Information on Hypnotism

Hypnosis enables people to circumvent limiting beliefs. According to Hypnosis.org, hypnosis is, "A heightened state of suggestibility, such that the suggestions given are accepted as being true." Hypnotherapy changes habits, behaviors, perceptions, sensations and bodily functions through two ways: suggestive therapy and analysis, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Function

• The unconscious mind processes information 220,000 times faster than the conscious mind, reports Hypno-Gym.com. Hypnosis communicates with this super machine directly. According to the Mayo Clinic, "The purpose of hypnosis is to help you gain more control over your behavior, emotions or physical well-being." The clinic asserts that patients under hypnosis focus attention, relax, maintain calm, stay open to suggestions, and become less critical or disbelieving. Hypnosis helps people release ingrained beliefs.

Types

• Depending on the individual or condition, hypnotism employs various techniques. According to the Mayo Clinic, "In one method a hypnotherapist leads you into hypnosis by talking in a gentle, soothing tone and describing images that create a sense of relaxation, security and well-being." The hypnotherapist then poses goals. In method two, the mental imagery technique, the hypnotherapist suggests the visualization of detailed images. A third method, self-hypnosis, teaches a person to induce his own state of hypnosis.

Significance

• Hypnosis minimizes pain and healing time. According to the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, "Researchers at Harvard Medical School have shown that broken bones and surgical wounds heal faster in patients who have hypnotherapy. Six weeks after breaking their ankles, patients being treated with hypnotherapy were three weeks ahead in their healing schedule."

Time Frame

• According to the Mayo Clinic, hypnosis sessions range from 30 to 60 minutes. Depending on the issue, treatment ranges from one session to consecutive meetings.

Benefits

• The Cleveland Clinic lists conditions hypnotism improves as phobias, fears, anxiety, sleep disorders, depression, stress, post-trauma anxiety, grief, loss, physical pain, and habits like smoking or overeating.

Misconceptions

• Unlike its portrayal in films, hypnosis is not entertainment. Nor can hypnotism brainwash subjects or make one act against one's own will. The Mayo Clinic also reports that candidates under hypnosis do not lose consciousness or have amnesia after sessions.