MYTHS ABOUT HYPNOSIS AND HYPNOBIRTH

What can be cured by hypnosis? This question is heard every day on thematic sites and forums. Another method of quackery! This statement is often found among opponents of hypnotherapy. Now we could say that everything is individual, and what did not help one will help another, if not for one “but”. A good hypnotherapist can help anyone, regardless of their level of hypnotizability.

What diseases does hypnosis treat?

Hypnotherapy is a method that allows you to establish contact with a person’s subconscious by immersing yourself in a trance state. It has been used in psychiatric and psychotherapeutic practice for many years. Unfortunately, psychotherapists who have mastered hypnotherapy techniques are now worth their weight in gold. But if you find a professional, you can get rid of even the most serious illness. So what diseases are treated with hypnosis? First of all, these are psychological disorders, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and various types of addictions.

Somatic diseases such as:

stomach ulcer;
bronchial asthma;
hypertonic disease;
regular migraines;
increased sweating;
numbness of different parts of the body.

Our century is a whole collection of addictions: alcohol, drugs, tobacco, psychological, addiction to boarding schools and television, gambling addiction and others. The hypnotherapy method is firmly among the three most effective methods for treating these problems. And all because with its help it is possible to establish the reason that caused the addiction. As we know, it is impossible to completely get rid of any disease if you stupidly muffle its symptoms without eliminating the cause.

Interestingly, hypnosis even helps get rid of an allergic reaction. How? Yes, all because the causes of allergies are associated with conflicts in a person’s inner world. Practicing homeopathic psychotherapists argue that the cause of every disease is associated with a person’s emotional and psychological experiences. But since people have not yet learned to independently establish contact with their subconscious, hypnotherapy helps them with this. Based on these considerations, it turns out that hypnosis helps in the treatment of absolutely all diseases.

The state of deep relaxation itself has a therapeutic effect on the body. Treatment with hypnosis normalizes breathing and the functioning of internal organs.

What is hypnosis: history of origin

Hypnosis , translated from Greek, simply means sleep. However, the state of hypnotic sleep is, of course, very different from physiological sleep. Hypnotic sleep (or hypnotic trance) is characterized by a complete or partial blocking of consciousness associated with inhibition of the reactions of the cerebral cortex to signals from the senses and internal aspirations of a person coming from outside, with the exception of signals coming from the hypnotist.

That is, in essence, hypnosis is a state. And it is natural for humans.

The possibility of immersion is a physiological phenomenon and does not contradict the nature of our body.

Humanity has been using hypnosis for more than 3,000 years, calling it by different names. Eastern healers, Indian fakirs, Egyptian priests, Greek and Roman scientists knew about the possibility of influencing a person in a state of hypnotic sleep.

But the more or less clear history of hypnosis begins in 1842, when James Braid showed how, when fixating a shiny object, an altered state of mind occurs, and gave this phenomenon the name “ hypnosis .”

Interesting fact By the way, before this such phenomena were called mesmerism. Named after Anton Franz Mesmer, who lived in the 18th century, and considered the ability to carry out hypnotic effects as a manifestation of animal magnetism.

hypnosis were divided into two camps:

some believed that the hypnotic state arises under the influence of the “fluid” of the hypnotist (the Parisian school of Jean Charcot);
others - under the influence of suggestion influencing the imagination (the Nancy school of Hippolyte Bernheim).

Note Currently, the division into two schools remains, only the terminology has changed.

It is worth noting that Russian scientists also had a great influence on the formation of modern ideas about hypnosis: V.M. Bekhterev, I.P. Pavlov, K.I. Platonov.

What is hypnosis: hypnotic influence

The person performing hypnotic influence simultaneously performs at least two tasks:

firstly, it puts the other person into a state of hypnosis,
secondly, it gives him some instructions or carries out a therapeutic effect through suggestion.

You need to understand that suggestion can be carried out in many other ways, for example, by causing disposition and sympathy, and as a result, uncritical perception of information by the suggested person (which can be seen in communication practice-NLP).

What hypnosis and other forms of suggestion have in common is only one thing:

addressing the unconscious part of the psyche for specific purposes.

