Hosted by the Indian Society of Clinical Hypnosis and the Indian Society of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, in association with M S University’s (MSU) departments of Psychology and Philosophy, the 10-day workshop will demonstrate the clinical usage of hypnotherapy in different medical practices.

The therapy is being successfully used by various practitioners in stress management, weight loss and anaesthetic usage during major operations. With psychologists, dentists, surgeons and plastic surgeons incorporating the use of drugless anaesthetic therapy while operating, the therapy still seeks medical recognition, experts said.

"Though it is gaining recognition in the United States and Europe, it is still considered 'black magic' in India and needs acceptance by doctors," said Dr. Bhaskar Vyas, a plastic surgeon and the director of the conference.

The therapy, when given as a pre-operative and post-operative measure, has helped not just in reducing pain, but also coping with the trauma.

"We have conducted a four-hour long operation under controlled situation using hypnosis. Pre- operative hypnosis therapy helps build confidence in the patients to face the operation and numb pain during the process. We also found that it helps minimise bleeding during the operation," said Dr. Radha Mohan, president of Indian Society of Hypnosis.