Medical hypnosis is rapidly advancing as a credible, non-pharmacological alternative for patient care. A Montpellier-based French company, Cayceo, leads the way with its innovative virtual reality system.
Cayceo specializes in medical hypnosis—a therapeutic technique leveraging a unique hypnotic state of consciousness. Their online platform highlights the first complete, turnkey VR solution for medical hypnosis, focused on managing anxiety and pain throughout the patient journey.
Called Ipneo, this system features five VR headsets designed for efficient hypnosis sessions and secure storage to minimize contamination risks. A built-in touch screen launches tailored experiences instantly, enabling setup in seconds and saving valuable time for healthcare providers.
Cayceo collaborates with leading hypnosis psychologists, including Antoine Bioy, a clinical psychologist, PhD, and university professor. He states: “Virtual reality provides the most tangible simulation of the hypnotic process. Its adoption in therapy is a natural, inevitable, and beneficial evolution.”
Experiences range from serene beach immersions to calm pre-operative anxiety to cave simulations targeting sensory perceptions and pain. Ipneo promotes non-drug therapies, enhancing patient care pathways.
As early as 2019, French startup HypnoVR pioneered VR hypnosis software to supplement traditional anesthesia, emphasizing gentler approaches. With 12 million general anesthesias performed annually in France—where a third lead to side effects—medical hypnosis offers a compelling option, though not a full replacement.
Watch the Ipneo project presentation video here.
