What Is "Hypnosis"?

Myth #1: Is Hypnosis 'Mystical'?

No, a hypnotist doesn't have supernatural powers. He's not casting an ancient spell. He's not an apostle of Satan. Neither is he a saint.

Your friendly neighborhood hypnotist - be he a licensed doctor or a new-age practitioner - does not possess that special kind of "animal magnetism" either. That theory has long been dismissed, as early as in the 17th century. Today, it is proven that to be able to initiate a hypnotism session, the hypnotist may merely provide a very specific visual element to focus on, some soothing music perhaps, and a very convincing, authoritative spiel repeated in a monotone. You need only to be relaxed, aware, and willing to be hypnotized. Of course, the effects of hypnosis can rely on the hypnotist's ability and experience; as well as the motivation and mental conditioning of the subject.

Myth #2: People claiming they are under hypnosis - are they asleep?

The opposite is true - when you are under hypnosis, rather than sleeping, you are actually fully alert. In fact, more alert than normal. Being under hypnotism requires your mind to focus intensely, whether it's the swinging motion of the pendulum clock, the monotone pattern of the hypnotist's voice, and the sound of your own breathing as you relax. For your subconscious to take over, you need to concentrate intently. Under a state of trance, you will still be fully aware of the things you will be saying and doing, as suggested upon by the hypnotist - including activities not related to sleeping, such as walking, running around, reading, laughing, and even acting like a chicken.

Myth # 3 : Can You Be Hypnotized To Do Something Against Your Beliefs?

A proven limitation of hypnotism is even while under it, a person's common sense, principles, beliefs and life convictions remain unchanged throughout and after the experience. No one can also be hypnotized against his will, because the mind has to be willingly and consciously open to be affected by the hypnotist's suggestions.
For example, hypnotism cannot make a Muslim eat pork or a Superman fan fly out of a window. Since the mind is still fully alert - only this time the subconscious is more open - the person's sense of safety is still on guard. His sensibilities will continue to govern his decision-making process.

As stated, no amount of hypnotism can force anybody to act against his instincts or his moral principles. Yes, you may not help but chuckle like a chicken when, for example, you were chosen as a participant in a hypnotism show. But you may opt not to pull that trigger given that one evil hypnotist tells you to do so. When someone mentions a suggestion as serious as this, something in your mind clicks off automatically and lets you decide rationally. Like when you're tipsy, you may sing "My Way" without inhibitions and with all the vocal calisthenics you could muster; but you are still aware and you can cut off the song (and probably release your audience from further discomfort) any moment you want to.

Myth # 4: Can Hypnosis Cure All Problems?

On the other side of the spectrum, while some people perceive hypnosis as evil and manipulative, some have prescribed it as a cure-all for all kinds of conditions - from weight loss to finding the "key" to financial success. Hypnotists claim they can help a person quit smoking through a number of techniques. One is by suggesting that cigarette smoke will cause him to feel nauseous - so that every time somebody lights up a stick, the patient will start to feel dizzy and may even feel like throwing up.

Insomniacs or people having trouble with sleeping have been said to get their first night's sound sleep after being treated through hypnosis. Testimonials all over the internet have also asserted that hypnotism have improved their capacity to learn, the sharpness of their memory, their performance in sports, or their intelligence. Behavior can also be modified. Even speech defects, physical limitations, and your personality can experience dramatic changes. Your whole life can even make a turnaround with the help of hypnosis. You can be so effective a businessperson that you can experience financial growth.

Sounds outstanding - but is hypnotism really that effective?

Yes and No.

Yes, hypnotism really has been used as part of the treatment and therapy of various physical and psychological conditions. Through its ability to tap into the subconscious and to intensify focus and concentration, hypnosis can help you be more attuned with your intellectual and emotional capacity; thus helping you modify your habits and behaviors, or wield more control over the way you think and analyze.

But no, it is not the cure-all for your problems. It is not proven to be effective every time.

Hypnosis may help you and may change your life forever. It may also work for you for an allotted period only. Or it may not - and you may walk out of another hypnotism session unchanged and still be the same old self.

Your results will depend on a lot of other factors aside from hypnosis, such as YOUR determination, motivation, and desire for change.

There are some signs that the hypnotist will usually watch out for to determine if the subject is already ready and open to his suggestions. At least one of these outward signs, when exhibited by the subject, is almost foolproof in implying that the hypnosis session proper can begin.

Red Eye. As in when extremely drunk or high in chemical substances, hypnosis brings out body responses similarly seen in people who are induced in a certain state of consciousness. Reddening of the eyes is experienced due to the greater flow of blood through the veins triggered by the relaxation of eye muscles.

R.E.M. People in trance will also exhibit rapid eye movement (R.E.M), a phenomenon exhibited by people in deep sleep who may also be dreaming. Fluttering of eyelids, or the movement from side to side of eyeballs (if eyes are totally closed), can be seen once the subject enters deeper into the control of the subconscious.

Eyes Tear Up. Increased moisture in the eye area, which may look as if the subject is crying, is brought by extreme relaxation of the muscles holding the tear ducts.

Body temperature. Look out for a drastic or distinct change in temperature. As the subject enters into an extreme relaxation zone, his pulse rate begins to lower down, thus triggering a change in body warmth. This will vary from subject to subject - most subjects will usually feel cold, but for others, it's a warm feeling that will spread all over.