Understanding the Slash: The Hypnosedative Technique

Understanding the Slash Technique

The Slash Hypnosedative Technique – © Alain Collinet 1995.

The Slash Technique

The Slash Technique is based on the simultaneous adjustment of the tempo and energy of a musical composition, represented through parameters such as note density, volume, and dynamic intensity.

This process — the progressive reduction of tempo and musical activation — stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, encouraging a relaxation response in the body.

Physiological Foundations

In practice, a slowing of musical rhythms leads to reductions in both respiratory and heart rate, a phenomenon widely documented in scientific literature.

For example, Bernardi, Porta & Sleight (2006) demonstrated that slower musical tempos synchronize physiological rhythms, fostering deep relaxation.

This mechanism also influences cortisol and ACTH levels — two major stress-related hormones — by helping reduce their concentration in the body (Koelsch et al., 2009).

Emotional and Neurochemical Effects

Music additionally exerts powerful emotional effects.

By acting on neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, music can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
This dynamic is supported by Chanda and Levitin (2013), who showed that music modulates dopaminergic and autonomic activity, producing measurable effects on stress and well-being.

This interaction between physiological and psychological responses aligns with research on how rhythmic structures influence autonomic regulation.

For instance, Trappe (2010) observed that slower tempos promote a calmer state, partly due to their impact on blood pressure and cardiac rhythms.

These findings also resonate with Blood & Zatorre (2001), who explored how emotionally evocative music engages the brain’s reward and relaxation circuits.

Overall Integration

The Slash Technique supports both physical and emotional slowing, acting simultaneously on bodily rhythms and emotional tone.

This illustrates the profound interaction between musical tempo, parasympathetic activation, and the release or modulation of neurotransmitters involved in stress regulation.

A therapeutic innovation built on years of research and clinical practice.

The “Slash” Technique

The Slash Technique is not merely a method of musical relaxation — it represents a unique therapeutic approach, combining music, hypnosis, and clinical music therapy.

Developed in 1995, and later scientifically evaluated in 2021 through a comparative study published in PLOS ONE, the Slash Technique acts in a precise and targeted way to modulate both physiological and psychological rhythms.

A Therapeutic Innovation Combining Hypnosis and Music

This method draws inspiration from medical hypnosis, particularly from the work of Professor Marie-Elisabeth Faymonville.

What distinguishes the Slash Technique is its integration of hypnotic metaphors and intentions directly into the musical composition, producing therapeutic effects that extend beyond simple relaxation.
By synchronising the music with the body’s natural rhythms, it induces deep sedative states while maintaining the clarity of therapeutic intention.

Three-Phase Modular Structure

The Slash Technique follows a modular structure that can be adapted to the needs of different clients.
It generally consists of three phases:

Initial Phase
Gradual reduction of tempo and musical energy to promote deep sedation or facilitate sleep.
Middle Plateau Phase
Stabilisation around a low tempo, supporting prolonged relaxation.
Recovery Phase
Gentle increase of tempo and musical activation, encouraging a smooth return to wakefulness.

Each phase is calibrated to produce specific physiological and psychological effects, aligned with therapeutic goals.

Scientific and Clinical Validation

The Slash Technique has been clinically validated at the University Hospital of Liège (CHU Liège), where it has been integrated into care pathways in several departments for issues related to pain management, stress regulation, and sleep.

Its scientific validation demonstrates its efficacy and safety, positioning it as a reliable and innovative tool that complements clinical practice.

Why Choose the Slash Technique?

Proven effectiveness supported by scientific studies and clinical observations
Unique approach combining musical metaphors with medical hypnosis structures
Flexible and adaptable to individual therapeutic needs
Complementary to clinical protocols, offering an alternative to traditional relaxation methods

Scientific Validation: Research study published in PLOS ONE

Scientific Validation: Research Study Published in PLOS ONE

Slash compositions have also been the subject of scientific analysis.

In collaboration with the University of Liège, the Interdisciplinary Pain Centre, and the GIGA Conscious Care Lab, a study published in PLOS ONE explored the impact of these compositions on clinical music therapy through comparative analysis.

You may read the full study or its summary on music therapy.

🎵 Music therapy is a clinically recognized allied health discipline in many healthcare systems.

“The musical works presented on this site are intended as supportive tools and do not replace medical or psychological treatment.”