[Hypnosis: An ancient therapeutic practice revived in modern science].

Hypnosis is an externally induced alteration in consciousness through suggestion, and hypnotherapy uses it as a psychological treatment for pain relief, habit modification, and various mental and physical health conditions. The method described involves muscle relaxation, suggestion, and sensory deprivation, with rapid induction of catalepsy by moving the person's limbs to stimulate the kinesthetic system. Hypnotizability varies with personal characteristics, and contraindications include psychosis, especially schizophrenia with delusions of influence, and prominent histrionic traits. Electroencephalogram changes during hypnotic catalepsy show increased delta rhythm power, increased theta rhythm amplitude and index in temporal leads, and significant hemispheric asymmetry, indicating a state distinct from sleep and wakefulness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Hypnosis is an externally induced alteration in consciousness as a result of suggestion. Hypnotherapy, also called clinical hypnosis, is the use of hypnosis as psychological treatment, either brief or long-term psychotherapy, for alleviating pain, inducing habit modification, and treating a range of physical and mental health problems, such as psychosomatic diseases, mood and anxiety disorders, and personality or behavior disorders. In the present article, the method for therapeutic hypnosis is presented, mainly based on the first author's experience. The method involves muscle relaxation, suggestion, and sensory deprivation, which lead the hypnotized individual to become detached from the environment, allowing them to establish a connection ("rapport"), meaning they have direct contact only with the hypnologist and receive instructions without any external influences. The method used by the first author is that of "rapid" induction of catalepsy, which starts with instructions to remain still with closed eyes. The hypnologist then takes hold of the person's limbs and moves them, stimulating the kinesthetic system responsible for the proprioceptive sense of position in space, thus leading to entering the hypnotic state. Personal characteristics that are associated with the degree of hypnotizability are also presented, as well as the levels of hypnotic state depth, potential complications of hypnosis, and its contraindications, which mainly include psychosis, especially schizophrenia with delusions of influence, and the presence of prominent histrionic personality characteristics. Use of alcohol or illegal substances is not a contraindication; it is, however, noted that, in their presence, the therapeutic effect of hypnosis is uncertain in the absence of other appropriate measures and suitable therapeutic interventions. The effects of hypnosis on the electroencephalogram (EEG) are indicative that the hypnotic state is distinct both from sleep and from full wakefulness. During hypnotic catalepsy, the EEG is characterized (compared to baseline) by an increase in delta rhythm power and an increase in the amplitude and index of theta rhythm, mainly in the temporal leads of both hemispheres. Additionally, there is significant asymmetry between the right and left hemispheres. It must be noted that hypnosis is just the tool through which hypnotherapy is applied. The latter should be only performed by clinicians, psychiatrists, or psychologists trained in psychotherapy, ensuring, thus, the therapeutic value of advice that is given to patients during the period of hypnotic suggestion.