Medical Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths: What We Think We Know May Be Hurting Us Season 1 Episode 19 All about Hypnosis

Medical Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths: What We Think We Know May Be Hurting Us is a groundbreaking television series that explores medical myths, lies, and half-truths which have influenced our healthcare practices. Season 1 episode 19 is titled "All about Hypnosis", which delves into the world of hypnotherapy- a medical practice that is shrouded in mystery.

Hypnosis is often associated with entertainment and comical skits; however, it is an actual medical practice that can be used for relaxation, overcoming addiction, and even pain reduction. Despite its potential benefits, hypnosis remains a controversial topic, and this episode attempts to explore the myths and facts surrounding hypnotherapy.

The episode begins with an overview of the history of hypnosis, explaining its association with witchcraft in ancient times and its evolution into a medical therapy. It further highlights the famous Swiss physician, Franz Anton Mesmer, who is known for his work on mesmerism, which was a popular form of hypnotic therapy in the 18th century.

Then, the episode moves on to the discussion of hypnotherapy's functioning, explaining its working principles, the changes in brain activity during the process, and the psychological effects of hypnosis. Viewers learn that hypnosis works by inducing a state of concentrated relaxation called the hypnotic trance, where the brain is more open to suggestions.

Further, the episode breaks down the misconceptions about hypnosis, the most common being that it can make a person lose their mind. The show emphasizes that under hypnosis, a person cannot be led to do anything outside of their moral code. Another myth explored is that hypnosis can erase memories or cause amnesia. But in fact, it cannot make a person forget their past or make them do something they do not want to.

The crux of the episode lies in the exploration of hypnotherapy's possible medical benefits. The host interviews Dr. Monica Hwang, a licensed hypnotherapist, who explains how hypnosis helps overcome a myriad of medical conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and even cancer treatment side effects. Dr. Hwang goes in-depth about how hypnosis can improve quality of sleep, helps reduce anxiety disorders, and can be a viable, non-invasive treatment to relieve physical pain.

The show also highlights the important role hypnosis plays in addiction management, including overcoming smoking, substance addiction, and diet management. The host interviews a former smoker, who kicks the habit after multiple attempts, crediting hypnosis as the ultimate solution.

The episode concludes by emphasizing the need for more scientific research on hypnotherapy and its possible medical applications. It calls for medical professionals to be trained in hypnosis and conduct larger scale studies on its potential applications.

In summary, Medical Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths: What We Think We Know May Be Hurting Us season 1 episode 19, titled "All about Hypnosis", is an informative and intriguing episode that tackles the myths and facts surrounding hypnosis. It busts numerous myths about hypnosis and explores its potential medical applications in anxiety management, addiction management, and chronic pain relief. For someone interested in learning more about hypnosis, this episode is a must-watch.