What exactly is Hypnosis?

Definition of Hypnosis

Hypnosis is the process in which a person attains the levels of complete consciousness and focus. In the therapy world, it is known as Hypnotherapy or Hypnotic Suggestion.In this process, the person going through it loses all senses of pain and achieves a height of relaxation.  At times it might seem like it’s all magic, a hobby anyone can do, but it’s much more.

It is a popular therapy practice that is observed all over the world.

Uses of Hypnosis

People use hypnotherapy to combat several medical and emotional problems. They visit hypnotists to get different results out of the process. Following are some of the uses of this therapy:

  • It helps people to deal with anxiety and depression.
  • With hypnosis, people can easily overcome pain.
  • Hypnosis can be used to get over addictions. For example, smoking cessation and drinking problems.
  • It helps with several autoimmune conditions—for example, rheumatoid arthritis.
  • It can help a person to move past any traumatic incident.
  • It can be used to deal with different mental conditions.
  • It is a preferred therapy of some females, to help reduce the symptoms of hot flashes.
  • It helps with the side effects of any treatment—for example, chemotherapy side effects in cancer patients.

How Is It Done?

The process of hypnosis might seem pretty intimidating, but actually, it is quite simple. The hypnotists try different methods of stimulation to create an environment that relaxes the patient. These methods are mostly some visual aids that hinder your focus from any type of diversion.

You might have even seen this in movies too when some guy hypnotizes other people with a pendulum. While it is not the same, the concept is more or less accurate.

In the actual world, therapists use different charts and other techniques. But, the purpose behind it all is to make you focus on one point only. That way, you achieve true hypnosis.

Self-hypnosis

A lot of people don’t know about this. But you can actually hypnotize yourself too. It takes a lot of practice, but it is possible. Self-hypnosis is a great way to take control of yourself. It empowers you in a way that you cannot imagine, ever.

People use self-hypnosis to take control of their minds. It helps them think and get over stuff. If you have a proper environment and belief in hypnosis, then you can do it too.

All you need is a quiet place where you find peace. You should focus on one thing and try to forget everything else. If you do it right, you might achieve it even in your first try.

Can Everyone Achieve It?

Hypnosis is an effective way of therapy. But it does not always work. There are some requirements for this process to work. It is a common observation that different people react differently to hypnosis.

Several factors determine whether a person will reach hypnosis or not. First of all, this only works for the people who are willing to go through the process — patients who do not believe in it never achieve it. The reason behind it is that they never relax. No matter how hard the therapist tries, if the patient is not ready to let go, they cannot achieve the state of hypnosis. Mostly because they get very aware of their mind, and that hinders the hypnotic stage from taking over.

Secondly, each individual is different. And their brain works differently. Researchers believe that there is a difference in the brain activity of people who can get hypnotized and those who cannot. And with the help of imaging techniques, this theory can be proved very easily.

According to studies, people with more active brains can get hypnotized easily. In contrast, some people face difficulty in reaching that state. Also, researchers believe that people who fantasize a lot, get into hypnosis very quickly. On the other hand, people who do not live in fantasies take a lot of time to reach hypnosis.

Role of the Hypnotist in Hypnosis Therapy

When people hear the word hypnosis, they instantly imagine that the therapist will get control over them. However, the actual process is quite the opposite.

People who take hypnosis therapy regularly, they, in fact, get a hold on themselves. This process gives them the ability to heal their body from within. It produces a mental state where a person can think more clearly and make decisions that he would’ve never made otherwise.

To understand this concept more clearly, let us consider an example. Imagine you are sitting at the beach. And, there is no one there. There is only you and the ocean. How does it feel? You feel good, right?

Now, if you actually get to experience this scenario in real life, what would happen? Your head will clear up, and you will be able to listen to yourself much more attentively. This is what happens in Hypnotic Suggestions. The doctor or the therapist just helps you in thinking that you are on the beach, other than that, it’s all you.  The only job of the therapist/hypnotist is to help you get to the level where you can listen to yourself.

The Results of Hypnosis Therapy

There are a lot of benefits to this therapy. But its effectiveness depends on several factors. For example, it depends on the condition you’re taking therapy for. Also, more importantly, whether you can get hypnosis or not.

According to researchers, after Hypnotic Therapy, a lot of people with chronic illness seemed to get better. People with anxiety and stress also find this therapy useful.Moreover, pregnant ladies also use it to get over labor anxiety.

So, yes, the results of hypnosis are good. But it still varies from person to person. If you can reach hypnosis, then it might help you.

Is Hypnosis the Only Way of Treatment?

Although it is scientifically proven that hypnosis is a great way to cope up with pain and other illnesses. But it is not the only way to do it. The experts suggest it, but only as an additional aspect of the treatment.

Until now, hypnosis is only considered as a secondary way of therapy. It is used as a plus with other behavioral therapies. Like, if a person is dealing with post-traumatic depression, the doctor will suggest hypnotic therapy. But he will always prescribe it along with some other ways of treatment.

However, there is no scientific research that proves that hypnosis can be used alone. Therefore, even though it is an effective way of treatment, it is not the primary one. Hence, before getting any appointment with the hypnotist, you should consult with your therapist first.

Conclusion

The Hypnotic Suggestion has been in our books for over centuries now. The idea of achieving that level of focus is always intriguing, and honestly, pretty intimidating too. It is suggested to consult with an expert to receive this therapy. But self-hypnosis can be effective as well.

There are a lot of misconceptions about this therapy. And, it has always been a little controversial. Although it is very effective for a lot of conditions, it is used frequently to get over pain, anxiety, and the cessation of different types of addictions.