Hypnotizability and the use of traditional dhami-jhankri healing in Nepal

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2000 Jan;48(1):6-21. doi: 10.1080/00207140008410357.

Abstract

This study examined the role of hypnotic responsiveness in the practice of a dhami-jhankri, a traditional Nepali healer. The hypnotic capacity of 248 male patients was measured in an allopathic (Western) clinic, an Ayurvedic (ancient Hindu healing art) clinic, and a dhami-jhankri's practice. Hypnotizability was assessed using the Hypnotic Induction Profile (HIP). The Induction scores of the HIP were significantly higher among the dhami-jhankri's patients than among either the Ayurvedic or allopathic patients. Furthermore, patients who returned to the dhami-jhankri were more highly hypnotizable than first-time dhami-jhankri patients. In addition, treatment satisfaction as reported by dhami-jhankri patients was positively correlated with HIP scores. The authors conclude that hypnotic phenomena as measured in the West might be an important component of the dhami-jhankri's treatment in the East.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Demography
  • Humans
  • Hypnosis*
  • Male
  • Medicine, East Asian Traditional*
  • Mental Healing*
  • Nepal