about the emotional state of those being cared for? How are the patients coping with their situation? What expectations do they have for recovery? Do they see themselves as temporarily side tracked or powerless? Do they believe there is a role for them to play in their own recovery or do they feel totally dependant? This article describes how hypnosis works and reviews some of the clinical applications.
What is Hypnosis?
The word “hypnosis” is a Greek derivative for “sleep” coined by scientist James Braid in 1843. It was an unfortunate choice of words because hypnosis is not sleep at all. Nearly all hypnosis clients hear and Michael Emery
Michael J. Emeryremember everything during a session. Hypnosis is better described as a combination of deep physical relaxation and heightened awareness.
It is the process of bypassing conscious thought and stepping into the subconscious, which is our body’s control center and also where all of our habits, values and beliefs reside. The subconscious mind is like the hard drive of a computer, it is where all the programming is stored. Hypnosis not only helps you step inside of this powerful place, but it also empowers the client to initiate positive changes supporting improved health and thoughts of future success.
A hypnotist/hypnotherapist uses soothing music and paints peaceful verbal images enabling clients to shift from conscious to subconscious thought. Once this is accomplished they are directed with carefully phrased suggestions, affirmations and imagery supporting the desired goals. The client subconsciously integrates the information and puts it into action.
Clinical Hypnosis
Clinical hypnosis applies to medical concerns. There are dozens of applications of this holistic technique in the acute care setting and scientific research is building an impressive case supporting its effectiveness and cost saving merits. Here are some examples:
Intensive Care: Clients can block out distractions and reduce discomfort, which improves their ability to get quality rest and speed up recovery time. Clinical hypnosis reduces stress, balances blood pressure and heart rate, which minimize complications. It can also be used to reduce secretions, bleeding, improve immune response and make procedures more tolerable.
Oncology: Hypnosis lessens stress, anxiety, pain, nausea and vomiting. It reduces respiratory distress and even helps prevents hair loss. It increases confidence and self-image. Clinical hypnosis helps ease the acceptance