Hypnosis, Fact or Fiction?

In honor of World Hypnotism Day, it is time to put to rest some of the myths of hypnosis and inform you of the many possibilities as a result of hypnosis.

Answer each question with either: Fact or Fiction?  

1.  Hypnosis will prove if I am lying.

2.  A hypnotist can make me do something bizarre, like bark at the moon.

3.  Trying hypnosis opens me up to unknown sources like spirits or demons.

4.  Hypnosis is only for the gullible.

5.  Hypnosis is mind control.

6.  Hypnosis = Sleep 

If you answered Fiction to all of the above statements, you are correct.  Allow me to elaborate.  Hypnosis is a natural state of mind, in fact you experience it several times a day on any given day.  Have you ever become so involved in a sporting event that you felt as though you were participating?  Perhaps you have become emotionally attached to a particular character in a book, movie or television show?  Maybe, you have driven to your destination only to realize you had been so deep in thought you can't recall the trip?  All of these are examples of the daily visits into hypnosis we all take. 

 Hypnosis is measurable.  There are brainwaves related to hypnosis, and you pass from an alert state of mind (Beta)  through relaxed (Alpha) into hypnosis (Theta) and finally you reach sleep (Delta).  Therefore, hypnosis is natural, safe and non-intrusive.  It opens you up to a deeper part of your mind, where memories, emotions and habits exist, but it does not open you up to anything sinister like demons.  

 You are in control the entire time you experience hypnosis.  You choose whether or not you go into "trance".  I, nor any other hypnotist can force you into trance.  Often people who are not familiar with hypnosis are concerned that if they look me in the eyes, I will have powers over them, or know their deepest, darkest thoughts.   Truth be told, if you look into my eyes, you will notice that I am curious, caring and possibly perplexed.  But, mystical and magical I am not.  If I were, my kids would never be able to surprise me at Christmas or birthdays!

You are capable of lying when under hypnosis.  Hypnosis is a concentrated state of focus.  If you are asked a proprietary question while under hypnosis, you are more apt to tell the questioner to mind their own business than when in a normal, waking state.  Why?  Because in a normal state you may be more inclined to "please" the questioner as opposed to protecting yourself.  In hypnosis you access the subconscious mind, whose number one job is to protect you.  So, it is therefore logical that if telling a lie will keep you safe, it will do so.  

Why does hypnosis work?  Hypnosis is a focused state of mind, allowing the subconscious mind to come forward.  Again, it is the part of your mind where the memories, habits and emotions are stored.  It is also programmed to protect you.  So, when you desire to make a change in habits, such as nail biting, the subconscious is the "Go To" part of the mind.  Here is a habit that has been harming you, yet the subconscious has bought into a belief such as "nail biting is my stress reliever".   Once it is understood at this level, that in fact biting your nails introduces excess germs into your body, is unappealing and does not actually relieve stress (rather creates a whole new one) the subconscious will instantly change the program.  Nail biting is now a part of your past.

There are so many changes that can be made and goals that can be reached as a result of hypnosis, I invite you to investigate it more.  The American Medical Association approved it's use in 1958.  The British Medical Association in 1957.  Perhaps 2008 is the time for you to approve it as well.