Webster defines hypnosis as a trance-like state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject. That sounds simple enough but how the human mind works is very puzzling. Hypnosis has been a legitimate source of scientific investigation for over a hundred years, generally in the fields of psychology and medicine. Science has yet to fully explain how hypnosis actually happens, so for now hypnosis will remain something of a mystery.
What many of us do know about hypnosis we have seen in hypnotism shows, on television, and/or in the movies. These displays of hypnotism are used primarily for entertainment purposes. It is amazing to watch a hypnotist turn ordinary people, into outrageous performers. While this very entertaining and almost always make for a good show, the benefits of more involved hypnotism can be used for long-term behavioral modification in clinical patients.
A Few Examples of Hypnotic Behavioral Modification:
Weight Loss – Hypnosis cannot replace a diet/exercise regimen but can augment and reinforce it. Hypnotic affirmations have a cumulative therapeutic effect in the unconscious mind, capable of promoting a positive body image. The hypnotic mission centers on controlling urges, delaying gratification, appetite reduction, and increasing motivation geared for success.
Pain Control – Pain can be remarkably modulated by hypnosis. To illustrate its power, in a small percentage of patients, pain can be hypnotically voided to the point of allowing for major surgery. In other cases, from back problems to cancer, hypnosis can beneficially change the very perception of pain, making daily living a more tolerable experience.
Smoking – Smoking Lungs harbor all smoke, dust, exhaust fumes, and cigarettes. Hypnosis is capable of taking this idea far into the unconscious mind. Once this truth is accepted, behavior will be transformed. Full success comes when someone says and really means, “I’m now a non-smoker.”
Childbirth – Birthing with hypnosis teaches self-hypnosis in-group or individual sessions along with evidenced-based gentle birthing methods. The process is intended to not only teach a specific technique that will help you to control, and in many cases, completely eliminate pain; but to also educate and inform you and your partner of practices which will facilitate a natural birth. Most importantly it will allow you and your partner to make informed choices as to how you would like to see your baby brought into the world.
Although scientist and doctors can not clearly define hypnosis, we do know that hypnotherapy can be very beneficial for various health-related problems. The underlying idea behind this is that the mind and body are inextricably intertwined.
The success of hypnotherapy is undeniable so the next you are considering treatment for whatever ails you, you might want to consider hypnotherapy.