Hypnosis

There are various definitions for hypnosis as stated in different sources. One of the most widely accepted definitions comes from the British Society of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. It states that it is a sense of deep relaxation experienced by a person during therapy, with the attention focused on the appropriate suggestions given by the therapist.

Gone are the days when hypnosis was considered a way of controlling others' minds. Now it's considered a method of empowering the self and giving people absolute control of the self. How does it work? Let's take a look.

How does hypnosis work?

- During hypnosis, the state of consciousness is altered to the extent that the right side of the brain becomes more active and alert, and the left side is temporarily shut down.
- It is a well-guided attempt to awaken the subconscious self of an individual.
- As the subconscious mind of a person is more instinctive than the conscious mind, the suggestions given by an expert hypnotist guide one positively in order to materialize the task at hand. Hypnosis may help one alter his or her behavior to the extent of quitting certain bad habits altogether.

What problems can be tackled by hypnosis?

There are hoards of problems in which hypnosis can prove very effective in bringing about a positive change. There are physical, mental, and psychological ailments that can benefit from hypnosis. It is a mode of therapy wonderfully suited to the following conditions:

1. Relief from pain after surgery or dental procedure

2. A trouble-free birth and shortening of the second stage of labor

3. Smoking, alcoholism, bulimia, and substance abuse

4. Nocturnal enuresis or bed-wetting in children

5. Obsessive compulsive disorders or panic attacks

6. Irritable bowel syndrome, psoriasis, eczema, and other conditions aggravated by stress

7. Different types of phobias

8. Interpersonal relationship problems, anger management, inferiority complexes, shyness, etc.

With more and more hypnotists trying to help humanity, more and more troubles will be guided by their subliminal suggestions. Let the world be a better place to live!

The use of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes dates back as early as the 15th century when shamans used to alter the state of consciousness of people who wanted relief from their ailments. However, Franz Anton Mesmer from Austria (1734-1815) is known as the father of hypnosis and his name was later used to coin the term "mesmerism." He used a magnet or his hand to rouse the magnetic force in the body. He believed this was responsible for curing the body from disease and a process for unblocking the magnetic fluid leading to animal magnetism.



There were many after Mesmer that demonstrated that animal magnetism could relieve certain diseases. However, it was James Braid who coined the term "hypnosis" or "hypnotism." According to him, hypnosis was a great procedure for the treatment of diseases where no organic damage was reported. Though the exact mechanism of hypnosis wasn't known, he believed that some neurophysiological process was involved. There were many hypnotists who put forth different theories. These include:

1.
Jean Martin Charcot: This famous neurologist of the 19th century used hypnosis for treatment of hysteria.

2.
Hippolyte Bernheim: This professor of medicine stressed the psychological nature of the process of hypnosis in the 19th century.

3.
Clark L. Hull who considered a person's imaginative power as the tool for hypnosis and also propounded that hypnosis is truly a part of human nature.

4.
Dr. Ambroise-Auguste Liebeault is widely known as the father of modern hypnosis. He was the first to call hypnosis a subjective feeling. He witnessed thousands of cures of varied diseases through hypnosis.

5.
Josef Breuer is credited for changing the face of modern hypnotherapy. He correlated hypnosis with psychoanalysis and attracted the attention of senior psychologists like Sigmund Freud.

Perceptions of hypnotherapy have been changing since its inception. But these variations have added to the richness of hypnotherapy through different theories and observations.

When we hear the word "hypnosis" we might visualize someone in a zombie-like state that acts according to the commands of a magician on stage. But actually, the hypnotized person always remains in control. Hypnosis is a process of increasing this self-awareness through the awakening of the subconscious mind.

It's said that with the help of hypnosis, the hypnotist ensures a state of deep relaxation in the person. To know how hypnotherapy works for the client, one should first understand the four states of consciousness. They are:


Alpha: This is the creative state of mind. Hypnotists use this state to alleviate the destructive tendencies of human nature. Behavioral abnormalities like juvenile delinquency and maniac states can be treated by rousing this state of mind.


Beta: The normal, wakeful state of mind in which one is fully aware of his or her existence in the present state.



Theta: A deeper state of consciousness than alpha. It's the state in which the body is able to control the automatic reflex functions of the body. Rousing this state through hypnosis has benefits in relieving nasty pains and stress. This is also a stage called hypo-anesthesia in which the hypnotist can take the patient and perform minor surgery.


Delta: This is the higher spiritual plane where the person tends to be completely devoid of thought.

