About Hypnosis

What Can Hypnosis Do?

Hypnosis is a heightened state of consciousness in which a person becomes more reactive to positive encouraging suggestions. Usually these hypnotic commands focus the individual on a positive change. This could be to eat more healthily, stop smoking, become more confident or develop a skill.

It is worth noting though that in a state of hypnosis you can’t be made to do deeds that you do not desire to do. In a hypnosis session you are still alert and while you are very relaxed you are fully conscious of everything happening around you. Continue reading on to learn more about hypnosis.

The History of Hypnosis

The past of hypnosis is a lengthy and intriguing one. Numerous types of hypnosis are believed to have been practiced as long ago as the times of ancient Egypt. Back then it was utilized predominantly as an anaesthetic, and even in the present day it is becoming increasingly widespread for someone to be helped into a hypnotic trance before an operation.

The name hypnosis originates from the Greek word “hypnos” - meaning sleep. It was UK physician James Braid who invented the name hypnosis however years later he came to recognize that hypnosis was not another type of sleep, but by then the term had become too popular to change.

The 1950's is considered to be the most important period of time in the approval of hypnosis as Pope Pius XII and both the British and American Medical Association gave their public backing to the field of hypnosis.

Hypnosis has garnered a bolstered profile in recent times thanks to the various scientific research into the practice, of which the majority have revealed very encouraging findings. It is presently also more available than ever thanks to the web and the large number of hypnotists who offer hypnosis mp3s on their sites at low prices.

Is Hypnosis Dangerous?

The only times in which hypnosis is unsafe is if you listen to a session when handling an automobile or operating heavy equipment, or an untrained hypnotist tries to employ their adaptation of “hypnosis” to aid a person with emotional issues. Keep away from these hazards and then you will be perfectly secure with hypnosis whether it's by yourself or with a qualified hypnotherapist.

Some individuals fret that when they've been hypnotized they may never be able to wake up. However under hypnosis you are never asleep or unconscious in the first place. Equally some think that the hypnotist will be able to make them do things they don’t want to but once more this is not at all accurate. When you are hypnotized you are still fully conscious of what is happening around you and what you are doing - you cannot be made to do anything you don't want to do.

Hypnotists have a goal to achieve, and that's what you ask of them. Even if they could put you in danger (which isn’t possible) it would make no sense for them to do so. A hypnotist with no clients isn't going to be successful for very long.

Just keep in mind that hypnotherapy is an incredibly powerful instrument for long term personal development. Many individuals first attempt self hypnosis because it allows them to dictate everything that is happening without concern or fear. After that first positive experience they appreciate that hypnosis is a totally harmless procedure and become more likely to visit a hypnotherapist or listen to recorded hypnotherapy sessions.

A Self Hypnosis Exercise

Below is an easy induction that makes for a fantastic initiation to self hypnosis. Experience it right now and you'll have a good feel for what it's like to be under hypnosis.

Go to a place in which you won't be interrupted for about 20 minutes and get relaxed. You can be sat or laid back. Shut your eyes and take slow, steady breathes. Inhale through your nose and out through your mouth.

When you are feeling comfortable and relaxed imagine yourself at the top of a flight of stairs. Attempt to envision the flight of stairs in as much detail as you can. Begin to step steadily down the stairs, and with every step feel yourself becoming more and more relaxed.

At the bottom of the stairs is a door. When you get to the door you open it and behind the door is whatever place relaxes you most. It may be a beach, a garden, a park or anywhere else you’d like. Again visualize this place as lucidly as possible. Stroll around and take in the scenery. How warm is it? What are the sounds? What does the ground feel like underfoot? Enjoy yourself for as long as you like.

You can leave this hypnotic state whenever you wish, all you have to do is slowly open your eyes and take a few moments to contemplate the experience before going back to your daily life.