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Hypnosis emerges as a clinical tool for pain, anxiety, and PTSD
A growing body of research highlights hypnosis as an effective, drug-free treatment for chronic pain, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet its reputation as a stage act continues to hinder broader medical adoption.
A life-changing encounter
In 1970, medical student David Spiegel faced a critical moment during his pediatric rotation at Boston Children's Hospital. A 16-year-old asthma patient, hospitalized for the third time in months, struggled to breathe despite two adrenaline injections. With no other options, Spiegel turned to hypnosis-a skill he was learning in a separate class. He guided the girl into a trance and suggested, "Each breath you take will be a little deeper and a little easier." Within minutes, her wheezing stopped, and her mother's tears ceased. The experience shaped Spiegel's career, leading him to found Stanford University's Center for Integrative Medicine and treat over 7,000 patients with hypnosis.
From mesmerism to modern medicine
Hypnosis-like practices have existed for centuries, from southern African healing rituals to Siberian shamanism. In the late 18th century, German physician Franz Mesmer popularized "animal magnetism," a theory that an invisible fluid influenced health. His dramatic demonstrations-complete with dimly lit salons and elaborate robes-drew crowds but eventually fell out of favor. By the 19th century, hypnosis gained traction among physicians, including Sigmund Freud, who used it before developing his "free association" technique. However, stage hypnotists performing stunts like making participants impersonate chickens or hallucinate religious figures fueled public skepticism. Scandals, such as the 1894 death of a young woman hypnotized in Hungary, further damaged its credibility.
The science behind the trance
Hypnotisability varies widely. About 10-15% of people are "highly hypnotisable," responding strongly to suggestions, while another 10-15% are "lows," barely affected. Studies show this trait remains stable over decades. Neuroscientific research points to the role of neurotransmitters like dopamine and GABA, which may influence how easily someone enters a trance. Brain imaging reveals that hypnosis reduces activity in the salience network, helping individuals focus intensely, and dampens the default mode network, which governs self-awareness. This may explain why hypnotized people often feel their actions are involuntary.
"When that [salience network] happens, you're less worried about what else might be going on. It allows you to disconnect from the rest of the world."
David Spiegel, Stanford University
Clinical applications and challenges
Hypnosis has shown promise in treating chronic pain, which affects up to 50% of people in the UK and one-third in the U.S. Meta-analyses reveal it provides greater pain relief than standard care for 73% of patients. Spiegel's 2000 study found hypnotized surgical patients required half the pain medication of those receiving standard care and reported zero anxiety. Despite such findings, mainstream adoption remains slow due to misconceptions about hypnosis being coercive or dangerous.
Debunking myths of control
Experiments challenge the idea that hypnosis can force people to act against their will. In one study, participants sent postcards daily after being hypnotized or simply asked. Both groups complied, but hypnotized individuals described feeling "compelled," while others cited obligation. Similarly, a 1973 study found both hypnotized and non-hypnotized students willing to "sell heroin" on campus. "The conclusion is, undergrad students are willing to do some crazy things," says cognitive neuroscientist Devin Terhune. "It's nothing to do with hypnosis."
Safety and ethical concerns
While hypnosis itself is not inherently risky, its misuse-particularly by unqualified practitioners-poses dangers. Cases of sexual abuse and fraud by rogue hypnotists highlight the need for regulation. In the UK and Australia, "hypnotherapist" is not a protected title, allowing unlicensed individuals to practice. Professional bodies, like the British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis, recommend seeking treatment only from qualified healthcare providers, such as doctors or psychologists.
"If someone can't treat you without hypnosis, they shouldn't be treating you with hypnosis."
Amanda Barnier, Macquarie University
The future of hypnosis in medicine
Despite its "kookie" reputation, hypnosis shares similarities with everyday experiences, like losing track of time while reading or driving. As research advances, its potential as a safe, cost-effective treatment for pain, anxiety, and PTSD grows. Spiegel's app, Reveri, aims to make hypnotherapy more accessible. With proper regulation and education, hypnosis could finally shed its association with stage tricks and gain recognition as a legitimate medical tool.
