Medical and Dental Hypnosis

Course Overview

Explore the transformative power of hypnosis in medical and dental settings with our comprehensive course, “Medical and Dental Hypnosis.” This course delves into the historical and contemporary applications of hypnosis, focusing on key concepts such as Esdaille state, somnambulism, and deep trance. Students will gain a thorough understanding of how these hypnotic states can be utilized to manage pain and enhance patient care.

The course begins with an exploration of the Esdaille state, a profound level of hypnosis named after Dr. James Esdaile, who used it for painless surgeries in the 19th century. Students will learn about somnambulism, a deep hypnotic state characterized by heightened suggestibility and responsiveness, and how it can be effectively induced and utilized in clinical practice. The course also covers techniques for achieving deep trance, a state of focused attention and relaxation that can significantly reduce pain perception and anxiety.

In addition to historical perspectives, the course integrates current neuroscience research on pain management. Students will explore how hypnosis can alter brain activity and pain pathways, providing a scientific basis for its effectiveness. This includes understanding the neural mechanisms involved in pain perception and how hypnosis can modulate these processes to provide relief.

Through a combination of lectures, practical demonstrations, and hands-on practice, participants will develop the skills needed to apply hypnosis in medical and dental contexts. They will learn to create tailored hypnotic interventions to address various conditions, from acute pain during dental procedures to chronic pain management in medical settings. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and techniques to enhance patient care through the strategic use of hypnosis.

What you’ll get from this course:

The Esdaille state, named after Dr. James Esdaile, represents a profound level of hypnosis historically used for painless surgeries in the 19th century. This course explores the historical background of the Esdaille state, providing insights into its development and significance in medical history. Students will learn various techniques for inducing this deep hypnotic state, which is characterized by profound relaxation and analgesia. The course also covers the applications of the Esdaille state in modern pain management, demonstrating its effectiveness through case studies and clinical examples. By understanding and utilizing the Esdaille state, practitioners can offer significant pain relief and enhance patient comfort during medical and dental procedures.

Somnambulism, a deep hypnotic state marked by heightened suggestibility and responsiveness, is a key focus of this course. Students will explore the characteristics of somnambulism, learning how to recognize and induce this state in clients. The course covers various methods to achieve somnambulism, emphasizing its benefits in medical and dental hypnosis. Practical applications and examples illustrate how somnambulism can be used to manage pain, reduce anxiety, and improve patient outcomes. By mastering the techniques to induce and utilize somnambulism, practitioners can enhance their therapeutic toolkit and provide more effective care.

Deep Trance is a state of focused attention and profound relaxation that significantly impacts pain perception and anxiety. This course delves into the definition and significance of deep trance, highlighting its therapeutic potential. Students will learn techniques for deep trance induction, enabling them to guide clients into this beneficial state. The impact of deep trance on pain perception and anxiety is explored through clinical scenarios, demonstrating its effectiveness in various medical and dental contexts. By incorporating deep trance techniques into their practice, practitioners can offer powerful interventions for pain management and patient comfort.

Understanding the current neuroscience of pain is crucial for effectively utilizing hypnosis in clinical settings. This course provides an overview of pain pathways in the brain, explaining how hypnosis can alter brain activity to modulate pain perception. Students will explore neuroscientific evidence supporting the use of hypnosis, gaining insights into the neural mechanisms involved. The implications of this research for clinical practice are discussed, highlighting how hypnosis can be integrated into pain management strategies. By grounding their practice in current neuroscience, practitioners can enhance the credibility and effectiveness of their hypnotic interventions.

The practical applications of hypnosis in medical and dental settings are vast and varied. This course teaches students how to design hypnotic interventions for acute pain, such as during dental procedures, and strategies for managing chronic pain in medical contexts. Emphasis is placed on enhancing patient care and comfort through tailored hypnotic techniques. Students will engage in training and skill development to build their competence in applying hypnosis effectively. By the end of the course, practitioners will be equipped with practical skills and knowledge to integrate hypnosis into their practice, improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Course Content

1. Esdaile State
• Historical background of the Esdaile state
• Techniques for inducing the Esdaile state
• Applications in pain management
• Case studies and clinical examples
2. Somnambulism
• Characteristics of somnambulism
• Methods to achieve somnambulism
• Benefits in medical and dental hypnosis
• Practical applications and examples
3. Deep Trance
• Definition and significance of deep trance
• Techniques for deep trance induction
• Impact on pain perception and anxiety
• Clinical scenarios utilizing deep trance
4. Current Neuroscience on Pain
• Overview of pain pathways in the brain
• How hypnosis alters brain activity
• Neuroscientific evidence supporting hypnosis
• Implications for clinical practice
5. Practical Applications in Medical and Dental Settings
• Designing hypnotic interventions for acute pain
• Strategies for chronic pain management
• Enhancing patient care and comfort

Training and skill development for practitioners

Course Instructor

ChrŸs Tei

ChrŸs Tei is a passionate educator who provides comprehensive training for people who have an interest in growing wellness in their families, communities, and themselves. She was a co-founder of the Tau Wellness Co-op in 2014 and has brought together into one integrated approach the skills of therapeutic touch, therapeutic arts, and therapeutic trance. ChrŸs is a steadfast advocate for the gender/neuro diverse community and the grateful guest on the unceded territories of the T’sou-ke First Nation for over 40 years.
As Tau we are guests everywhere forever and thank our many hosts.
We are one people amongst many nations
Our commonality is our diversity
And the ancestors WE share
May their voices lead us in our work
And our touch always heal