The Power of Suggestion---Hypnotism

In Chapter 11 of Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely, the power of suggestion is brought up and discussed in terms of medical placebos (Ariely, 230).  I found this chapter a little concerning because placebos can be unethical in my mind at times. He mentioned the study a doctor did where he conducted placebo surgeries on patients. I think I would be a little ticked off if I found out later that I paid for the doctor to make a small incision in me and not do anything to me but just sew it right back up.  He talked about how in this placebo surgery experiment the doctor discovered that the real procedure did not actually help the patients and they felt the same as the people that underwent the placebo surgery.  When I read the words "power of suggestion" it immediately reminded me of hypnotism. Even though Ariely does not directly hit on the topic of hypnotism in his book I would be curious to see if his thoughts and this topic are somehow related.  

According to one website I found, "The American Psychological Association describes hypnosis as a cooperative interaction in which the participant responds to the suggestions of the hypnotist. Hypnosis has  been clinically proven to provide medical and therapeutic benefits, most notably in the reduction of pain and anxiety. It has even been suggested that hypnosis can reduce the symptoms of dementia". So hypnosis isn't just all fun and games at fairs and in Vegas, it could be beneficial mentally and physically.  After reading about some of the positive effects of hypnotism I started wondering if it wasn't just another placebo. In hypnosis people respond to the suggestion of the hypnotist and with placebos people respond to the feeling (stated on a pill bottle or by a doctor) one should expect from like a pill or operation. For instance, if people know they are going to experience less pain after being hypnotized do they really experience less pain or do they just think they are feeling less pain? Kind of interesting to think about.... I find hypnotism really interesting and I think Dan Ariely should do an experiment about people that are hypnotized.  

The video below is kind of interesting if you don't think it is really real, at least it is entertaining!