Experimental production of past-life memories in hypnosis

Hypno-death-experiences: Death experiences during hypnotic life regressions

In this study we analyzed retrospectively a database of 44 alleged death experiences between incarnations, as reported by 36 participants during hypnotic life regression sessions with the same hypnotist. The descriptions of these experiences were evaluated using the Italian version of the Near-Death Experience Scale. A large part of the reported experiences were categorized as "Affective", with a majority reported as: "Feeling a sense of joy" and "Seeing and being enveloped by a bright light", as well as in the "Transcendental" category, with all experiences showing a similar frequency. Regarding the "Paranormal" category, the most often reported experience is that of: "The feeling of being separated from one's physical body".With respect to the total score, 18% fell within the range commonly used to identify true near-death-experiences. The death experiences undergone during the hypnotic life regressions contain very similar characteristics to those reported in classic near-death-experiences. Whether these experiences were actually lived or were, instead, accounts of events previously learned through conventional means, remains an open question.

Creating past-life identity in hypnotic regression

To examine the role of hypnotic suggestion in identity in past-life regression, 2 experiments were conducted at the request of Korea's major national television companies. A real historical person and a fictional character were selected as past-life identities. After hypnotic induction, a past-life regression suggestion was given. While counting backward to past-life, the suggestion of a specific identity was interspersed 3 times. In 5 of 6 subjects, the same past-life identity that had been suggested was produced, with relatively rich content accompanied by emotional and historical facts identical to the suggested identity. This study found that it was quite simple and easy to manipulate past-life identity. The role of suggestion in the formation of past-life memories during hypnosis is crucial.

The effectiveness of hypnosis in reducing pain and suffering among women with metastatic breast cancer and among women with temporomandibular disorder

The authors describe two studies of special interest to clinicians and clinical researchers. Both are randomized controlled studies, exclusively focused on female patients. The first study tests whether a year-long weekly group intervention including hypnosis can reduce cancer pain among women with metastatic breast cancer. Findings suggest the intervention slowed the increase in reported pain over a 12-month period relative to controls. The second study examines the effect of hypnosis in women suffering from temporomandibular disorder (TMD), with a special focus on function as well as pain. Hypnosis reduced TMD pain as measured by a numerical-rating scale.