Hypnosis....a small write up

HYPNOSIS

The concept of hypnosis dates back to animal magnetism or the mesmerism developed by Franz Anton Mesmer. He believed that everything has a magnetic fluid and any disturbance to the flow results in illness/diseases. He ascertained that through a healthy operator, this disturbance can be restored back and illness/ diseases can be cured. James Braid (1795-1860), a Manchester physician, introduced the word ‘hypnotism’. Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and increased suggestibility. It can be defined as an artificially induced altered state of consciousness, characterized by heightened suggestibility and receptivity to direction. The hypnotic state is induced by the monotonous stimulation and repetitive suggestions by the therapist. The key aspect in hypnosis is “suggestion”. The brain remains alert and active to the therapist’s voice and suggestions. The hypnotized individual seems to respond in an uncritical, automatic fashion, ignoring aspects of the environment (e.g., sights, sounds) not pointed out by the hypnotist. Even the subject's memory and awareness of self may be altered by suggestion, and the effects of the suggestions may be extended (posthypnotically) into the subject's subsequent waking activity.

Some benefits/uses of hypnosis:

Hypnosis can be used as an aid to resolve problems which has psychological origin.
Hypnosis can be beneficial in the following:
1.Treatment of phobias
2.To stop smoking
3.Weight control and management
4.Treatment of insomnia
5.To enhance self confidence and self esteem
6.Anger management
7.Assertiveness training

Are there any dangers / complications involved in hypnosis?

Well any method will have advantages and disadvantages. Like wise even hypnosis has certain complications or disadvantages.

It is often successful when other, more conventional methods of treatment have failed. Thus, it’s never the first choice of treatment. Hypnosis should be performed by a trained person.

Contraindications:

Hypnosis is not recommended for people suffering from epilepsy, depression and post traumatic disorders. There is always a risk of a person getting into the hands of a poorly trained professional as there are no rigid rules pertaining to the practice of hypnosis. Although it was long believed that no one could be made to do anything under hypnosis that he considers wrong or illegal or harmful, scientists have proven that people will do these things and even injure themselves under hypnosis. This is why hypnotism can be dangerous if practiced by unqualified people.

Facts about hypnosis:

1.The use of hypnosis was endorsed by the American Medical Association in 1958 with the recommendation that it be included in medical teachings.
2.While in hypnosis, suggestions bypass the conscious and are accepted by the unconscious mind. The unconscious mind accepts suggestions without analyzing them which is why they work so well.
3.You cannot be hypnotized against your will, and even after a hypnotic state is achieved, you will be able to hear, talk, think, act or open your eyes at anytime.
4.A person has the ability to reject any suggestion that is contrary to a person’s morals or survival.