Psychiatrist David Spiegel discusses the power of hypnosis in healing chronic pain, negative thoughts, and addictive behavior. He introduces the Revery app, an interactive tool for achieving hypnosis. The podcast explores the relationship between hypnosis and meditation, the use of hypnosis in the medical establishment, and the potential risks and benefits of hypnosis as a treatment option. The speakers also engage in hypnotic exercises to explore sensations and control of their hands.
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Quick takeaways
Hypnosis can alleviate pain and negative thoughts by reducing the brain's salience network and increasing connectivity between executive control network and insula.
Self-hypnosis empowers individuals to effectively manage pain, stress, anxiety, and habits, improving their health outcomes.
Integration of hypnosis into medical practice can provide safer and more effective alternatives to medication-based treatments for pain management and other symptoms.
Deep dives
The Power of Hypnosis in Healing
Hypnosis, which involves narrowing the focus of attention, can help heal the mind, stock negative thoughts, and enhance motivation. It is the oldest form of Western psychotherapy and has been used successfully for pain management. Hypnosis works by reducing the brain's salience network and increasing connectivity between the executive control network and the insula, enabling individuals to control and alleviate pain. Studies have shown that hypnosis is effective in reducing pain levels and anxiety during medical procedures, leading to shorter procedure times and lower medication use.
The Potential of Self-Hypnosis for Healing
Self-hypnosis has proven benefits for managing physical and mental health conditions. Teaching patients self-hypnosis techniques empowers them to take control of their pain, stress, anxiety, and habits. Research has demonstrated that self-hypnosis can significantly reduce pain in patients with metastatic breast cancer and improve surgical outcomes by decreasing pain levels, anxiety, and the use of opioids. By harnessing the power of their own brains, individuals have the capacity to effectively manage their health and well-being.
Overcoming the Prejudice Against Hypnosis
Despite the proven effectiveness of hypnosis, there is still a prevailing prejudice within the medical establishment. The pharmaceutical industry's focus on medication-based treatments often overlooks the potential of hypnosis and other holistic healing methods. The brain's ability to control pain and other symptoms is a powerful tool that should be utilized more widely. By integrating hypnosis into medical practice and raising awareness of its benefits, we can provide patients with safer and more effective alternatives to opioids and other medications.
Importance of Hypnosis in Managing Pain and Stress
Hypnosis, as a Western practice, is intentionally using focused attention to solve problems, such as pain management, stress reduction, and impulse control. It aims to suspend the connection between actions and one's sense of self. Through hypnosis, people can learn to dissociate physical reactions from mental reactions and develop better coping mechanisms. It can be a valuable tool for managing pain, anxiety, and even traumatic experiences like PTSD. The effectiveness of hypnosis can be rapidly observed, with nine out of ten people feeling better within the first ten minutes of using it. By providing accessible hypnosis through apps like Revery, more individuals can learn these skills to improve their well-being.
Hypnosis Versus Meditation: Key Differences
While meditation and hypnosis both involve altered mental states, they have distinct characteristics. Meditation, an Eastern practice, focuses on being present and letting thoughts and feelings flow through without interference. It often includes body scans and developing compassion. In contrast, hypnosis is intentional and Western, using focused attention to address specific issues and achieve desired outcomes. It aims to solve problems, control pain, and manage stress. Although both practices can benefit mental health, hypnosis is more functional and goal-oriented, while meditation typically involves a quieter, more passive state of being.
David Spiegel, MD is a psychiatrist at Stanford University and one of the world’s most respected experts in the field of hypnosis with 40+ years of experience. He is also the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Reveri, the clinically-backed self-hypnosis app aiming to break the stigma around hypnosis and bring its power to the masses.
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