Hypnosis for pain relief

Abstract

Hypnosis can be defined as an altered conscious state of focused attention which involves absorption, some dissociative elements, and an increased responsiveness to suggestion. Suggestions are verbal or non-verbal communications leading to subconscious changes in perception, mood, or behaviour. The main value of hypnosis as a technique in managing pain is to assist patients as a supplement to standard clinical care. The belief that the patient can do more than he or she thinks (and more than the doctor believes is possible) is likely to generate surprising therapeutic responses.