HYPNOSIS

There are many misunderstandings about hypnosis. Hypnosis is not falling asleep. It is a state of focused concentration. Have you ever been so involved in watching a television program or reading that you did not hear someone speak to you? You were in a light state of self-hypnosis.

A person cannot be hypnotized if they do not want to be. Even if you are hypnotized, no one can make you do anything that you have a strong feeling against. Even when you are hypnotized, you are the one in control. The hypnotist is just a guide.

A person can hypnotize themselves or be hypnotized by another person. It is possible to be hypnotized alone or in a group of people. Almost everyone can be hypnotized to some level. However, how far and how much benefit is gained varies from person to person.

To some extent, hypnosis is a learned skill. The more you are hypnotized, the deeper you can learn to go. Very good hypnotic subjects are sometimes able to have surgery or dental work without anesthesia. Many women can learn to experience pain-free childbirth without medications. Simple tests will help determine how good a subject you are likely to be.

Hypnosis is used to help people:

overcome phobias or unreasonable fears
stop smoking or drinking alcohol
lose weight
control pain
reduce stress
deal with sexual problems and
explore issues from the past

The use of hypnosis in retrieving old memories, especially those involving abuse, is controversial. This is because hypnotized people are very suggestible and may provide false information without intending to.

Hypnosis cannot make you do anything you are not ready to do. You must be committed to a goal for it to work for you. Unfortunately, anyone can claim that he or she is a hypnotist and advertise services. Watch out for hypnotists who make wild promises.

Always seek treatment from a licensed professional who belongs to appropriate professional organizations. If you are interested in hypnosis, ask your healthcare provider for a referral or check the library for good books on self-hypnosis.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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