Safety and Applications of Medical Hypnosis

The use of hypnosis for medical purposes has a rich history. The term "hypnosis" encompasses both an altered state of consciousness, often referred to as a hypnotic trance, and the method employed to induce this state. This hypnotic state and its associated phenomena can be triggered by either another individual, typically a therapist, or through self-hypnosis. German research has looked into the characteristics of a hypnotic trance, which include various physiological and mental responses. These responses encompass alterations in the perception of time, selective amnesia, regression to a younger age, and an increased susceptibility to suggestions. Depending on the intended objectives, different applications of hypnotic techniques are discernible:
1. Medical applications, which aim to alleviate somatic symptoms and reduce mental stress.
2. Hypnotic communication techniques.
3. Hypnotherapy, a form of psychotherapy where the patient enters a trance-like state.
4. Experimental hypnosis employed for researching somatic sensations and emotions.
5. The use of hypnosis to demonstrate hypnotic phenomena for entertainment purposes to an audience.
A typical session of medical hypnosis typically lasts between 20 to 50 minutes and can be divided into various phases. It's important to note that in Israel and Sweden, only physicians and psychologists with proper training are authorized to conduct hypnosis. In contrast, in Germany, there are no legal restrictions, and anyone can offer hypnosis for non-medical purposes.