This page links to articles and information that I have compiled showing the broad acceptance, approval and endorsement of the use of hypnosis from reputable medical centers, physicians, and universities, all the way to the Pope.
Below that, you will see a list of but a few of thousands of scientific studies done in the field of hypnosis, medical hypnosis and hypnotherapy that show great promise and support of how hypnotherapy can aid in a multitude of conditions.
Note, additional research exists that supports the health benefits of meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercises, yogic breathing, guided imagery, progressive relaxation, biofeedback, somatic knowing, EMDR, placebo effect, prayer, and qigong. These are but variations and specific states (or systems) of hypnosis in-themselves. At Wise Hypnosis we honor and respect all our clients from any gender, gender identity, spiritual belief (or skepticism), race, health, or socioeconomic state.
- The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis on Medical Hypnosis
- University of Maryland Medical Center on Medical Hypnosis
- Stanford Health Care on Medical Hypnosis
- UPMC Integrative Medicine on Medical Hypnosis
- The University of Minnesota on Medical Hypnosis
- Penn State Psychologist William Ray PhD. on Medical Hypnosis
- Live Science .com Article: Can Hypnosis Be Used as a Medical Treatment?
- Dr. Weil on Hypnotherapy
Endorsements of Hypnosis by Medical and Psychological Associations:
- 1955 – The British Medical Association became the first professional organization to endorse the medical use of hypnosis.
- 1958 – The American Medical Association officially approves hypnosis as a therapeutic procedure. (Rescinded)
- 1958 – The Canadian Medical Association endorses hypnosis.
- 1958 – The Canadian Psychological Association endorses hypnosis.
- 1960 – The American Psychological Association endorses hypnosis.
- 1961 – American Psychiatric Association endorses hypnosis as a therapeutic procedure.
British Medical Association, 1955
On 23 April 1955, the British Medical Association (BMA) approved the use of hypnosis in the areas of psychoneuroses and hypnoanesthesia in pain management in childbirth and surgery. At this time, the BMA also advised all physicians and medical students to receive fundamental training in hypnosis.
1956, Pope’s approval of hypnosis
The Roman Catholic Church banned hypnotism until the mid-20th century when, in 1956, Pope Pius XII gave his approval of hypnosis. He stated that the use of hypnosis by health care professionals for diagnosis and treatment is permitted. In an address from the Vatican on hypnosis in childbirth, the Pope gave these guidelines:
- Hypnotism is a serious matter, and not something to dabble in.
- In its scientific use, the precautions dictated by both science and morality must be followed.
- Under the aspect of anaesthesia, it is governed by the same principles as other forms of anaesthesia.
American Medical Association, 1958
In 1958, the American Medical Association approved a report on the medical uses of hypnosis. It encouraged research on hypnosis although pointing out that some aspects of hypnosis are unknown and controversial. However, in June 1987, the AMA’s policy-making body rescinded all AMA policies from 1881–1958 (other than two not relating to hypnosis).