What is medical hypnosis

Medical hypnosis – a professional method for pain, anxiety and stress in healthcare settings

Medical hypnosis is on the rise. Not as a fad, but as an evidence-based method that bridges the mind and body. More and more medical professionals are discovering that hypnosis is a powerful complement to regular care, especially where pain, anxiety or stress play a disruptive role. From puncture anxiety in children to pre-operative stress in adults, medical hypnosis makes a difference.

On this page you will read what medical hypnosis is about, how it works in practice, the scientific basis behind it, and for whom it is suitable. We also refer you to our training for healthcare professionals who want to learn more about this valuable intervention.What is medical hypnosis?

Medical hypnosis is the application of hypnosis techniques within a medical or paramedical context. Consider situations in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy or psychological care in which reducing pain, anxiety or stress can support or even enable treatment.

During a session, the client is guided to a state of heightened concentration and relaxation – similar to daydreaming or meditation – in which the brain is more receptive to targeted suggestions. These suggestions are always positive, purposeful and tailored to the client’s situation.

No “show hypnosis,” but collaboration

Medical hypnosis is nothing like what you sometimes see on television. There is no loss of control or “being away.” On the contrary, the client remains conscious, maintains control and actively cooperates. Hypnosis is a state of focused attention in which the brain temporarily functions differently – similar to deep concentration or flow.

Applications of medical hypnosis

Medical hypnosis is used in various healthcare settings to reduce anxiety, pain and stress. The technique is widely applicable and helps in both acute and chronic medical situations.

1. Anxiety and stress reduction in medical procedures.

For many people, medical procedures evoke tension, which can make treatment difficult. Hypnosis helps to reduce this stress, making procedures smoother and less stressful.
✔ Anxiety about needles and blood draws – a common problem, especially in children
✔ Medical exams such as MRI scans and endoscopies
✔ Dental and orthodontic treatments, including root canal treatments without anesthesia
✔ Preparing for surgeries – less stress often makes for a better recovery

2. Pain relief with hypnosis

Hypnosis affects how the brain processes pain and, in some cases, can even serve as an alternative to anesthesia.
✔ Acute pain – such as pain reduction during minor surgery or wound care
✔ Chronic pain – such as SOLK, tension headaches, fibromyalgia and rheumatic complaints
✔ Childbirth and post-operative recovery – hypnosis is often used in birth experiences and to speed recovery after surgery

3. Medical hypnosis in specialized care

In specific medical situations, hypnosis can contribute to improved well-being and an enhanced treatment experience.
✔ Palliative care – helps with pain and stress relief in terminally ill patients
✔ Oncology treatments – support for nausea, pain and side effects of chemotherapy
✔ Trauma treatment and medical rehabilitation – hypnosis helps with anxiety around treatments and recovering the body after trauma

In combination with other treatments:

Hypnosis can enhance the effect of medical or psychological interventions by making the client feel safer, more relaxed and more open to treatment.

How does it work?

The power of medical hypnosis lies in how the brain works. Through focus and relaxation, certain areas of the brain become more active – particularly the parts of the brain involved in imagination, body sensations and emotion regulation. At the same time, activity in the “critical brain” is temporarily reduced, allowing automatic responses (such as fear or pain anticipation) to be affected.

In practice, a session looks like this:

1. Preliminary discussion: The counselor sets goals and coordinates with the client.
2. Induction: The client is brought into a state of hypnosis through language and breathing.
3. Therapeutic part: Suggestions are given that focus on relaxation, pain relief or reassurance.
4. Completion: The client is brought back fully to the here-and-now.

A session often does not take long – sometimes 10-15 minutes is enough – and can also be used perfectly well during existing medical procedures.

What does science say?

Medical hypnosis is one of the most researched forms of hypnosis. Research shows that hypnosis:

• can reduce pain perception by as much as 50%;
• lowers the need for medication in some cases;
• recovery periods shortened;
• noticeably reduces anxiety and tension, even in children;
• strengthens the treatment relationship and increases the client’s sense of security.

MRI studies show that the brain actually responds differently during hypnosis. Activity in pain-processing brain areas decreases, while areas related to control and rest become more active.

Want to delve deeper? Then check out our white paper on medical hypnosis with scientific references, practical examples and interviews.

Experiences from practice – two examples that speak for themselves

Besides scientific evidence, nothing is more convincing than real experiences. Below you will read two personal stories of women who have experienced their medical treatment in a completely different way with the help of hypnosis. These stories demonstrate how powerful the combination of suggestion, relaxation and mental preparation can be.

Simone: from dental phobia to control and peace of mind

Simone came to us because of her tremendous fear of the dentist. In one session we went back to the origin of her fear through regression, helped her release it and taught her self-hypnosis for future dental visits.

“I have had a few treatments at the dentist now and can only say that during the root canal treatment I was very dissociated from what was happening in the dental chair.
I even did the treatments at the periodontist without anesthesia. I felt comfortable and kept myself in good control. Of course I am still nervous when I go to the dentist, but the anxiety is gone. During the treatment I had drifted so far into my mind that the treatment was over before I knew it.
It means so much to me that I can apply this now. I can’t thank you enough.
I told the dentist about self-hypnosis. I advise everyone to use this technique. It really is very special.”
– Simone

Jessica: a medical procedure without anesthesia and without pain

Jessica contacted us after a previously traumatic medical experience. She was facing another painful procedure – the removal of an IUD – and wanted to undergo it this time without anesthesia, but with hypnosis support.

During a hypnosis session, we taught her a powerful form of self-hypnosis that allowed her to numb herself. In addition, we worked on processing old emotions. Afterwards, she sent us this feedback:

“I managed to undergo the procedure in a deep state of relaxation. The IUD was ingrown and the doctor couldn’t pull it out until the fifth attempt. The result was a wound that didn’t hurt anyway. Later the doctor told me that he had had to cut with a knife. I felt nothing.
I am so glad I visited you. You taught me a valuable lesson for life. The hypnosis audio also helped me a lot.
I told the doctor about hypnosis and the influence of words on pain. He already applied suggestive language himself, and was open to my experience. The assistants were amazed at the method I used. It had to be very powerful.
When the doctor said he would begin, I closed my eyes and thought of beautiful colors and flowers. Again and again I repeated to myself, “deeper and deeper,” as the doctor did his work. I was completely relaxed and felt no pain, only pressure.
When the treatment was over, my partner helped me come out of hypnosis. Soon after, I felt pain and dizziness, but I was able to relax on the bed. Later I thought: I can just go back into hypnosis…
Thank you, Ina. Until next time.”
– Jessica

A gentle and effective method for care and recovery

These stories underscore what numerous studies now confirm: hypnosis is more than relaxation. It is an effective method with which clients remain in control, even in intense medical situations. And it doesn’t always require a lot of time – good preparation and focused technique make all the difference.

📌 Are you a healthcare professional and want to learn how to apply this responsibly in your field? Then check out the medical hypnosis course.

Want to know more?

Do you have a question, are you curious if hypnosis fits your situation, or would you like to discuss training opportunities within your organization? Feel free to contact us:

📧 info@hypnosementor.nl
📞 06-28121668

Or check out our training offerings for healthcare professionals:
👉 Medical hypnosis training course