Toni Wellen

Studies demonstrate hypnosis trims surgical procedure times and costs while reducing pain and anxiety and the resulting need for medications

As reported in the November 2007 issue of Harvard Women’s Health Watch, “Hypnosis before breast cancer surgery eases pain and cuts costs.” The article is based on a study reported in the September 5, 2007, Journal of the National Cancer Institute. It continues by stating, “Hypnosis induces a state of deep relaxation and focused concentration. Exactly how it works to ease pain and anxiety isn’t fully understood, but neuroscientists have shown that it changes activity in brain areas involved in pain perception and the response to pain.”

This research builds on work by interventional radiologist Dr. Elvira Lang, at Harvard Medical School. “Dr. Lang has studied the use of hypnosis in patients undergoing minimally invasive but physically and emotionally stressful procedures, such as angioplasties, liver biopsies, and kidney drainage. She has found that hypnosis trims procedure times and costs while reducing pain and anxiety and the resulting need for medications.”

In over twenty years of using hypnosis in my practice, 100% of my clients who have worked with me prior to surgery of many different types, including child birth, have experienced the benefits referred to in the above-mentioned study. Finally, evidence is mounting that hypnosis is a safe and effective way to comfort patients and reduce health care costs.