Question
Dear Gramps,
It’s not hard for me to understand that hypnotism used as entertainment could become a tool in the hands of Satan. My question is, what is the position of the Mormon Church on using self-hypnotism in dealing with pain control?
L
Answer
Dear L,
The use of hypnosis for medically-related purposes, whether operator-induced, or self-induced, is left entirely to the discretion of the individual. We quote the following from Gary L. Bunker and Davis Bitton, BYU Studies, Vol. 15, No. 2, p.169:
In a letter addressed to Dr. Leslie Cooper on 7 October 1974, Church Commissioner of Health, Dr. James O. Mason, noted that the First Presidency had cleared the following statement on hypnosis: “The Church regards the use of hypnosis under competent, professional supervision for the treatment of disease as wholly a medical question. The Church advises members against participation in hypnosis demonstrations.”
Also from the Church Handbook of Instruction:
The use of hypnosis under competent, professional medical supervision for the treatment of diseases or mental disorders is a medical question to be determined by competent medical authorities. Members should not participate in hypnosis for purposes of demonstration or entertainment.
Gramps
