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Self-administered hypnosis vs sham hypnosis for hot flashes

A randomized clinical trial found that self-administered hypnosis significantly reduced hot flash scores and daily interference compared to sham hypnosis. The study suggests that hypnosis delivered through audio files is a clinically significant method for reducing hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 11, 2025

Hypnosis can make ventilation masks more acceptable to patients with breathing problems

A pilot study found that hypnosis significantly improved patients' tolerance of masks, allowing them to breathe more comfortably. The study showed a substantial improvement in non-invasive ventilation (NIV) tolerance, reduced agitation, and lower requirements for sedation and anti-anxiety medication.

SourceEuropean Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM)·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2025

Our thoughts alter our tactile perception

Researchers found that imagining an index finger as five times smaller improves tactile discrimination threshold, while imagining it larger worsens it. This suggests top-down influence of beliefs on perception, supporting the idea that cognitive content can shape sensory experience.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2023

Evaluating mind-body therapies for opioid-treated pain

A comprehensive review of mind-body therapies found associations with lower opioid use and better pain outcomes. The study combined data from multiple studies, providing evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions in managing chronic pain among adults on opioids.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 4, 2019

Study reveals hypnosedation as an effective alternative to general anesthesia for various surgeries

A new study found that hypnosedation is an effective alternative to general anesthesia for various surgeries, including breast cancer treatments, gynecological procedures, and superficial plastic surgeries. The technique reduces adverse effects, accelerates postoperative rehabilitation, and improves patient comfort.

Pilot study examines the effects of virtual reality on reducing anxiety and improving pregnancy rate of women having fertility treatment

A pilot study found that virtual reality sessions before sedation for IVF treatment reduce women's anxiety. The study also showed a slight improvement in biological pregnancy rates, but not clinical pregnancy rates at 12 weeks, with results comparable to those without VR sessions.

Researchers induced a form of synesthesia with hypnosis

Researchers from University of Turku successfully induced a functional analogue of synaesthesia in the brain using hypnosis. The study confirms previous results and shows that hypnosis can rapidly trigger visual hallucinations and induce a form of synaesthesia, offering new insights into cognitive neuroscience.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 13, 2017

Ben Kliger & colleagues offer new strategies for integrating mind-body medicine into primary care

Researchers identified innovative strategies to overcome barriers to integrating mind-body medicine into primary care, including group patient visits and stress management conversations. The study aims to increase the integration of mindfulness, hypnosis, and biofeedback techniques into mainstream medical practice.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateJul 12, 2016

Brain processes social information at high priority

Researchers found that the brain automatically pays attention to social context in everyday actions, suggesting a high level of sensitivity for absorbing social information. The study used hypnosis to switch off top-down attention processes and showed that mu-suppression was stronger in hypnotised participants.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateApr 1, 2016

Hypnosis extends restorative slow-wave sleep

Researchers found that highly suggestible women experienced a significant increase in slow-wave sleep after listening to hypnosis, resulting in improved sleep quality. The study suggests that hypnosis could be a promising alternative to sleep-inducing drugs with no adverse side effects.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 2, 2014

Hypnosis helps hot flashes

A recent study published in Menopause found that hypnosis can effectively manage hot flashes in postmenopausal women, leading to significant reductions in frequency and severity. The study showed a 57% reduction in skin conductance, which is a measure of hot flash symptoms.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateOct 24, 2012

Not getting sleepy? Stanford research explains why hypnosis doesn't work for all

A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that highly hypnotizable individuals have greater activity in executive-control and salience networks, indicating a neural trait underlying hypnotizability. This advance enables scientists to better understand the mechanisms of hypnosis and its potential for clinical applications.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 2012

Hull research proves color is not a black and white issue

Scientists at the University of Hull found that highly suggestible individuals can see colours in monochrome patterns and experience changes in brain activity under hypnosis. The study suggests that these abilities exist independently of hypnosis and may be useful for medical interventions, such as pain control.

SourceUniversity of Hull·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateNov 30, 2011

People are more suggestible under laughing gas

A new study at University College London found that nitrous oxide enhances imagination vividness and imaginary suggestibility in participants, which could lead to improved pain relief for dental patients. The study's findings suggest that combining laughing gas with instructions and suggestions might enhance the pain-relieving effect.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateJan 9, 2009

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers help find that hypnosis can induce synesthesia

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that hypnosis can induce synesthetic experiences, challenging the idea that extra connections are needed. The study suggests that people with synesthesia do not have abnormal brain connections, but rather increased 'cross talking' between brain areas.

Hypnosis reduces pain and costs in breast cancer surgery

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that hypnosis prior to breast cancer surgery reduced the amount of anesthesia used during the operation, as well as levels of pain and other side effects reported afterwards. This resulted in shorter hospital stays, fewer readmissions, and lower surgical costs.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 28, 2007

Pain in the brain: It's not what you imagine

A study by University College London and University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre found that hypnotic suggestion can cause strikingly similar brain activity to physical pain. Volunteers under hypnosis reported feeling pain even though they had not experienced any physical stimulus, suggesting that some pain may begin in the mind.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNeuroImage·DateAug 8, 2004