Natural News - 24 September 2008
Undergoing surgery is a very common occurrence. In the United States, it is estimated that 15 million people undergo surgery each year. People have an operation to fix a medical problem or sometimes to diagnose a problem. Surgeries are performed to improve or enhance someone’s way of life.
One of the most common complications with surgery is pain. It can be a long road to recovery after a surgical procedure. Other risk factors associated with an operation include infection and bleeding.
In 2002, a study appeared in the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia. The purpose of the study was to see whether hypnotherapy played a role in the side effects of surgical patients. The article talks about how many studies in the past focusing on hypnosis and surgery have only focused on the outcome in relation to pain. This study not only wanted to look at the outcome in relation to pain, but also look at how the hypnotherapy was administered and to see if it helps with other side effects.
The researchers analyzed the results from 20 controlled studies in which hypnosis was used with surgical patients.
These three key aspects were looked at:
1. Effectiveness of the hypnotherapy on post-surgical symptoms.
2. Whether hypnosis is more beneficial to certain outcomes.
3. Whether one-on-one or pre-recorded hypnosis sessions are more effective.
The study determined that hypnotherapy was highly effective with treating post-surgical symptoms. In fact, it found that out of all the 20 studies that were analyzed, those who received hypnotherapy had a better post-surgical outcome than 89% of those in the control group (who did not receive hypnotherapy).
The study also determined that there was no significant difference between certain outcomes and there was no significant difference in delivery of the hypnotherapy (personal or pre-recorded).
This meta-analysis concluded that hypnotherapy is very beneficial to post-surgical healing. The researchers “strongly support the use of hypnosis with surgical patients.”
Not only can hypnotherapy be used for a better outcome following surgery but it is also effective in dealing with pain relief. At The Harley Street Hypnotherapy Clinic many of the therapists have experieince in delivering pain relief through hypnosis at the London hypnotherapy clinic.