The word hypnosis is a derivation of the Greek hypnos, meaning sleep. Hypnosis works closely with the trance state which is an altered state of consciousness involving deep relaxation People often go into trance like states while doing everyday activities like ironing; waiting for red lights to change; watching TV; or daydreaming. A person in a trance is actually more highly responsive to specific suggestions or ideas even though they may seem sleepy at the time. Although this facet of the human being can be abused, it also provides a way to alleviate limiting or painful conditions. We will look at some of these uses in this article.
Hypnotherapy is used in a wide range of places, from emergency rooms to the dental chair. It has helped cure problems that seemed to be purely physical in nature. Conditions that have a largely emotional or psychological nature have been resolved using it – see hypnosis berkshire for specific examples.
Contrary to popular belief, the hypnotherapist does not have total control over the client’s consciousness. Actually, as described at hypnosis oxford, hypnotherapy assists clients in controlling their own states of consciousness. One effect of this is that they can positively influence their bodily functions and psychological responses. Self regulation abilities can be gained by visiting a hypnotherapist. An arthritis sufferer might be advised that they can reduce the intensity of their discomfort like turning down the volume on a radio.
Hypnotherapy has been effectively utilized for ailments as varied as: bed-wetting, Crohn’s condition, non cardiac chest pain, weight maintenance, phobias and anxieties. A team in the UK recently showed how symptoms of severe chest pain which did not originate from the heart could be successfully relieved through hypnosis.
The small British study found that hypnotherapy provided pain relief for twelve out of fifteen people. 28 patients were studied at the Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester over a 17 week period. They were split into two groups with one of them getting 12 treatments of hypnotherapy while the other received supportive therapy, including placebos. There was decreased intensity in chest pain in 80% of those in the hypnotherapy group, which came as a surprise to many.