When working on their clients, hypnotists like to bring them to the alpha level first. This is the level in which the mind is alert and able to perceive the suggestions made by the hypnotist. Through hypnosis at the alpha level, the therapist makes the patient visualize the brighter side of life and improves one's belief in positive attitudes. For example, if a person suffers from a phobia of crowded places, the hypnotist gives guided commands in which the patient visualizes that he or she is in a crowded place, tackling work bravely, and reaching home safely without any trouble.

Many hypnotists like to teach their clients a technique of self-therapy or self-hypnosis through which they can teach themselves positive mind control techniques and work efficiently towards controlling pain.

Hypnosis is a method of therapy in which the client's state of consciousness can be modified to achieve wonderful results.

Many people have described hypnotherapy in various ways. However, one of the most valid definitions of hypnotherapy states,

"It is a form of psychotherapy in which the patient is placed in a relaxed state of mind where his consciousness is completely alert and capable of receiving specific suggestions in order to lead a desirable and permanent change in the behavioral patterns of the individual."

What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

- Hypnosis is a natural state of alert consciousness that gives a wonderful feeling that you are in a state of bliss. This can even be experienced in day to day life when you lie in your bed, tired, and feel completely relaxed by the feel of the soft bed.

- Hypnotherapy, however, is a mode of therapy. It is a therapeutic approach for attaining hypnosis to increase your quality of life and certain positive changes. It's often a two-way process involving a hypnotherapy specialist and a patient.

- It should also be stated that hypnotherapy can be done only if the patient desires it and not just by means of any "magic." It is a mode of treatment for many patients suffering from different maladies; whether physical, mental, or psychological.

What is achieved through hypnotherapy?

Usually it's the patients or the clients that approach a hypnotherapy specialist for help with some of their problems. Some people, however, approach certain hypnotherapy institutions in order to learn hypnotherapy, either for their own purposes or to gain training as specialists. There are many opportunities for a hypnotherapy expert in today's world, where hypnotherapy is viewed as an imperative mode of treatment for various illnesses. Let's see what one can achieve through hypnotherapy:

-----> The major aim of any hypnotherapy specialist is to impart a feeling of positive change and positive feelings in anyone who wants certain changes in his or her behavioral patterns and innate tendencies. Many psychological ailments can be aided by hypnotherapy.

-----> Creating a rapport between the hypnotherapist and the client is the most crucial step before starting with any treatment. This helps the hypnotherapist to place the client at ease so that positive changes can be achieved easily.

-----> There are many psychological changes that can be achieved through hypnotherapy. People with different phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders, maniacal states, and panic attacks respond well to the positive commands given by the therapist.

-----> When hypnotherapy is aptly combined with counseling sessions and a conventional therapeutic line of treatment, results are rewarding in the arena of smoking, drinking, substance abuse, child delinquency, child abuse, etc.

-----> Certain ailments including pains, allergies, skin disorders, migraines, and irritable bowel syndrome show marked improvement with adequate hypnotherapy sessions.

You can trust a good hypnotherapy specialist to achieve desirable changes in your body, mind, and psyche: a harmony which maintains health.

Self-hypnosis is a technique in which people induce hypnosis on themselves. It's also considered a type of treatment for a feeling of relaxation and well-being on all levels. Before going any further, you must know that self-hypnosis is a skill and must be learned properly to elicit good results.

What are the positive influences of self-hypnosis?

-----> When done properly, self-hypnosis is a powerful instrument for causing positive change and self-improvement that can help you manage certain ailments.

-----> Self-hypnosis is capable of creating healthier lifestyles in people. You can experience good sleep, be able to stop smoking and drinking, and reduce the excruciating pains of surgeries.

-----> Self-hypnosis is a valuable tool in weight loss for thousands of people around the world. Through guided self-instruction, you can also improve the consistency of your exercise regimen, diet discipline, and self-control.

-----> For various phobias, self-hypnosis is a very good therapy that gives suggestions for driving away fear.

How can you achieve self-hypnosis?

- Before starting self-hypnosis, you need to decide whether you want to achieve hypnosis with affirmations or without affirmations. If affirmations are to be used, it's important to prepare the affirmations before starting hypnosis.

- You can also use an audio tape or MP3 or any media hypnosis as an instrument to absorb suggestions with a relaxed attitude. Downloading these hypnosis tapes is very easy and internet sites sometimes offer them free of charge.

