WHAT ABOUT HYPNOSIS?
Say the word "hypnosis," and many people
immediately think of stage shows and of people doing unusual things. Other people think of pocket watches,
or spirals twirling. But it is now much
more common for hypnotists simply to ask a subject to stare at a small,
stationary object, such as a colored thumbtack on the wall, during the
"induction patter," which usually consists of soothing words about
relaxation and suggestions to focus and concentrate.
Whenever the subject of hypnosis is brought up, questions
seem to arise with it. The following questions are asked repeatedly, by
clients, of prospective clients, and of those who are simply curious. With
answers to these questions, fears are put to rest, myths dispelled, and more
people are able to allow themselves to experience the wonderful benefits of
hypnosis to enhance their lives.
Common Questions & Answers:
Is hypnosis real? If
so, how does it work?
Yes, it’s real.
Exactly how it works is still under investigation. Over the past few
years, researchers have found that when someone is hypnotized, they actively
respond to suggestions, even though they sometimes might perceive the dramatic
changes in thought and behavior they experience as happening "by
themselves." During hypnosis, it is as if the brain temporarily suspends
its efforts to validate incoming sensory information, allowing new behaviors
and thoughts to occur. And, some people are more hypnotizable than others,
although scientists still don't know why.
Is hypnosis medically
approved?
Hypnosis was first officially recognized as a viable
therapeutic tool by the British Government through the Hypnotism Act in 1952.
Then, in 1958 both the British and the American Medical Associations (AMA)
sanctioned the official use of hypnosis by physicians. In 1958, the American
Psychiatric Association (APA) also approved hypnotherapy for use by
professionally responsible individuals.
Prestigious hospitals in the U.S. now use and teach
hypnosis, such as Stanford University School of Medicine in San Francisco, the
Beth Israel Medical Center in Boston, and University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center in Dallas. Since the AMA sanctioned the use of hypnosis, many
insurance companies cover hypnosis for medical and dental uses, including major
surgeries. Now, more and more people are
choosing hypnosis over anesthesia for surgery. Some choose hypnosis simply
because they fear not waking up from anesthesia. The fear-factor aside,
however, there are definite medical advantages offered by hypnosis; less
bleeding, faster recovery time, and the need for fewer post-operative
medications.
Does hypnosis really
stop pain during surgery?
Patients who have used it say yes. During operations, they
report that they can hear and see everything that is going on, but they feel no
discomfort.
How is hypnosis
thought of today, generally?
Myths still abound regarding hypnosis, although it is
becoming more widely accepted and trusted. Hypnosis cannot be used to control
someone's else's mind, or their actions. By using hypnosis, people gain greater
control over their own minds and their own actions.
What is hypnosis
like?
Hypnosis is not a state of deep sleep but one of altered
consciousness. There is a feeling of well-being, an ability to recall past
events and the acceptance of new ideas that are not in conflict with personal
values. There is also a higher threshold
to pain. The hypnotic state is like meditation, where the body is relaxed but
the mind has heightened awareness. The
ability to vocalize is limited, and the limbs feel leaden or light, tingly or
somewhat numb. The perception of time is also distorted where an hour might
seem like just a few minutes.
Who can be
hypnotized?
Most people can be hypnotized, and different people go into
hypnosis in different ways. Part of the hypnotist's job is to identify what
approach will work best for which subject. Those who have trouble trusting the
hypnotist or the process, may take more time to go into a hypnotic state, and
may not enjoy as many benefits.
There is a common idea that those with "a strong will" cannot
be hypnotized. It has been shown that intelligent people can be hypnotized
faster because they have greater access to their imagination, and can follow
instructions. In fact, those with an extremely low intelligence cannot be
hypnotized at all. The biggest prerequisite to someone being able to be
hypnotized is their willingness.
What about stage
shows?
Sometimes hypnosis is feared, because often the view of the
subject surrendering their 'will' is reinforced by stage hypnotism. It is helpful to remember that stage
hypnotists design their shows for entertainment purposes, which include
participants doing strange things. What people don't realize is that the stage
hypnotist chooses only those who are highly suggestible, and may have a desire
to have a "different" or less inhibited experience of themselves. In
a hypnotic state, people can give themselves permission to do many things that
they may not otherwise be able to do.
In getting more comfortable with the subject of hypnosis, it
is often helpful to know what hypnosis is NOT, to know better what it IS, and
can do. Solid research findings can help dispel even the most popular of
myths.
Points of Interest:
Research shows that physiological responses indicate that
hypnotized subjects are not lying.
Hypnotic procedures are natural and safe and no more
distressing than history lectures in high school.
Hypnotized subjects may be relaxed, but they are fully
awake; and a person can be in hypnosis while running, or dancing, or driving.
Many research tests show placebo responsiveness and
hypnotizability are not correlated.
Hypnotized subjects are perfectly capable of saying no, or
terminating hypnosis, all by themselves. And there is research available to
show that as well.
What can hypnosis
help with?
Hypnosis helps change attitudes, which is the key to
changing behavior. With hypnosis, a person is empowered, and made independent
enough to solve his/her own problems. With hypnosis a person can change
behaviors that would otherwise seem difficult, if not impossible, to change.
Hypnosis can also improve your essential experience of life,
in all its circumstances. Only within
the past 40 years have scientists become equipped with instruments, techniques
and methods for accurately separating the facts of hypnosis from exaggerated
claims. The study of hypnotic phenomena is now properly held within the domain
of normal cognitive science, with papers on hypnosis published in many major scientific
and medical journals. Newest clinical research findings reveal, however, that
hypnosis and hypnotic suggestion, when used properly, can powerfully alter
cognitive processes as diverse as memory and pain perception.
Hypnosis is not talk therapy, and does not include advising,
diagnosing or prescribing. That would be the domain of other professionals,
usually licensed to counsel. The primary aim of hypnosis itself is
self-healing, and self change. The hypnotist's job is to assist the subject to
achieve those natural states of mind where healing and change best happen. Used
correctly, hypnosis is especially useful for tapping into that awesome power of
the human mind.
If you can think it, and believe it, hypnosis can help make
it so.
For more information about hypnosis, visit
www.SandersHypnosis.com
