Mind matters

Hypnosis transports some people beyond serenity and absorption to a state of pure silliness.

Last updated: March 19, 2004 | 00:00

1 MIN READ

Hypnotists in the U.S. are getting referrals from physicians on cases where it may be helpful to patients to manage pain.

For sceptics it's pure silliness but ask believers and they will vouch that hypnosis is one of the best methods to overcome fears and alleviate pain - not just mental but even physical. But what exactly is hypnosis? Does it turn a person into an automaton? And, importantly, can it really help manage chronic pains? Benedict Carey attempts to find out

TV celebrity and hypnotist Paul McKenna