Hypnosis, also known as hypnotherapy, is a type of mind-body medicine that puts a person into a state of deep relaxation and focused concentration. A trained and certified hypnotist or hypnotherapist uses verbal cues, repetition, and imagery to guide the mind into a deep state of composure and ease.
It is commonly believed that while someone is under hypnosis, the level of attention and focus allows one to ignore ordinary distractions achieve a state of mind where you’re able to tap into the part of your brain where your thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, sensations, emotions, memories, and behaviors originate from, all while replacing unconscious thoughts that are driving your current behavior.
Hypnosis has been used to treat a number of mental health conditions, some being: stress, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, PTSD, phobias, and behavioral issues. It has even been used to break habits such as smoking, nail biting, and bed wetting.
People who have sought out treatment have said that it has been extremely helpful in coping with their condition, as well as helping them gain control over behaviors that they would like to change.
As beneficial as hypnosis has proven to be, there are still many people out there who believe it’s a hoax. Non-supporters have made claims that hypnosis is a stage act, or that you are under control of the hypnotist while you are being hypnotized. But it is important to remember that no matter how many TV shows or movies have misconstrued the concept of what hypnosis actually is, it is still a very authentic method that has helped thousands of people
Hypnosis is not the first suggested therapy, but it can still be helpful for many people’s mental health when used in combination with other therapies. Although the scientific and psychiatric communities have different opinions on the effectiveness of hypnosis, a rising amount of personal testimony and study points to its potential benefits for a number of mental health issues.
