will
finally evolve. In the final analysis, I believe the only danger that
exists is in the mind of the individual who fears hypnosis because of
whatever subjective qualms he has about his own emotional involvement in
the hypnotic process.

Of course, all persons using hypnosis for the alleviation of pain should
consult their family physician. Pain is nature's way of indicating that
something is wrong with the organism. It would be foolish to suggest
that a pain in the stomach will disappear when this may be a sign of a
needed appendix operation. The same may be said of constant migraine
headaches. It must be determined that the headache is not a symptom of a
brain tumor or some other pathological condition. It may be of interest
to know that hypnosis is presently being used to relieve pain in
terminal cancer patients. There is an excellent article on this subject,
and I recommend it to doctors reading this book. It is called "The Use
of Hypnosis in the Case of the Cancer Patient" which appeared in the
January 1954 issue of _Cancer_.[1]

[1] At the same time, I would highly recommend the booklet,
_Helping the Dying Patient and His Family_, published by the
National Association of Social Workers, 2 Park Avenue, New York
16, New York. Price: 75 cents.

There are at present several thousand dentists throughout the country
using hypnosis. They have formed their own society and publish a
quarterly journal, _The Journal of the American Society of Psychosomatic
Dentistry_. One of the best books in this field is called _Dental
Hypnosis Handbook_ by Jacob Stolzenberg, D.D.S.

An excellent article is "Danger! Hypnotherapist at Work" by M.
Abramson.[2] The author reviews briefly the pros and cons regarding the
medical use of hypnosis. He concludes: "It is the author's opinion,
based on an extensive personal experience of over 15 years, that the use
of hypnotherapy by a physician or dentist who has been properly trained
and who uses this technique strictly within his field of competence
carries with it no more (and probably less) 'danger' than the use of
many other techniques of treatment used in medicine today."

[2] Bull. Hennepin Co. Med. Soc., 1960, 31:101-106

Chapter 3

Is Hypnosis the Answer?

Dr. George Estabrooks, professor of psychology at Colgate University and
author of the book, _Hypnotism_, made the following two statements in a
paper called "The Future of Hypnosis" given as part of a pro