Many people will tell you what hypnosis is not. It is not magic, hocus pocus, voodoo, or mind control. Hypnosis is not unconsciousness, as you are always aware of your surroundings.
Dictionaries are hard pressed to define it. Many fear it. But why fear something that "normal" people do every day?
By definition, "hypnosis is the bypass of the critical factor of the conscious mind with acceptable selective thinking." Sounds complicated but--it's not. The critical factor is the questioning mechanism that we all possess. It asks: "Do I believe in this? Do I accept this? Is it right?" Advertisers, particularly television advertisers, know and use critical factor bypass whenever possible. This is known as "waking hypnosis".
Everyone experiences hypnosis in his own way but all find it very pleasant and enjoyable. Most people say that they have never felt so relaxed. But will I do something against my will? Absolutely not! Forget about barking like a dog or quacking like a duck. You are always in control. You will not do anything in hypnosis that you would not do at any other time.
Anyone who has the desire to do it and the ability to concentrate for a few moments can be hypnotized.
Hypnosis is an effective tool for change that is faster and longer lasting than traditional methods. A post-hypnotic suggestion can last forever.
Hypnosis has been endorsed by the National Institutes of Health and the American Psychiatric, Psychological, Medical, and Dental Associations for variety of applications including:
Smoking cessation: Anyone who truly wants to stop smoking can do so comfortably and effectively.
Weight release: Research and experience have shown that diets don't work. With hypnosis, weight can be released permanently, without feeling deprived.
Stress management: Through hypnosis, stress and stressful situations can be managed in a way that does not jeopardize physical and emotional well being.
Academic/test improvement: Learners of all ages can improve concentration, memory, recall, and confidence. Academic test grades, as well as PSAT, SAT, GRE, and professional exam scores can all be improved significantly.
Hypnosis can also be used for pain control, including childbirth and surgical anesthesia, sports improvement, to overcome fears and anxieties, and to boost self-confidence and motivation.
It's amazing what the subconscious mind can accomplish.
(This article appeared in the October, 1998, issue of Middlesex Magazine.)
