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use of hypnosis in alleviating chronic pain associated
with cancer.
10
A number of published systematic
reviews point to the benefits of hypnosis
in acute and chronic pain and cancer pain.
11--14
However, the mechanisms for how hypnosis
works are not entirely understood. Hypnosis is
a procedure where one person (the subject) is
guided by another (the hypnotherapist) to respond
to suggestions for changes in subjective
experience, such as perception, sensation,
emotion, thought, or behavior. Inducing hypnosis
can be informal, for example, inviting
a subject to listen to or participate in a story
or fantasy, or formal, such as inviting the subject
to fix their gaze while being given suggestions.
Hypnotic induction may also include progressive
muscle relaxation (PMR). Hypnosis can
be used in a variety of ways to (1) reduce anticipatory
stress, (2) develop coping strategies,
and (3) block or manipulate the experience
of pain. The literature suggests that hypnosis
can be tailored to the individual needs, interests,
and developmental level of the child.
15
If
the subject responds to hypnotic suggestions,
it is generally inferred that hypnosis has been
induced.
16
In clinical practice, hypnotic suggestion
can be tailored to the individual child, incorporating
their interests, and using
appropriate language for their age. For example,