RESEARCH:

The American Medical Association approved hypnosis as a therapy in 1958, and the American Psychiatric Association followed in 1961. Since then, reviews have provided evidence on the effectivity of hypnotherapy.

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Pain relief. A meta-analysis published in 2000 concluded that hypnosis offered moderate to major relief for many types of pain.

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A 2003 analysis found that hypnosis was more effective than other pain relief methods.

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Hypnosis can be used as an adjunct to various types of sedation during surgery.

 

A 1999 review concluded that hypnosis combined with conscious sedation might also reduce length of stay in the hospital by speeding recovery.

 

A 2007 study found that women who were hypnotized before undergoing a breast biopsy or lumpectomy required less sedation during the procedure, and experienced less pain, nausea, and emotional distress afterward.

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Studies also report that hypnosis can be effective for alleviating pain caused by chronic tension headaches and migraine headaches.

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Hypnosis also helps alleviate anxiety. Many studies have reported that hypnosis reduced anxiety levels and lowered blood pressure in patients before surgery and enhanced recovery afterward by shortening hospital stays and reducing complications like nausea and vomiting.

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In a 2006 study patients who underwent hypnosis received suggestions of well-being before surgery. Upon entering the operating room, they reported anxiety levels 56% lower than levels before hypnosis. Patients who received the normal presurgical standard of care reported a 47% increase in anxiety.