Cancer patients react to hypnosis

Don’t believe in the power of hypnosis? You may change your mind after hearing about a new study that reveals that hypnosis can reduce side effects from surgery.

Women undergoing breast cancer surgery may have fewer side effects if they use hypnosis.

In a new study, doctors randomly assigned 200 women to either a 15-minute hypnosis session or a consultation with a psychologist shortly before their surgery.

Patients who had the hypnosis were told to relax and think pleasant thoughts, visualizing peaceful places, such as a beach on a warm day.

The results showed that these women needed less anesthesia during the operation and experienced fewer side effects than the women who talked to the psychologist.

Hypnosis also reduced women’s time in the operating room, which led to a cost savings of nearly $800.

Researchers believe that hypnosis directs attention away from unpleasant side effects of surgery. It also works by helping patients expect positive results, such as less pain.

The authors say the effects of hypnosis are powerful enough to mimic drug results, but with the added benefit of no side effects.

Survey results suggest that hypnosis could work for many other types of surgeries,
Patients can even be taught to use self-hypnosis to improve their experiences.