Hypnosis - The Hypnotic State of Consciousness

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness and may also be known as hypnotic suggestion or hypnotherapy. The hypnotic state of consciousness is very different from your day to day state of awareness and is typically achieved through the aid of a hypnotherapist. When one is under hypnosis, his attention tends to be more focused, he becomes more responsive to suggestions and becomes less critical and more open. This openness to suggestion may be used to improve one's health and well being.

How hypnosis works is not totally clear. However, hypnosis affects the way the brain communicates with the body through hormones, body chemicals, and nerve impulses. Hypnosis is used as a therapeutic technique to help individuals gain more control over their emotions, behavior and physical well-being. It is said that hypnosis quiets the mind, creating a deep state of relaxation. People who are hypnotized then become able to deeply concentrate on specific thoughts, memories, feelings and sensations while blocking out distractions that may be present.

Hypnotic therapy may be used to relieve many symptoms of a variety of conditions. It may be used by it self or in conjunction with other types of treatments. According to some preliminary studies, hypnosis has the potential to change negative behaviors like overeating and smoking. It may be used to diminish one's stress, anxiety, fear, and the intensity of phobias. Hypnosis has also been shown to reduce the pain during labor and childbirth, control pain during surgical procedures, decrease blood pressure levels and the intensity of migrains, control side effects of chemotherapy such as vomiting and nausea, speed up the healing process for diseases such as psoriasis and some forms of dermatitis.

The use of hypnosis does present potential solutions to a lot of symptoms for a wide variety of diseases and conditions; however, hypnosis by itself is not guaranteed to cure the disease itself. It is generally used as part of a comprehensive treatment program.

Hypnosis works best when the individual undergoing this type of treatment is open to it and is very motivated. A well trained therapist also helps. When choosing a therapist, finding a certified lay hypnotherapist may be the best idea as hypnosis is not regulated. You may also opt to undergo hypnosis with the help of doctors, social workers, and psychologists who have received training related to hypnotic therapy.

It is important to remember that hypnosis, like all other forms of therapy, may present different results to different individuals. It may work for others but not work on you.