Hypnotism and hypnotherapy have been recognized as beneficial for hundreds of years. In the last few decades, there have been hundreds of clinical and medical studies. Millions of people now reap the benefits.
For centuries people have looked for different ways to improve themselves and alleviate suffering. Psychology, and psychiatry, psychology are devoted to trying to understand and improve the human condition.
Over time, there have been many different approaches to “alternative” healing and self-improvement. Hypnotherapy and hypnosis fall into this category.
Even though skeptics may scoff at these alternative methods, there is actually a lot of good science behind it. Psychologists and social scientists have known for some time that it is our subconcious mind that controls most of our behaviours and attitudes. In order to unlock some of these stumbling blocks, we must bypass our “rational” or “reasoning” mind. Fears, habits, and motivations can be reached and modified. Very often, this results in achieving goals we have been struggling with that aren’t amenable to more traditional types of efforts.
The reasons for undergoing hypnotherapy or hypnosis are numerous. They include relief from both physical and emotional disorders, as well as the desire to reach one’s potential and improve one’s self.
Hypnotism can address depression, anger, low self-esteem and low self-confidence, as well as physical problems like over-eating and weight loss.
Hypnosis can also help to overcome various negative habits and addictions like cigarette smoking, gambling, even drug and alcohol abuse.
Hypnosis has also been used successfully to aid with severe medical problems like diabetes and even cancer. Patients have been known to undergo pain-free surgery with minimal anesthesia, and reduce recovery times significantly.
Hypnotism and hypnotherapy certainly aren’t a “cure-all”, or even always the best alternative. However it is becoming increasingly clear that there are real, tangible, and lasting benefits to this type of therapy and self-help.
The author is currently working through her Red Cross CNA Class.
