Hypnosis is a trance-like state induced by a hypnotist in which a person experiences heightened focus and concentration, making them more open to suggestion. It originated from the Greek word for sleep and was popularized by Franz Mesmer and James Braid in the 18th-19th centuries. Hypnosis allows one's subconscious mind to take over, making them more receptive to ideas and suggestions from the hypnotist regarding habits, behaviors, and mental/physical conditions. Common uses of hypnotism include treating addictions, phobias, pain, and other issues without side effects. However, many myths exist around hypnosis regarding control, dependence on the hypnotist, and health risks

1. Altered States of Consciousness
Hypnosis

2. Hypnosis
Hypnosis can simply be defined as a trancelike
state in which an individual obtains
heightened focus, concentration, and inner
absorption, thus, open to the power of
suggestion.
Hypnosis comes from the
Greek word hypnos
meaning sleep.

3. James Braid (1795-1860) is often regarded as
the “Father of Hypnosis”. Indeed, it could
be argued that hypnosis as we know it
today didn’t exist before Braid. He
removed hypnosis from the occult
shadows of mesmerism, and brought the
term “hypnosis” to life.
The modern era of hypnosis and
hypnotherapy really begins with Franz
Anton Mesmer (1734-1815), the Viennese
physician who left the word “mesmerism”
to posterity.

4. :
• Reframing the problem
• Becoming relaxed, then absorbed (deeply engaged in the
words or images presented by a hypnotherapist)
• Dissociating (letting go of critical thoughts)
• Responding (complying with a hypnotherapist's
suggestions)
• Returning to usual awareness
• Reflecting on the experience
Check out this link for an interesting explanation
of how hypnosis affects the brain
Video: What Part of the Brain Is
Affected By Hypnosis? | eHow.com

5. Because your mind is free from distraction, you
generally feel calm and relaxed, focusing on one
thought, feeling, or memory. This allows your
subconscious to take over, and be open to more
ideas, especially suggestion. This is where the term
‘power of suggestion’ comes into play.

6. Power of Suggestion
The power of suggestion ideal is involved with
two processes: the “trance” and
“suggestablity.” The hypnotist will induce this
state of clear, free thinking, and then is able to
introduce suggestions, most of which to give
the individual better habits, healthier
lifestyles, or simply a better sense of self
worth.

7. Hypnotherapy is used by therapists to help individuals
with certain addictions, habits, pain, and the list can
go on. Hypnotherapy is a good alternative to
medicines because it is using simply the mind of the
individual, with no risk of side effects. Common
conditions that use hypnosis include but are not
limited to:

8. Irritable bowel syndrome
Tension headaches
Alopecia areata
Asthma
Phobias
Insomnia
Addictions
Bedwetting
Fibromyalgia
Phobias
Labor and delivery
Skin disorders [such as acne, psoriasis,
and eczema (atopic dermatitis)]
Stress
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Cancer related pain
Weight loss
Eating disorders
Warts
Indigestion (dyspepsia)

9. Common myths about hypnosis:
Hypnosis Myth #1 – Hypnotists have special powers.
Hypnosis Myth #2 – Hypnosis will only work on certain people.
Hypnosis Myth #3 – People who get hypnotized are weak minded.
Hypnosis Myth #4 – When in hypnosis, you can be made to say or do something against your will.
Hypnosis Myth #5 – Hypnosis can be bad for your health.
Hypnosis Myth #6 – You can get stuck in hypnosis and be unable to wake up.
Hypnosis Myth #7 – You’re asleep or unconscious when in hypnosis.
Hypnosis Myth #8 – You’ll become dependent on the hypnotist.
Hypnosis Myth #9 – In hypnosis you’ll be able to recall everything that’s ever happened to you.
Hypnosis Myth #10 – Hypnosis is dangerous and is the devils work!
Summary
The word ‘hypnosis’ usually conjures up certain images in people’s minds, and these stereotypes are
sometimes hard to overturn. I hope this article has helped you to understand a bit more about hypnosis,
and hopefully debunked some of the myths that surround it. The real truth is that hypnosis is a perfectly
natural occurring state, and something that should be embraced for producing personal growth, and
personal empowerment.
Go here to learn more about these myths!

10. http://www.hypnotherapistfinder.com/hypnotherapy.html
http://www.life123.com/health/self-improvement/hypnosis/self-hypnosis-
instruction.shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypnosis/MY01020
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hypnotherapy-000353.htm
http://www.hypnoshop.com/hypnosis/myths-of-hypnosis/