The Methodology of Therapeutic Processes of the Mind and Their Effect on the Body

The Methodology of Therapeutic Processes of the Mind and Their Effect on the Body

The mind has an incredible power. We see it as we go through our everyday activities, constantly displaying the wonders of logic, thought, memory and creativity. Yet, can the mind be more powerful than we know? Is it possible to reduce or even eliminate pain, illness and disease by using the natural powers it possesses? Can the mind heal? Many researchers and scientists have explored that question, and while the exact answer still eludes us, the facts seem to bear out that the mind does have the power to assist in both healing and conversely, bringing on disease as well (Benson, 1979). A few examples of mind and body healing are hypnotherapy, laughter, and meditation. In this particular study, I will explore public opinion of whether or not the mind, through these methods, has the ability to heal certain ailments. is the reconditioning of certain sensory reactions to unpleasant stimuli so that physiological symptoms such as ulcers and headaches will not be produced (Strong, 1895). Habitual reactions of the patient are altered under hypnosis. After the therapist has changed the patient’s anxiety-producing sensation system, the subject is trained in the use of the new responses in life outside therapy. This type of healing had existed long before modern medicine, but exactly what hypnosis is has yet to be explained. (Hilgard & Hilgard, 1983). There is, however a couple of theories that explain how this phenomenon works. The first states that hypnosis is simply an altered state of consciousness, by which a patient can be placed in the hypnotic state by undergoing induction, which is by concentrating and focusing their attention on a particular object such as a coin or medallion. The other theory says that hypnosis is based largely on suggestibility. This means that some people are more open to the power of suggestion and can change a facet of their life simply because another person tells them to do so.

Although the effects of hypnosis have undergone much criticism, they can be studied by interviewing those who have undergone the process. This would involve interviewing patients who have used hypnotherapy as means of alleviating pain symptoms and then having them rate the effectiveness of the treatment. Another way the effects of hypnosis can be studied is through manipulation of a suggestion during a hypnosis session and then observing whether or not the manipulation appears after the session has ended (Hilgard, 1979).