- Through a continuous practice of self-hypnosis, you can establish a firm connection with your entire self verbally as well as non-verbally. Comprehension of all your emotion and intelligence is processed to achieve a balance in every sphere of life.

What are the prime requirements for inducing self-hypnosis?

The major requirements for inducing self-hypnosis include:

1. A calm state of mind
2. A posture that makes you comfortable
3. Slowing down your own thought process systematically
4. Creating a kind of awareness that connects your outer being and inner subconscious self


Where can you find the best self-hypnosis downloads?

Though various sources are available for self-hypnosis downloads online, you should only opt for quality download sites. Depending on your problem, you should choose the CD or MP3 so that the suggestions suit your desires and help effective changes to be achieved easily. Many sites give trial offers for free hypnosis downloads. After trying them in your free time, you can think about buying a full CD.
Ideally, self-hypnosis should not just be a mode of treatment for problems. It should be a mode of therapy by which you view your problems as challenges and infuse yourself with greater energy to face them. With this powerful tool, it is definitely possible for you to create a different individual out of yourself, brimming with self-confidence and energy.

Are you jealous of your friends who are looking fitter than you? Well, before getting jealous, contemplate the reasons behind their toned bodies. It's possible that hypnosis is the source of their success. Yes, hypnosis is one of the most widely-used tools nowadays for achieving weight loss.

How hypnosis helps you to lose weight?

- Changing your behavioral patterns: Hypnosis helps you to gain control over your eating patterns. Through guided suggestions, you can tolerate diet regimens better with a positive attitude and the chances of failure or inconsistency are reduced.

- Hypnosis helps in reducing your addiction to the foods that may trigger weight gain. The suggestions that prevent you from eating chocolate can contribute to your consuming less calories. Your subconscious mind can be trained in order to believe in positive suggestions and obey them to improve your life.

- Exercise regimen: Most people fail in weight loss programs because they fail to exercise enough. Through hypnosis, you can achieve high energy levels and perform your exercises more smoothly and consistently.

- Hypnosis is a very useful tool for eradicating bad habits. It can help you curb overeating effectively with subliminal suggestions to keep control over your extravagant desires.

A well-directed hypnosis program can help you modify your attitude towards food and exercise. This helps you get an exact idea of what your body needs and why the excess is harmful. The challenge is when you shed some weight only to regain it later. This is the time to induce targeted hypnotherapy sessions to keep your weight down consistently.

What are the programs that help you reduce weight through hypnosis?

Many programs have been designed by hypnosis experts in order to give you a svelte figure. They are as follows:

1. Create an aversion to television eating and junk food.
2. Put a stop to emotional eating.
3. Stop boredom eating.
4. Control your sweet tooth.
5. Stop comfort eating.
6. Enjoy healthy cooking.
7. Stop munching snacks at odd times.

Many self-hypnosis CDs are available online that will cater to your weight loss needs. Attempting to change your psyche is one of the most promising ways to put an end to jealousy and do something creative in your life. You will definitely cherish the feeling of sustained weight loss through hypnosis.

Those who have suffered the horror of child abuse have survived hell. Whether there was domestic violence in the form of physical abuse or sexual harassment by the family member, these memories are something that you never want. Many times a kind of self-hate sets in that is hard to dissolve. Victims also suffer from low self-esteem, behavioral problems, and social withdrawal. These victims require absolute care on all levels: physical, mental, and emotional. Let's see how hypnosis can help tackle this serious issue.

Hypnosis unravels the bad memories you had as a child. Many times, the victims suffer from suppressed memories that haunt them throughout their lives in the form of delusions or nightmares.

What is the role of hypnosis?

- Hypnosis enables your subconscious mind to deal directly with suppressed memories.

- Harmful memories may make you live in the past tense and make you feel irritable and snappish. Hypnosis helps you comprehend your state by revealing the memories and helping you face them directly.

- In this way, hypnosis helps you to live in a present state of mind and makes you understand your behavioral problems in a subtle manner.

- Hypnosis helps you achieve wonderful results in the realm of relationships, including your sexual relationship with your partner.

- By accepting the past and imparting courage to move ahead in life, hypnosis sessions help victims have a positive mindset.

- With hypnosis, you can get your life back on track and achieve better results in your professional domain too.

- Some therapists believe that the earlier the intervention of hypnosis occurs, the better the results.

- It's usually long term therapy, as the impact of trauma is extensive.

