Hypnosis is a highly effective, drug-free method for managing pain, both acute and chronic, by targeting the mind and body. It reduces pain by altering how the brain processes pain signals, decreasing the need for medication, and addressing the emotional impact of pain. Studies show it can cut pain by up to 42% and is more effective than standard care, making it a powerful alternative to traditional treatments. Safe, non-invasive, and without side effects, hypnosis offers a proven solution for pain relief and emotional well-being.

Hypnosis has proven to be an effective method for alleviating anxiety and stress, often outperforming other traditional treatments. Its advantages are versatile, helping to relieve various forms of anxiety and stress without being confined to specific types. Utilizing hypnosis can also mitigate the physical effects of stress, such as balancing stress hormone levels and enhancing sleep quality. Given its safety and simplicity, coupled with the widespread prevalence of anxiety and stress, trying hypnosis as a treatment option is highly recommended.

Breakups impact the brain like physical pain, activating areas tied to emotional and physical distress. Neuroplasticity helps adapt to this trauma, though prolonged grief can impair this process, resembling withdrawal symptoms similar to substance addiction. Understanding these effects can aid recovery strategies, emphasizing the need for support and therapeutic intervention to manage the profound emotional and physical impacts of romantic loss.

Despite substantial evidence supporting its efficacy for various conditions and solid underlying mechanisms, hypnosis remains underutilized in internal medicine. Hypnosis aligns with our commitment to evidence-based practices that minimize suffering and reduce unnecessary harm. However, there's a significant gap between its proven benefits and its availability from physicians. Even though medical curricula at leading institutions like Baylor, Harvard, Columbia, and Stanford occasionally include hypnosis, training opportunities in this field are infrequent. Here’s why a renaissance of this ancient Western psychotherapeutic technique could encourage internists to learn and widely apply medical hypnosis.