Pre-surgery hypnosis may relieve anxiety and promote faster healing

 

            Facing surgery can be stress producing on many levels, from worrying about the procedure itself to the possible pain and discomfort afterward. Along with those concerns, fear about life after surgery and the healing process may also pop up. There is a lot jumping around in your mind right now, and really, who can even consider relaxing when facing surgery no matter how big or little the procedure?

“Pre-surgery hypnosis may help to alleviate the fear and stress of a looming surgery,” says Life Coach and hypnotherapist Carol Waters, who specializes in stress management. She believes hypnosis is a powerful tool for change.

            “Most people are anxious before surgery,” says Waters. “They may already have an illness or be in pain, and their bodies are tense. The goal of hypnosis is to help relieve the anxiety, promote relaxation and hasten the healing time.”

            Ideally Waters will meet with a pre-surgery client a month, two weeks, and the day before the scheduled surgery. She provides tapes for clients to listen to in between sessions. “It can take a few weeks to get the body and mind adjusted and ready,” she explains. “And everyone responds differently to how they receive.” She adds that having only one session the day before surgery can still provide some benefit for relaxation and healing.

            First, Waters gives her client an understanding of hypnosis. “The person is always in control,” explains Waters. “You can’t be hypnotized unless you want to be, and it really is just a deep state of relaxation. Usually the person can remember all that went on while under hypnosis.”

            Once the client is under hypnosis Waters will provide positive statements about the surgery and the healing process. “What I say is individually tailored for each person,” she explains. “But I focus on relaxation, needing few pain killers, and positive attitudes.” She helps clients visualize healthy healing and lifestyles afterwards as well.

Harvard Medical School has even documented the benefits of mentally preparing for surgery. “It is important to take control of your life circumstances whatever they are,” says Waters. “People may feel as though they have little or no control during surgery and healing, and hypnosis may help them feel back in control.” There are emotional components of any illness, and hypnosis can help make the mind/body connection.

            Waters will also provide anesthesiologists with statements to say to the patient during the surgery, if the anesthesiologist is agreeable and open to the process. “A patient can be receptive even while unconscious,” says Waters. Such statements may be “Your surgery is going well,” “Healing is going to be easy,” and “You’ll have a good appetite and very little pain.”

            Waters has been practicing pre-surgery hypnosis for about a year with very good results. “It is just a way to approach surgery from a much better, positive, and relaxed frame of mind.