Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to bring about benefical changes. The term „hypnosis“ is derived from the Greek word „hypnos“ which means „sleep“, although hypnosis is not sleep, but rather a state of deep relaxation or trance. Hypnotherapists utilize that trance to treat numerous medical and psychological problems. While in a trance-like state, the unconscious mind is highly receptive to new ideas, and positive suggestions are used to help a client make desired changes in their lifes.
History of Hypnosis
Since ancient times, states of trance have been used in medicine and religious rituals. But hypnosis, as known today, was first associated with the work of Franz Anton Mesmer, an Austrian physician who lived from 1734 - 1815. He used magnets and other hypnotic techniques to treat patients, and while he was successful in treating a number of illnesses, such as headache, joint pain, and even blindness and paralysis, the medical community accused him of fraud and called his technique unscientific.
In the mid 1900s, hypnotherapy regained popularity with Milton H. Erickson (1901-1980), a psychiatrist who used hypnosis in this practice. In 1958, hypnotherapy was recognized as a valid medical procedure by both the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association, and since 1995, the National Institutes of Health has been recommending hypnotherapy as a tratment for chronic pain.
How Do Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy Work?
During hypnosis, our body relaxes while our thoughts become more focused and attentive. Similar to other relaxation techniques, hypnosis can decrease blood pressure and heart rate and can alter certain tpes of brain wave activity. In this state of deep relaxation, we will feel at ease physically, yet fully awake mentally.
In this state of deep relaxation, we are also highly responsive to suggestion. If we are trying to quit smoking, for example, a therapist’s suggestion may successfully convince us that in future we will have a strong dislike for the taste of cigarettes. Or, people who suffer from panic attacks may be convinced that in future they will be able to relax at will.
Hypnosis is not sleep nor will we be losing awareness through hypnosis. When we are hypnotized we continue to be aware of our surroundings and will afterwards remember everything that was being said during hypnosis. Hypnosis is not some kind of psychedelic state and it also has nothing to do with stage hypnosis, either, where people are made to perform acts that are used to entertain an audience. Hypnosis is not mind-control or brainwashing. In fact, we all have experienced hypnosis, for instance while being deeply engrossed in our thoughts, a movie, or a book, but also in the state right before we fall asleep.
What Conditions are Treated With Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy has shown to be effective in reducing the fear and anxiety that pain or uncomfortable medical or dental procedures may bring about. When used during an operation, hypnosis can help to decrease anxiety and pain following the surgery and improve recovery time. Clinical trials on burn patients show that hypnosis can decrease pain and speed healing. Studies suggest that using hypnosis can reduce the need for medication, improve the mental and physical condition, and reduce the time it takes to recover. Hypnotherapy is also used by dentists to control gagging and bleeding.
Hypnosis has a variety of applications in therapeutic settings, among them are:
Academic and athletic performance, building confidence, blocks to motivation and creativity, depression, habit control, help with life transitions, interpersonal problems, pain management, post trauma relief, preparation for medical and/or dental procedures, psychosomatic complaints, relaxation during childbirth, sexual difficulties, sleep disorders and disturbances, stress management, treatment of anxieties, phobias, and fears, and finally treatment of grief and loss.
In studies with children it was shown that they responded significantly well to asthma, anxiety, fecal incontinence, obesity, pain, and problematic habits such as sleep walking, thumb sucking, or nail biting.
Risks of Hypnosis
Hypnosis carries very few risks, although it may be onctraindicated for some patients, such as patients with certain medical problems, patients who actively abuse drugs or alcohol, patients who are delusional or hallucinatory, and very small children, as they lack the necessary attention span.
Hypnosis is often requested in order to uncover childhood memories. Hypnosis may not work in this regard, as memories that surface may be false memories. Studies suggest that hypnosis doesn’t help people to recall past events more accurately, but it does tend to make people more confident that what they recall are true memories.
Sometimes, after hypnosis, the patient may feel disoriented or may experience disturbing thoughts or feelings. If this happens, the patient should call the therapist immediately and ask for a follow-up session.
Before considering hypnotherapy, the patient should obtain a proper diagnosis from a physician to understand what is being treated. This is also true if the condition is psychological in nature, such as anxiety or phobia, in which case it is important to first see a psychiatrist.