Mind Body Medicine — Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a form of healing that induces a deliberate trance state using therapeutic suggestion. One of the key features of hypnosis is the aspect of selective perception, and in this state of internally focused concentration, there is selective awareness of both internal and external stimuli (Gurgevich, 2006).

Potential Application for Children with Cancer

Hypnosis may be useful for children with cancer during periods of anticipatory nausea and vomiting as well as for pain and anxiety during procedures, such as lumbar punctures and bone marrow aspirations. Often, when working with children using hypnosis, the child is asked to pretend to be in a daydream and utilize that state of mind to promote healing.

Reference:

Gurgevich, S. (2006). Hypnosis. In D Rakel & N Faas (Eds.), Complementary Medicine in Clinical Practice (pp. 185-200). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Last updated: October 13, 2009