Hypnosis is a way of creating a heightened or focused state of mental and physical attention. By focusing the mind and body in this way, they become more powerful and directed. This would be similar to taking scattered light rays and then concentrating them into one concentrated laser beam. In this focused state or trance it becomes possible to create significant changes in the individual. These changes can be both mental and physical.
At one time, it was believed that hypnosis only changed our perceptions, while leaving the body unchanged. Yet after many years of research we now know that the effects of hypnosis are far greater, and can lead to cellular and biochemical changes in the body. This is why hypnosis is considered a major approach in the current field of Mind Body Medicine. Although hypnosis is a highly absorbed state, for many individuals the hypnotic state feels like a state of deep relaxation, while for others it feels like a daydream.
Unfortunately, hypnosis has often been falsely portrayed in the media or stage shows. Naturally, this has led many to feel frightened by hypnosis, and to be fearful of losing control or embarrassing themselves. In actuality, while under hypnosis you never do or say anything that would be contrary to your true beliefs, intentions or feelings. However, hypnosis is a powerful means of creating change. Therefore, it is important that hypnosis be conducted by a clinician that has extensive training in hypnosis and how it affects the Mind and Body.
Many people also wonder if they can be hypnotized. Despite these concerns, this is seldom an issue. It is true however, that only a certain percentage of individuals are great hypnotic subjects. But to experience the many powerful benefits of hypnosis, it is not necessary, as many people believe, to be a great hypnotic subject. In fact, many of the powerful changes created by hypnosis can occur with only average hypnotic ability and in light hypnotic trance states.
Some of the areas that hypnosis has been proven to have a clinical effect are:
Stress and Sleep: Hypnosis can change our physical and mental reactions to stress. This can lead to improvements in sleep and many other physical reactions to stress. To learn more, check out The Stress Answer
Health: Since hypnosis can affect us at the physical level, it becomes capable of significantly influencing our health –such as the immune system, autoimmune disorders, pain, skin disorders, allergies, high blood pressure, and stomach disorders. To learn more, check out the Healing Hypnosis CD
Inflammation: This is one of the newest areas in which hypnosis and Mind Body Medicine can create changes. To learn more, check out the section on Inflammation
Surgery: One of the most documented areas of hypnosis effectiveness is its positive effect on post-surgical outcome, significantly reducing pain, while speeding healing and recovery. To learn more, check out the Surgery Hypnosis CD
The Let Down Effect: Hypnosis is capable of altering the biochemical changes that lead to The Let Down Effect. To learn more, check out The Let Down Effect
Test Performance: Hypnosis has been found to improve academic and athletic performance. To learn more, check out the Optimal Test Performance Online CD
