Control of physiological phenomena via hypnosis with special reference to contraception.

: Hypnotic suggestion has been demonstrated to facilitate changes in the physiology of the human body, particularly with reference to the autonomic nervous system and homeostasis. Examples of suggestion modifying the physical condition include regulation of the menstrual cycle, promotion of lactation in the nursing mother, inhibition of pain, inhibition of blood flow after surgery, hypnotically induced abortion, mammary augmentation and reduction of scar tissue. It is hypothesized that a continuous intercell communication system may inform the individual cell of its need to adapt in order to survive. Hypnotic contraception is postulated to make use of the existing neuronal systems concerned with survival. As a result, a woman may render herself sterile to a fertilized ovum. 5 criteria are desirable for hypnotic contraception: 1) a good hypnotic subject, able to reach medium to deep stage; 2) the absence of conditioned blocks that may counteract the process; 3) genuine desire on the part of the patient not to conceive; 4) sufficient intelligence to guarantee some understanding of the process; and 5) a relatively well adjusted patient. After hypnosis is achieved, the patient is told: "You will now realize that you are in control of the reproductive system of your body; you have decided for the time being it is inadvisable to conceive (for whatever reason given by the patient). You will now find you are able to conceive only when you have made a conscious decision to do so having regard to all circumstances at the time.