Medical implications of hypnosis have been around almost as long as hypnosis has existed. In modern times a man named James Baird, a proponent of hypnosis, reported the use of hypnosis as an anesthetic in the year 1842. Another writer documented over 300 surgeries performed in the mid 1800's using hypnosis for pain control in the days before chemical anesthetics were common. In fact, one could argue that hypnosis is still used for pain control to this day. When a person sits in a dentist's chair and puts on the headphones to listen to soft, relaxing music, a mild form of self hypnosis is usually taking place, making the patient less likely to feel discomfort. This is of course usually combined with anesthetics, and the two seem to work well hand in hand.

Many times hypnosis is used today in smoking cessation and weight loss classes. Both of these of course are activities that have profound medical implications. Loosing excess weight and ceasing to smoke are both chosen activities that will improve medical conditions and allow a person to extend their life. Many doctors encourage patients who are having trouble with conventional diets and weight loss programs to try using hypnosis as an alternative method, and many find that hypnosis helps them tremendously.

Of course in the area of mental health medical applications for hypnosis have also been around for many years. In fact, the disciplines of psychology and psychiatry both began in the late 1800's and are best exemplified in the popular mind by Sigmund Freud. Freud, one of the fathers of modern psychiatry and psychology used hypnosis in his own practice for several years, believing it a way to directly reach the subconscious mind and manipulate it for the well being of his patients.

Today many of the practitioners of hypnosis are physicians, either involved with physiological health or with mental health. It is quite common to find a psychologist or a psychiatrist who utilized hypnosis in therapy, and it is not at all uncommon to find a doctor of medicine, or a nurse or nurse practitioner who utilizes hypnosis for some of the positive benefits that it can bring patients.