Hypnotism is magic, and therefore exists at the boundary of the real and the unreal. Its supposed mechanisms and the fiction it uses for effectiveness is unreal, but its effects upon people are real, and these real effects depend upon the fictional aspects. That’s what makes it magic.

Mainstream medicine considers it unethical to use magic, because magic requires lies to work. But magic is better at treating some situations than honest medicine. The question is, are you willing to be lied to in order to save your life? Mainstream doctors do not believe this risk is worth it.