Self-hypnosis & cancer

Interview

Oct. 4

Self-hypnosis to make life more comfortable for cancer sufferers.

Research has shown that self-hypnosis can help cancer sufferers. This practice, which is becoming increasingly popular in the medical world, can help manage, among other things, the acceptance of the diagnosis, stress, pain, discomfort and post-operative effects associated with this disease.
To find out a little more about this practice, we put 5 questions to Anaïs Santacroce, a hypnotherapist who teaches self-hypnosis in workshops at mhp | centrum.

*Photo ©Steven Wagner*

1. In a few words, what is self-hypnosis?

A.S.: "Self-hypnosis is both a tool and a state. It's a simple yet powerful tool that enables us to voluntarily immerse ourselves in a natural state of altered consciousness, a state we reach several times a day. It's in this hypnotic trance that we can best mobilize our resources and considerably improve our quality of life."

2. What are the different benefits of self-hypnosis when undergoing cancer treatment?

A.S.: "Self-hypnosis can not only help you manage the flood of emotions you experience during treatment, but also support your healing process by creating the right climate: calm, relaxation and reassurance help your immune system function more effectively. The practice of self-hypnosis can also help reduce pain and nausea, and improve healing.

" Any time is a good time to practice self-hypnosis! "

- Anaïs Santacroce

3. Can I practice self-hypnosis before, during or after a chemotherapy session?

A.S.: "Any time is a good time to practice self-hypnosis: to prepare your body to receive chemotherapy in a beneficial way and calm anticipatory nausea, relieve yourself of many aches and pains during treatment, or reduce vomiting and strengthen your immune system after the session."

4. Can self-hypnosis have side effects?

A.S.: "This method is natural and intuitive and has no side effects. What's more, during your self-hypnosis sessions you remain in control of your experience and can decide to stop it at any time."

5. Should I notify my medical team if I practice self-hypnosis?

A.S.: "Not necessarily, but don't hesitate to do so: the practice of hypnosis and self-hypnosis are now recognized and used in medical circles. Sharing your practice of self-hypnosis with your medical profession will enable them to fully support you in your approach and give you the space you need."