Hypnosis, often misunderstood, is proving to be a powerful therapeutic tool. This article reveals findings from 20 years of research confirming the effectiveness of hypnosis in treating mental and physical health problems. Discover how hypnosis can be a valuable addition in modern health care in this article about 20 years of scientific research on hypnosis.
Introduction to scientific research hypnosis
Hypnosis often conjures up images of stage shows in which people perform strange tasks under the influence of a hypnotist. Dit beeld, hoewel amusant, doet echter geen recht aan de werkelijke potentie van hypnose als therapeutisch hulpmiddel. Over the past two decades, there has been extensive scientific research on the effectiveness of hypnosis.
This research has focused on various mental and physical health problems.
This article offers an in-depth look at these findings.
It shows how hypnosis can be a valuable tool in modern health care.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness in which a person experiences increased focus and concentration.
During hypnosis, one is often more receptive to suggestions.
This can help change behavior, reduce pain and improve mental health.
Hypnotherapy, the therapeutic application of hypnosis, is used to treat various health problems.
These include anxiety, depression, chronic pain and irritable bowel syndrome (PDS).
Method of research
The study, “Meta-analytic evidence on the efficacy of hypnosis for mental and somatic health issues: a 20-year perspective,” is a systematic review of 49 meta-analyses comprising 261 primary studies.
These studies, published between 2003 and 2022, cover a wide range of topics, including medical procedures, childbirth, pain management, cancer and mental disorders.
The quality of these meta-analyses was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool, a tool that measures the methodological quality of systematic reviews.
Findings on a number of topics
Medical procedures
One of the most notable uses of hypnosis is during medical procedures.
Studies have shown significant benefits of hypnosis in reducing anxiety and pain during procedures such as surgery and needle-related procedures.
The effects are particularly impressive in children with needle-related pain and stress, with effect sizes ranging from small (d = 0.1) to very large (d = 2.53).
Hypnosis in childbirth
Hypnosis is also increasingly being used to help women during childbirth.
Studies show that hypnosis can help reduce the need for pharmacological pain relief, which can contribute to a more natural birthing process.
Although most effects are small to moderate, hypnosis can be a valuable addition for pregnant women who desire a less medical delivery.
Pain Management
Hypnosis has been shown to be effective in treating several types of pain, including chronic pain and pain due to fibromyalgia.
Effect sizes range from small (d = 0.37) to large (d = 0.81), with most effects being significant.
This makes hypnosis a powerful alternative or complement to traditional pain management methods.
Cancer
For patients with cancer, hypnosis provides relief from symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain, and anxiety.
The effects are often large (d = 0.43 to d = 2.72) and significant, demonstrating that hypnosis can be a valuable supportive therapy in the treatment of cancer.
Irritable bowel syndrome (PDS)
Hypnosis shows positive effects in the treatment of PDS, a condition that is often difficult to treat with conventional methods.
Effects on gastrointestinal symptoms, pain, diarrhea, constipation and mental health range from small to medium (d = 0.02 to d = 0.83), with many of the effects being significant.
Quit Smoking
Hypnosis is also used to help people quit smoking.
Results vary, with effect sizes ranging from small (d = 0.12) to large (d = 0.84).
Although only some of the effects are significant, hypnosis can still be a useful tool for people having difficulty quitting smoking.
Obesity
For people with obesity, hypnosis can help with weight loss, especially in the long term.
The studies show that hypnosis combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be highly effective, with large effects on weight loss at follow-up (d = 1.58).
Psychological/Psychosomatic disorders
Hypnosis has positive effects on a wide range of psychological and psychosomatic disorders, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and sleep disorders.
Effect sizes range from small (d = 0.06) to large (d = 1.58), with most effects being significant.
Various disorders
Hypnosis also has positive effects on several other disorders, with effect sizes ranging from small (d = 0.25) to large (d = 1.28).
These results show that hypnosis can have an overall positive effect on various health outcomes.
Side effects and safety
An important aspect of any therapeutic intervention is safety.
The scientific research in hypnosis shows that there are no serious side effects of hypnosis.
The few side effects that were reported were rare and mild in nature.
This supports the conclusion that hypnosis is a safe intervention with minimal side effects.
Conclusion
This comprehensive review demonstrates that hypnosis is a promising intervention for a wide range of mental and physical health problems. The findings support the use of hypnosis in clinical practice.
They encourage health care providers to consider hypnosis as a treatment option.
Hypnosis offers significant benefits, whether in reducing anxiety and pain during medical procedures.
It supports women during childbirth and helps people cope with chronic pain and mental disorders.
Interested in hypnosis?
For those interested in exploring hypnosis, an entry-level course provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about this fascinating technique.
Whether you are a healthcare professional looking to expand your skills, or someone interested in self-improvement, a hypnosis course can provide valuable insights and skills.
If you are a professional then you can sign up immediately for our 8-day OMNI hypnosis (basic) and hypnotherapy (advanced) course.
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