For all that we know in medicine there are so many things that we do not know. Hypnosis is nothing new, but it is still grossly misunderstood as an adjunct therapy to the majority of health care providers. However, providers educated in hypnosis and the power of suggestion realize its real value and nature in the healing arts. Most people go in and out of hypnosis several times a day. Day dreaming is so nearly like hypnosis, some authorities consider them one and the same. The difference is that thoughts are random in daydreaming where in hypnosis, suggestions are directed. The hypnotic state is something a person accomplishes by himself. It is a state of complete relaxation, physical and mental. It is an alternate state of consciousness characterized by profound relaxation. In this state the mind is more susceptible to suggestions. Hypnosis is accomplished by a combination of confidence and suggestion which can have marvelous results. It is not a medicine nor is it a "cure-all," but rather a "tool" which can benefit one immensely. Today, some twenty thousand physicians, dentists,psychologists, nurses, hypnotherapists in other medical professions, and hypno- technicians are using hypnosis in their practices. Hypnosis is being taught to members of the healing arts, police officers, lawyers, clergymen, students, salesmen and a host of others who have found it beneficial in their endeavors. Some medical schools are now including a course in hypnosis as part of their curriculum. Tommy was fourteen and a victim of hemophilia which is a defective or deficient blood coagulation molecule known as factor VIII. Tommy required as many as six transfusions of cryoprecipitate weekly, a very expensive and time consuming treatment. Using hypnosis as an adjunct therapy, Tommy learned how to manage his bleeds drastically decreasing his need for transfusions. This was a significant change for the family financially and in Tommys improved mental and physical health. Hypnosis was used in four ways. First, was ego-strengthening. Tommy was given suggestions that he no longer had to compete with his peer group to be accepted. Second, He was taught to recognize when he was bleeding into a joint very early. Early recognition of internal bleeding combined with increased self- esteem allowed him to stop what he was doing without embarrassment, decreasing the amount of injury. Third, Tommy used guided imagery to create cold at the site of bleeding to slow down blood flow. He also visualized faucets on his blood vessels that could be switched on or off. Fourth, He learned auto-hypnosis which enabled him to reinforce the post-hypnotic suggestions given by the hypnotist. Copyright 2005 By M. Ron Eslinger, RN, CRNA, APN, BCH, CI |
