What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is recognized by psychology and medicine as a legitimate process, aiding in pain management, habit modification, phobia reduction and restructuring beliefs towards life-affirming ones. It is defined as an altered state of consciousness in which an individual is highly receptive to suggestion.

An “altered state,” is slightly different in subjective experience from your normal awake state. This experience can be accessed through psychological (meditation, prayer, hypnosis, music), physiological (dance, yoga, sports), and pharmacological means (drugs). During this state, your attention and focus is altered and you are more receptive to suggestions. This means that information can enter you subconscious mind more easily. You might notice that when you are relaxed you can recall events better, focus better, and generate new ideas. Hypnosis induces this relaxed state and during that time a practitioner will verbally guide you towards positive beliefs about yourself and others.

Research with EEG machines has shows that the brain produces alpha and beta waves while under hypnosis. These are present during a relaxed waking state, similar to what you feel right before you go to sleep. Brain activity patterns are similar to when engaging in mental imagery. In deep hypnosis, the brain shows theta wave activity. Contrary to popular belief, people are not asleep when they are under hypnosis. They are in a relaxed waking state and under full control. Whatever people do under a hypnotic state, they have allowed themself to do. They are not under anyone’s control.

Hypnosis is a non-clinical intervention that’s completely safe. It has shown great benefits for a range of people. It’s worth trying to see how you respond. Happy re-wiring!