Note In this sense, self-hypnosis is still not a hypnotic influence, since it is carried out by a person under the influence of his own conscious aspiration, using methods of influencing his own subconscious

I recommend reading the article “Consciousness and Subconsciousness” - to understand the differences between forms of human thinking/action, and “What is auto-training” - an excellent example of the psychotechnique of self-hypnosis

This is where the true purpose of hypnosis is revealed.

It consists in the possibility of direct access to the subconscious information field of a person who is temporarily unaware of himself and, as a result, does not control his actions.

It turns out that the main goal of hypnosis is to reveal the contents of the subconscious, which includes all the events in a person’s life and his values and much more.

Moreover, the purposes for which the contents of the subconscious can be used or changed can be very different. By finding out the cause of fear, for example, you can save a person from painful phobias. Hypnotic influence can also change some biophysical parameters, for example, increase the threshold of pain sensitivity, lower blood pressure, relieve addiction, increase a person’s muscle strength, and reveal superpowers.

However, while no one argues about the benefits of using hypnosis for the treatment of mental and psychosomatic diseases, the use of hypnosis to change a person’s physical abilities is often considered unjustified: if you do not feel pain, this will most likely lead to injury or the development of a disease; and if an athlete, under the influence of hypnosis, begins to run faster than others, this will make the competition unfair and, therefore, uninteresting.

- But as they say, “taste and color”...

Interesting fact For example, using hypnotic influence, I was able to reveal hidden creative abilities in a person (although initially the goal was to undergo catharsis - cleansing the psyche of negative attitudes)

A nice “bonus”, isn’t it?

By the way, studies have been conducted that have shown that after a hypnosis session people can begin to draw, sculpt, sing, write poetry, learn foreign languages, their memory and attention improve.

- However, for these purposes I still recommend using self-hypnosis.

How does hypnosis work?

Introduction to a hypnotic state is based on the ability of the brain to go into an inhibited state under the influence of rhythmic, monotonous stimulation of the senses (touch - stroking; hearing - quiet music, monotonous speech of the doctor; vision - fixation of the gaze on a shiny object), or partial blocking of the senses (closed eyes, relaxed muscles). The verbal influence of the hypnotist is precisely aimed at reducing the flow of information entering the consciousness from the outside. Attention is concentrated only on the words of the hypnotist, so verbal suggestion remains possible in a state of hypnotic sleep.

There are frequent cases of being introduced into a hypnotic state simply under the influence of the will, or, as they say, the gaze of the hypnotist. This phenomenon is associated with the characteristics of the psyche and character of the hypnotist and the person being influenced.

For example, if the hypnotist is confident in the success of his business and has sufficient authority with a person who is highly suggestible, then introduction to hypnosis (and suggestibility in general) is much easier than if the hypnotized person was critical and did not trust the hypnotist, maintaining a high level of concentration consciousness.

— I hope it’s now clear why you need an unshakable will and a firm look into the “one eye” of your interlocutor during a conversation?

Here the basic mechanism of action of hypnosis is revealed. When the consciousness does not perceive signals from its own senses, it begins to react to the signals that the hypnotist gives it, perceiving them as its own. And then what we know happens: the person carries out the actions (physical or mental) that the hypnotist asks him to do.

Note The action of the subconscious in response to the hypnotist’s command, as if bypassing consciousness, is a manifestation of the idiodynamic mechanism that communicates between the body and consciousness in the human body.

Finally, it is worth remembering what usually happens after hypnosis ends. Correct: “I didn’t see anything, I don’t know anything.”

This state is called post-hypnotic amnesia, which occurs on its own if a person was in a deep trance and his consciousness did not perceive what was happening to him; or “amnesia” occurs as a result of the corresponding suggestion of the hypnotist in the case of a shallow trance.

In the post-hypnotic state, the effects of suggestions received during trance continue. But a person, not understanding why he begins to behave differently than before, ALWAYS looks for acceptable explanations for this.

