Hypnosis is a trance-like mental state in which people experience increased alertness, concentration, and suggestibility. Although hypnosis is often described as a sleep-like state, it is better described as a state of focused attention, heightened suggestibility, and vivid fantasies.
People under hypnosis often appear sleepy and dazed, but they are actually hyperaroused.
Although there are many myths and misconceptions, hypnosis is a very real process that can be used as a therapeutic tool. Hypnosis has been shown to have medical and therapeutic benefits, particularly in reducing pain and anxiety. It has even been suggested that hypnosis may reduce symptoms of dementia.
types of hypnosis
There are several ways to convey hypnosis.
- guided hypnosis: This form of hypnosis uses tools such as recorded instructions and music to induce a hypnotic state. Online sites and mobile apps often use this form of hypnosis.
- hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis in psychotherapy, practiced by qualified physicians and psychologists to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. It has been.
- self hypnosis: Self-hypnosis is the process that occurs when a person induces a hypnotic state on their own. It is often used as a self-help tool to control pain and manage stress.
Applications and potential benefits
Why do people choose to try hypnosis? In some cases, people seek hypnosis to cope with chronic pain or to relieve pain or anxiety caused by medical procedures such as surgery or childbirth. There are some too.
Below are just some of the applications of hypnosis that have been demonstrated through research...
- Reducing symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Pain control during dental procedures
- Removal or relief of skin diseases such as warts and psoriasis
- Managing specific symptoms of ADHD
- Treatment of chronic pain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Treatment and relief of pain during childbirth..
- Reducing symptoms of dementia
- Reducing nausea and vomiting in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
Hypnosis is also used to help people change their behavior, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and preventing bedwetting.
Effects of hypnosis
What kind of effects does hypnosis have? The experience of hypnosis varies greatly from person to person.
Some people who have been hypnotized report feeling a sense of detachment or extreme relaxation during the hypnotic state, but they also feel like their actions are being done outside of their conscious will. Some people feel that way. Some people remain fully conscious and able to communicate while under hypnosis.
Experiments by researcher Ernest Hilgard demonstrated that hypnosis can be used to dramatically change perception. After hypnotized subjects were instructed not to feel pain in their arms, their arms were immersed in ice water. Unhypnotized people had to remove their arms from the water after a few seconds due to pain, whereas hypnotized people could hold their arms in ice water for several minutes without feeling any pain. I was able to leave it there.
hypnosis tips
Many people believe they cannot be hypnotized, but research shows that many people are more susceptible to hypnosis than they think. Research shows that:
- 10% to 15% of people are highly susceptible to hypnosis...
- Approximately 10% of adults are considered difficult or impossible to hypnotize.
- Children are more susceptible to hypnosis.
- People who are easily absorbed in daydreams are highly susceptible to hypnosis.
If you are interested in hypnosis, remember to approach the experience with an open mind. People who view hypnosis positively tend to respond better.
If you are interested in trying hypnotherapy, it is important to seek out a professional who is qualified and experienced in using hypnosis as a therapeutic tool.
There are many places that offer hypnosis training and certification, but it may be helpful to find a mental health professional who is certified by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Their program is open to medical professionals with a master’s degree and requires 40 hours of approved workshop training, 20 hours of personal training, and two years of clinical hypnosis practice...
potential pitfalls
Misconceptions regarding the subject of hypnosis are common.
- Although memory loss can occur in very rare cases, people usually remember everything that happened while they were hypnotized. However, hypnosis can have a significant effect on memory. Posthypnotic amnesia can cause you to forget certain things that happened before or during hypnosis. However, this effect is usually limited and temporary.
- Hypnosis can be used to improve memory, but its effects have been dramatically exaggerated in popular media. Research has shown that hypnosis does not lead to significant memory enhancement or accuracy, and that hypnosis can actually produce false or distorted memories...
- Despite stories of people being hypnotized without their consent, hypnosis requires voluntary participation on the part of the patient. However, people vary in how easily they are hypnotized and suggestible while under hypnosis. Research has shown that people who are susceptible to suggestion are more likely to experience decreased agency while under hypnosis...
- Although you often feel like your actions are happening without your will while under hypnosis, the hypnotist cannot force you to act against your will.
- Hypnosis can be used to improve performance, but it cannot make people stronger or more athletic than their existing physical abilities.
history of hypnosis
Although the use of hypnosis-like trance states dates back thousands of years, hypnosis began to become popular in the late 18th century with the work of a physician named Franz Messmer. Due to Mesmer’s mystical views, this practice did not take off, but eventually interest shifted to a more scientific approach.
Hypnosis became more important in the field of psychology in the late 19th century, when it was used by Jean Martin Charcot to treat women experiencing what was then known as hysteria. This work influenced Sigmund Freud and the development of psychoanalysis.
These days, there are many different theories that explain exactly how hypnosis works. One of the most well-known theories is Hilgard’s neo-dissociative theory of hypnosis.
According to Hilgard, people under hypnosis experience split consciousness, where there are two distinct streams of mental activity. While one stream of consciousness responds to the hypnotist’s suggestions, another, dissociated stream processes information outside the hypnotized person’s consciousness.
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