There are a number of myths about hypnosis, such as that one is asleep, that it results in unconsciousness, or that people can be controlled.  The fact is that therapeutic hypnosis is nothing more than focused attention. Most of us enter an altered state of consciousness many times each day, for example while watching a movie, reading a good book, and even in going to sleep, and in waking up.  We’ve all had many experiences with hypnosis without realizing it.

A person in the hypnotic state is aware of everything going on around them, and ordinarily remembers everything that was said or thought about. No one ever falls asleep during a session with a professional, although that does happen in self-hypnosis.   Hypnosis cannot be used to induce actions that are contrary to a person’s beliefs.  Every suggestion for behavioral change is compared to a person’s own value system.  Inappropriate requests are rejected automatically, and the hypnotic state may well be ended abruptly by a suggestion that the mind considers to be too far from the norm.

What tasks are served by the tool called hypnosis?  There are a number that are commonly known, such as pain control and memory enhancement.  Many people also know that school test scores and sports performance can be improved with hypnosis.  Studies have shown that broken bones and surgical wounds heal faster with the use of hypnosis. 

After a stroke or coma, coordinated muscle control can be regained sooner by recovering body memories from early childhood when muscle control was first being learned, or memories of a skill, such as bicycle riding, recovered to promote balance and coordinated movement.

Hypnosis can give access to that part of the mind that controls heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, temperature, and mood.  Consequently, many persistent problems can be relieved.

Hypnosis can be used to remove unwanted habits, and to establish new habits.  Hypnosis may be used to recover memories of when a bad habit started, so that the decision that was made to begin that behavior can be re-evaluated.  This often serves to end allergies, and illnesses such as asthma.  It can also ease the transition into being non-smoker, stopping nail-biting, or losing weight.

Sometimes low back pain or generalized pain is caused by muscles being held too tightly, preventing a sufficient flow of blood to bring in oxygen and carry away the lactic acid produced by the muscle.  Hypnosis can be used to re-educate the muscles so they relax.

Hypnosis can also be used to relieve stress and anxiety.  Many times chronic symptoms flare up in response to stress, and so a range of problems from over-eating and excessive smoking, to lupus and digestive problems can be relieved by the use of this tool.

In summary, hypnosis, the altered state of consciousness where the attention is narrowly focused, can be used to access areas of the mind where ordinary consciousness has little impact.  Hypnosis is a tool for using the power of your mind for your betterment.
 

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Copyright 2003, Horace Simmons
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Last updated 9/21/03
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