Hypnosis and the Gag Reflex.

Waking hypnosis is a very effective means to completely eliminate of the gag reflex. There are two basic techniques that are used, both being equally effective. They must be used with complete authority using the power of suggestion. The suggestion must not be objectionable to the patient.

The first procedure involves the use of a pen or pencil which the therapist or dentist must place in the patient's hand. The therapist must state with authority, "I am now going to place this pencil in your hand and I want you to keep a steady but gentle pressure on this pencil and continue to do so. As long as you do so, you will no longer have the desire to gag." These continued suggestions can help if you feel it is necessary for your client, "as you continue to hold this pencil, I want you to visualize, picture, or imagine that as the dentist is putting something into your mouth, and as he does so, you will feel calm and relaxed at all times."

The second procedure is also used with complete authority. The therapist or dentist can simply tell the patient to "look between my eyes and I will count from 5 to 1. By the time I get to one, your need to gag will completely disappear." It is the use of the authority figure, doctor-patient relationship or therapist-patient relationship that is the key to this technique to work.

Art McMurtrey CHT., PO Box 4324, Emerald Isle, NC28594 [e-mail]

Art McMurtrey is a long standing member of the IMDHA and will be presenting Hypnosis in Dentistry at the October 26-31.2000 lMDHA Conference