British scientists have discovered a new benefit of hypnosis: it helps young children experience less pain during medical treatments and in relation to cancer-related pain. Additionally, Dr. Christina Liossi from the University of Wales stated that hypnosis may also extend the lifespan of cancer patients.
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Dr. Christina Liossi (Photo: e-g-g.info) |
In a study involving 80 children divided into four groups, two groups received treatment using hypnosis combined with anesthesia, while the other two groups were treated with anesthesia alone. The results showed that the 40 children who underwent hypnosis in combination with anesthesia reported feeling less pain than those treated with anesthesia alone.
Children aged 6 to 16 were placed in a hypnotic state, and experts taught them self-hypnosis techniques before experiencing pain. Dr. Liossi then asked the children to rate their pain levels during the trial on a scale from 0 to 5. The results indicated that when not hypnotized, their pain levels consistently ranged from 4 to 5, but when under hypnosis, they felt significantly less pain, rated only between 0 and 2.
Another study presented at the BA Science Conference in Exeter demonstrated that hypnosis is a genuine natural state, where individuals do not merely trick themselves into a certain mindset. Sensitive individuals placed in a hypnotic state showed changes in the left frontal cortex and a structure known as the Cingulate gyrus when viewed through MRI scans. Dr. John Gruzelier from Imperial College London stated: “The brain region is related to planning, future actions, current analysis, and our activities. Therefore, when it is influenced by hypnosis, the sensations of pain diminish.”
Dr. Liossi also mentioned that she has evidence suggesting hypnosis may extend the lifespan of adult cancer patients. Liossi further noted: “Some studies have shown that patients placed in a hypnotic state have experienced encouraging outcomes, specifically regarding cancer-related symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and pain. This is considered a breakthrough in the application of hypnosis in medicine. It certainly brings new hope for cancer patients.”
Van Nguyen
