Which therapeutic method involves guiding patients to a state of relaxation to alleviate pain?

Hypnosis is a therapeutic method that effectively guides patients to a deep state of relaxation, which can be beneficial for alleviating pain. During hypnosis, individuals are often more receptive to suggestions and can experience changes in perception and sensation, which can help them manage pain more effectively. The relaxation achieved through hypnosis can enable patients to alter their awareness of pain and reduce their discomfort.

This method has been utilized in various clinical settings, particularly for pain management, anxiety reduction, and behavioral changes. The hypnotic state creates a focused attention that can enhance the efficacy of therapeutic suggestions, allowing individuals to cope with pain in ways that may transcend typical psychological limits.

In contrast, biofeedback involves training individuals to control physiological functions such as muscle tension and heart rate, but it does so through awareness and feedback rather than inducing a state of relaxation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors rather than relaxation techniques, and mindfulness emphasizes present moment awareness and acceptance but is not specifically designed to guide individuals into a relaxed state to alleviate pain in the same direct manner as hypnosis.