- Also, one should remember that as the hypnotherapist explores the hidden memories deep within the subconscious, there may be a sudden flooding of memories, which may make the case more complicated initially because of the patient experiencing certain things all over again. But once the patient comprehends the cruelties, the positive attitude therapy through hypnosis is assuring and leads to successful outcomes.

Child abuse treated with hypnosis has many advantages over conventional medicinal therapy. This therapy empowers victims to face the past with courage and enter the future with dignity.

Despite the fact that hypnosis is currently a leading branch of therapy for different illnesses, it still remains controversial among many people who believe it to be a placebo therapy. To contradict this theory, one must explore the scientific basis of hypnosis that makes it a legitimate science. Let's take a look at what the science behind hypnosis is.

In the broadest terms, we can say that hypnosis is governed by the same natural laws that fill the universe.

Here are the scientific explanations behind hypnosis:

-----> "We reap what we sow," is an age-old saying. It's true as far as the laws of nature are concerned. If people think they are healthy, they will remain healthy. If they eat healthy, their system will work efficiently. Hypnotherapy works in a similar way.

-----> Hypnosis by means of guided suggestions can make you believe in yourself and increase your self-confidence tremendously. By arousing the dulled subconscious mind, your sense of well-being is improved so that you can work more energetically to accomplish your goals.

-----> When a supply of necessary energy is given to the body through hypnosis, it works with mathematical precision.

-----> Science recognizes the functioning of the subconscious mind that gives your brain the capability to perform. The thoughts in the subconscious mind are converted into actions by inculcating positive attitudes through hypnosis. This helps you work positively towards your goals.

-----> Hypnosis, by way of repetition and conscious effort to positively direct the mind, teaches the subconscious mind certain ways of life that become habits later on. After a good hypnosis session, the subconscious mind takes over the conscious mind and automatically drives the body to work positively.

-----> This is how smoking, alcoholism, and substance abuse are helped by hypnosis.

-----> Hypnosis is being thoroughly investigated by cognitive neuroscientists and psychologists to reveal that it is a well-grounded psychological phenomenon.

When we experience for ourselves the benefits of hypnosis, any doubts about it being a science vanishes. Hypnosis is the science of imparting positive feelings in an individual, who can utilize the hidden powers of the subconscious mind and have a better quality of life.

Until now, we have seen what the advantages of hypnosis at different levels are. However, for an in-depth study of hypnosis, one should also be aware of the darker side as well. There are some who believe that hypnosis does more harm than good. What is this harm? Let's acquaint ourselves with the dangers of hypnosis.

Risks of hypnosis

- Lack of adequate knowledge: When we call hypnosis a science, we also consider that it's a skill that has to be cultivated over a period of time with experience and training. Hypnosis is said to be dangerous in the hands of a novice who is not aware of its scope and limitations. If you approach a hypnotherapist to help you stop smoking, an inexperienced hypnosis specialist may stop your earlier medications and start you directly on hypnosis. But this can cause some people to suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms. This is true for many other diseases as well.

- When hypnosis is done to fulfill bad desires: Bad intentions on the part of a male hypnotherapist can be disastrous for his female clients, though it is also said that you cannot be hypnotized without your own consent.

- Dependency: With repeated sessions of hypnosis, one may get used to needing hypnosis in order to feel better. This dependency is no doubt dangerous in the long run.

- Panic attacks: As hypnotherapy involves vivid mental images and emotional displays that seem true, an awakened client may go into panic attacks if not properly checked.

- Induction of psychosis: An inexperienced hypnotherapist may induce latent psychosis in a patient.

- Negative more than positive: Interactions between the hypnotherapist and client may lead to the frequent communication of negative influences that can evoke more negative influence than positive influence, even after the session is finished.

- Creating another symptom: At times, while negating a single symptom, another symptom may be unknowingly created, especially in cases of inexperienced hypnotherapists.

- Inadequate rousing: When a client is not roused or properly alert during hypnosis sessions, he or she may encounter problems comprehending the well-intentioned suggestions.

- Covert hypnosis: Some hypnosis specialists who have learned the art of passive or covert hypnosis are believed to induce hypnosis in people even without their will. This involves rough mannerisms and facial expressions that attract the clients in a strange manner and make them act according to the hypnotists' will. This is obviously dangerous, although there is not much evidence to prove the existence of such incidents.

After looking into the dangers of hypnosis, one can definitely say that lack of adequate knowledge on the part of a specialist is a major cause of concern. It's very rightly said that hypnotherapists should be able to treat their patients even without hypnosis. Only then can they be qualified to use hypnosis as an additional treatment.