What is Hypnosis?
The word conjures images of a Svengali-type figure who has magnetic control over his subjects. The truth is, hypnosis is nothing like how it's portrayed in movies.
Hypnosis is simply a natural state of deep physical and mental relaxation. We pass through the hypnotic state daily as we go to sleep at night and as we awaken in the morning. During the day our brains go through roughly 90 minute cycles between beta wave rhythms of full waking awareness and alpha rhythms of light trance states. If we nap in the afternoon we may drop into the theta state of deeper relaxation and even the delta state of normal sleep.
We are often in a light hypnotic trance when we are engrossed in reading a good book, watching a movie or on the computer, smart phone, etc. And how many of you have noticed that you sometimes lose your awareness of time and your surroundings while driving? This common phenomena, when you can drive for miles and not remember doing so, is termed highway hypnosis.
You are in complete control during hypnosis. No one can hypnotize you against your will or make you do anything that goes against your moral or ethical beliefs. If you find a suggestion to be objectionable, you can simply bring yourself back to full awareness at any time. You still have your thoughts during a hypnotic trance. You are able to lie while in hypnosis, so you are unlikely to tell the hypnotherapist your deepest secrets.
The number one fear people have about hypnosis is thinking that they will be out of control. If I could use hypnosis to control others I would have millions of dollars and rescue every stray dog and cat I could. The fact is, no matter how deep a hypnotic state you are in, you never lose your instinct for self-protection.
Rather than losing control, hypnosis helps you to gain greater access to your thoughts, feelings, memories, and perceptions. Through reconnecting to aspects of yourself, you can regain control of you life. Many people use hypnosis for physical healing through mind-body techniques such as stress reduction and even controlling blood flow to certain areas of the body.
Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for self-improvement because it helps you tap your inner resources. Each of us has the answers to our problems within our subconscious. Hypnosis creates a bridge from the conscious mind to the subconscious. Your answers are then easily accessed.
Hypnosis can be used to address almost any issue.
It is not just for weight control or smoking cessation, although it is tremendously successful for both of those. Other uses include:
- Stress reduction
- Trauma healing and resolution
- Anxiety and Panic
- Insomnia
- Self-esteem, Self-worth
- Self-confidence
- Goal achievement
- Creating coping strategies and positive visualizations
- Enhancing creativity
- Sports improvement
- Spirituality
And many more....
Take a moment right now to think of an area in your life which could be improved by tapping into your innate abilities to relax, feel good and think positively about yourself. Once you learn how, you have a powerful tool at your command to meet any challenge and live more fully from this moment on.
Why not give it a try?