

Above all, ethical practice in medical hypnosis involves responsibility and honesty. Miraculous promises and quackery are not accepted. We need to be very clear about the limits of hypnosis, recognizing when it can or cannot help in certain cases.

• Respect for the patient: their will must be considered and respected at all stages;
• Clear information: the patient must be informed about all stages, including possible risks and benefits;
• Confidentiality: all patient information must be kept confidential, except in situations where confidentiality may result in harm to the patient or others.

In addition, it is always necessary to keep in mind that the role of medical hypnosis is to enhance health treatments, never to replace them. It is a tool that, when associated with evidence-based practices, can bring significant results.

Therefore, in clinical hypnosis, ethics is not only a legal requirement but also a true pillar of respectful and effective practice.

Conclusion: Medical Hypnosis as a Transformative Tool in Medicine

In this article, we have unveiled together the complex and fascinating science of medical hypnosis. We addressed its definition, scientific validity, how it acts in the brain, its clinical applications, techniques used, and benefits. We also explored practical examples of the use of hypnosis in medicine, the stance of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH) regarding this practice, and discussed the ethics in clinical hypnosis, a crucial aspect for responsible and effective professional practice.

We understand that medical hypnosis, based on scientific evidence and used ethically and responsibly, can be a valuable instrument in promoting health and alleviating various health problems. Moreover, we reinforce that clinical hypnosis should be used by properly certified health professionals in accordance with their technical capabilities and fields of practice.

Finally, we emphasize the importance of always seeking quality information and reliable sources for learning and practicing this method, thus ensuring a safe and beneficial experience for all involved.

So, are you interested in learning scientific hypnosis for professional application? Do you want to enhance your results in your current profession, or even start a new career? Discover the evidence-based hypnosis training and postgraduate courses from the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis through the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/ and embark with us on this journey of change for the sake of human health and well-being!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between clinical hypnosis and medical hypnosis?

Clinical hypnosis is a general term that refers to the use of hypnosis as a treatment tool for a variety of physical and mental health issues. Medical hypnosis, on the other hand, is a subcategory that specifically refers to the use of hypnosis in a medical context, such as pain relief, stress management, and assisting in surgical procedures and medical treatments.

Is medical hypnosis legal?

Yes, medical hypnosis is a legal practice when performed by qualified and appropriate professionals. However, it is not self-applicable and requires professional training and experience.

Is it possible to learn medical hypnosis online?

There are many online courses that teach medical hypnosis. However, it is crucial to choose a course that is accredited by a respected organization in the field, such as SBH, to ensure you are receiving correct and updated information.

How long does a medical hypnosis session last?

A medical hypnosis session generally lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the objective and complexity of the session. Some techniques may require more time than others.

Is medical hypnosis safe?

When practiced by a licensed and trained professional, medical hypnosis is considered a very safe procedure. It is a non-invasive technique that does not rely on medication or surgical procedures.