Fun Findings & Facts About Hypnosis

I thought today we would share some interesting things about hypnosis.

• Did you realize The American Medical Association approved the use of hypnosis by properly trained professionals and recommended that it not be used for entertainment purposes in 1958,
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield of California researched the use of hypnosis and guided imagery prior to surgery and it showed a savings of $2,000.00 because of less medication needed, less vomiting, less nausea, less pain and earlier hospital releases.
• In 2005 the Mayo Clinic reported the acceptance of hypnosis as a mode of treatment in medicine is increasing as a result of "careful methodical, empirical work of many research pioneers".  Many of the important trials that were reviewed helped establish hypnosis in complementary medicine.  These trials established the utility and efficacy of hypnosis for several conditions, either alone or as part of a treatment regimen.  However, skepticism still prevails and hypnosis remains underused because of doubt and fear.  Through greater awareness and acceptance of hypnosis, additional training, and research inspires pursuit of improved techniques and areas of potential. 
• Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York stated women that underwent hypnosis before breast cancer surgery needed less anesthesia and had fewer side effects than women who received counseling instead; "this is a randomized clinical trial of 220 patients that really showed beneficial effects for patients," said G. Montgomery.  "It really works well."
• The use of hypnosis has been endorsed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and by the Joint Commission Association for Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO) for Chronic Pain Management, headaches, back pain, post surgical pain, cancer pain, and Fibromyalgia.
• London, UK (PRWEB) November 25, 2004 states- Aspiring managers from a wide range of disciplines; business coaches, change managers, sales managers and account directors to accountants and actuaries attend hypnotic influence master-classes every year.  Adding to their communication 'tool kit' and build intuitive and creative skills are some benefits of understanding the principles of hypnosis.
• Studies show that hypnosis is 85% effective in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).  Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of California have published many studies on the efficacy of hypnosis in medicine.
• Internationally recognized physician Andrew Weil (and expert on mind body interactions and integrative medicine said "A person with a digestive problem or a skin problem can be assisted through hypnosis, because around 85% of this type of problem is stress related."
• "Fatigue is so common among Americans that it almost feels normal."  A new report from Harvard Medical School says that although the underlying cause of persistent fatigue can be hard to identify, that doesn't mean the fatigue is imaginary.  The use of hypnosis was mentioned as a strategy that can help and are effective in stress reduction. -- BOSTON, Sept. 12/U.S. Newswire 2006
• Although its medical uses aren't entirely understood, hypnosis appears to help with a variety of health conditions, when provided by a certified hypnotist or other qualified clinician.  These range from helping to manage pain from chronic conditions to easing symptoms of asthma to kicking bad habits like smoking. - Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• According to the Journal of Clinical Oncology - a 2008 Baylor Study Finds Hypnotic Relaxation Therapy Minimizes Hot Flashes. The study validated that this type of treatment is effective in decreasing hot flashes as stated by Dr. G. Elkins, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor.  He continued,  "There is a real need to study mind-body interactions to treat these ailments because many times medications are not an option."
• According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Hypnosis is one of the best stress management techniques available.  It is also arguably less cost prohibitive than medication regimens.  Why?  Because a good hypnotist will train the client in self hypnosis techniques.
• Using hypnosis to visualize the pain and imagine it seeping away can be a powerful treatment strategy also.  O. S. Palsson, a clinical psychologist and associate professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders said, "Research indicates that the probability of achieving benefits is excellent, even for patients who haven't improved from standard medical care."
• Did you know that hypnosis is used by many iconic sports figures and  legends?  Do the names Tiger Woods, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Ken Norton ring a bell.  This is but the tip of the iceberg of iconic sports legends that have used hypnosis.
• And some more resources to investigate:
  • Dateline reported amazing results of hypnosis for weight loss during their 10 month Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge in 2003-2004; and Harvard Medical School said, "The program changed many minds."
  • Hypnosis Works Newsweek August, 2004.
  • Good Morning America reported on August 29, 2007 that hypnosis eases breast cancer surgery pain.
  • In September 2005, Jane Pauley devoted a full hour of her television talk show to the benefits of hypnosis.