Hypnosis and music seem to play a role in controlling the pain of patients hospitalized in palliative care, a researcher from Laval University found.
Faculty of Music lecturer Josiane Bissonnette and her colleagues reviewed data from four randomized studies and seven pre-intervention and post-intervention studies. In total, 579 palliative care subjects benefited from these interventions that used music, hypnosis or a combination of music and hypnosis.
Research has found that, yes, these are techniques that are effective in reducing pain and anxiety, and improving well-being.summary of Ms. Bissonnette.
The hypnosis used in this context has nothing to do with Messmer. Instead, the patient was asked to imagine a place that brought them happiness and peace. The patient remained at all times aware and independent of his or her choices.
It is a form of communication that evokes an alternative state of consciousness, allowing you to be more receptive to various suggestions that are positive for the person.explained by Ms. Bissonnette. There is no human control here. Softer, like guided imagery.
Stakeholders, he continues, are used the power of the imagination so that the patient can live an experience (on the beach, in a forest, whatever) that is good for him.
And the power of the imagination makes it possible to do amazing things.
For example, we put a (imaginary) balm that feels good in one hand. Then we wear it on a part of the body that hurts, and it’s all in the imagination that it’s done.described by Ms. Bissonnette. It is very effective for pain sensations. Very strong indeed.
Some countries, such as Belgium, are more advanced than Quebec in using such hypnosis techniques, he pointed out, but the practice is gradually continuing here and is increasingly recognized by health professionals. In particular, it has the effect of reducing the amount of sedatives required, and therefore accelerates the patient’s recovery.
As for the music, it is not necessarily Gregorian chant or the harmonies of Tibetan monks. The researchers found a beneficial effect as long as the choice of music pleased the patient’s ears, from Marc Hervieux to Motörhead.
What we see is that the music chosen and loved by the participants brings healingsaid Ms. Bissonnette. Whatever the style, it will have a positive impact.
Randomized studies have shown a positive, albeit moderate, effect on disease control. Pre-intervention and post-intervention studies showed results to be considered more than persuasionboth for pain and for anxiety, sleep and well -being, we said in a press release.
The conclusions of this meta-analysis were published by BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care.
Source: Radio-Canada
