Integration of Hypnosis with Acupuncture: Possible Benefits and Case Examples

Abstract

Acupuncture treatment uses ultrafine needles which are inserted into specified points on the skin (acupoints). Acupuncture can help alleviate pain and inflammation, possibly through the increased release of pituitary beta-endorphins and ACTH. Hypnosis can also help alleviate pain syndromes, and may have centrally mediated immunomodulatory effects. The use of these 2 treatments simultaneously may potentially assist and augment the effects of each another. Two case reports where both treatments are used together are presented: One showing how hypnosis can help in the treatment of painful acupoints, the other how the response to acupuncture may be augmented by hypnosis in the treatment of headache. Controlled trials of this combined treatment are warranted.

Key Words:

• ACTH
• Acupuncture
• endorphins
• hypnosis
• immune
• pain