Introduction To HypnoAnesthesia

Part 1

Ron Eslinger, RN, CRNA, APN, MA, BCH, CMI,

www.HealthyVisionsHypnosis.com

865.220.0777

Hypnosis, in one form or another, has been used throughout the millennium.  Numerous professionals utilized the practice of hypnosis, from witch doctors to physicians.  This document provides an introduction to HypnoAnesthesia and its application for pain management.  The information was originally presented during a lecture for pain management at Clemson University’s Annual Nurse Anesthesia Conference in Gatlinburg, Tennessee during June of 2005.

Franz Anton Mesmer, a German physician and astrologist, fathered modern hypnosis.  Later, a Scottish surgeon named James Braid employed Mesmer’s ideas and developed hypnosis in 1842.  Both of these pioneers recognized the flexibility of the relationship between physical symptoms and our thoughts. 

In this document, I explore how hypnosis is used effectively for the relief of chronic pain and pain management.  Through this exploration, I touch on the basic principles behind why hypnosis is effective.  I also touch on alternative therapies such as healing touch, acupuncture and massage to incorporate the Joint Commision for Accrediation of Healthcare Organization’s (JCAHO’s) Standards.

Hypnosis is a fascinating domain of clinical research and practice.  It involves the study of how seemingly ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things by using their minds.  The mind is used to focus on mental images, thoughts, and ideas that influence the human body’s response in very special ways.  

From Mesmer’s studies and Braid’s practices, we know there is a great deal of flexibility in what the mind experiences.   Individuals become so deeply absorbed in their daily life experiences,

they can permit their body to become more comfortable, even in the presence of injury.  This is the foundation of hypnotic analgesia or hypnotic anesthesia.  The ability to make the body more comfortable represents the most sophisticated use of hypnosis.

Hypnotic analgesia is the use of hypnosis to reduce or diminish bodily sensations.  Hypnotic anesthesia refers to the total elimination of sensations and pain.  Typically, people are most skeptical of hypnotic anesthesia.   Their uncertainty and disbelief often results in serious misconceptions.  People assume that if you are in pain and the pain is reduced through hypnosis, then the pain must have always been in your head.

Nothing is further from the truth.  In fact, hypnosis is being used as the sole anesthetic in major surgical procedures (hypnotic analgesia).  The incision and physical effects are obviously quite real.   However dramatic and remarkable, the application of hypnosis is routine.  The same principles used to apply hypnotic analgesia can be used in numerous situations to help people manage pain, end addictions, and eliminate phobias.  

Using hypnosis as an adjunct to medicine to decrease painful sensations or experiences is needed for some very important reasons.  Foremost is the opportunity for greater self-control and personal responsibility for our own wellbeing.  Feeling victimized, whether by discomfort or by other people, is a very helpless position.   Having the control over personal experiences is extremely important.   Hypnosis facilitates this control.

You may or may not have had experiences with hypnosis.  If you have some experience, you know that hypnosis is nothing more than focus and concentration.  Hypnosis allows us to comfortably and easily set aside all of the demands and pressures of everyday life.  If you have never had experiences with hypnosis before, I can safely say that you will truly enjoy the experience.  It feels good and more importantly, it opens the doors to a new perspective and the potential for positive changes.

To be continued

©Ron Eslinger 2009