Interesting fact One day, a doctor who was conducting a hypnosis session with a woman who came to see him with an umbrella decided to conduct an experiment. He inspired her that when the session was over, she should leave the office, take her umbrella and open it. Of course, the woman did just that, and the doctor asked her: “Why did you open the umbrella in my waiting room?” The woman immediately began to look for an explanation for her action, not knowing its true reason, and after some thought she said that she wanted to check whether he was dry or not.

Those. a person ALWAYS strives to logically explain his actions, giving them credibility and adequacy. This means that a person can be inspired with anything and he will consider it his conviction, his logic and his thoughts.

And this is the true power of suggestion.

However, not all so simple. Under the influence of hypnosis, it is quite easy to make a person do something unusual, for example, eat a lemon, which he hates. But after the end of the hypnotic influence, only those commands that do not contradict the person’s own value system are easily carried out, and the rest can be blocked by the awakened consciousness.

This means that turning a person into a completely unconscious robot using hypnosis, as is often shown in movies, is almost impossible. And the lack of trust in the hypnotist and the desire to be subject to suggestion, as a rule, is a fairly serious “contraindication” for hypnosis.

So,

In this article, we figured out “ what is hypnosis ?” and “how does hypnosis ?”. In the next one, you will get acquainted with the specifics of the forms of modern hypnosis: mass, gypsy and Ericksonian.

Read the article: “Modern forms of hypnosis: mass, gypsy, Ericksonian”

Best regards, Vadim Berlin.

How is the treatment carried out?

A hypnotherapy session begins with a conversation between the hypnologist and the patient. After identifying the problem, the specialist proceeds to a hypnotherapy session. For this, the person is put into a trance state. Each hypnotherapist has his own techniques. Some use relaxing music for this, others use incense, and others use a pendulum. There are hypnotherapists who put you into a trance with their gaze. But this ability is inherent in only a few.

In a state of trance, the human brain works in a muted rhythm. Visions and voices that appear to be in a deep trance state are perceived by the patient as reality. Through hypnosis, one’s own reality is created, which is gradually brought to life. The image created by the patient during a hypnotherapy session is imperceptibly transferred to the external and internal world.

As a rule, hypnosis for diseases is used in complexes. That is, one session will not be enough to cure, for example, severe depression or phobia.

The use of hypnosis in the treatment of diseases

What else can be treated with hypnosis? Of course, these are psychiatric diseases. There is a method developed specifically for this group of diseases. It is used for the treatment and prevention of mental disorders. You can determine that a person has entered a trance by the following signs:

the gaze is fixed at one point (many hypnologists ask patients to close their eyes);
movements and swallowing reflex slow down;
muscles relax;
heart rate decreases;
breathing and eye blinking slow down.

Those who heal with hypnosis know that mental illness requires a deeper trance. Light hypnosis, for example, according to Erickson, is less effective.

Note! Many people are more difficult to succumb to the trance state, and therefore require a more careful approach.

If you are still wondering whether it is possible to treat diseases with hypnosis, we recommend that you contact a professional hypnotherapist Nikita Valerievich Baturin, who has been helping to get rid of fears and phobias that poison life for many years.

Is hypnosis harmful?

Hypnosis is a proven scientific phenomenon that can help people overcome mental problems. And although in a professional environment hypnosis is common in the practice of psychotherapists and psychiatrists, today doctors use hypnotic influence in extreme cases. And its goal is to restore the patient’s mental and physical health.

Of course, it cannot be denied that some people use hypnosis for the purpose of manipulating a person. As a tool with which you can get a person to change his preferences and decisions. For example, widely discussed cases of so-called gypsy hypnosis. But not everyone succumbs to it. After all, as we have already said, the hypnotist needs the appropriate environment, location and trust of the person.

Although hypnosis itself is a relaxing and calming procedure and does not cause physical or mental disorders, it is often abused. For example, if the hypnotist causes the subject to experience great emotional distress during a concert performance, this may lead to psychological problems.

But the danger always exists not in hypnosis, but in its incorrect use.

There are many more myths about hypnosis, including the inability to resist unwanted post-hypnotic suggestions. Therefore, before starting a session, the hypnotist must eliminate all doubts and misconceptions about hypnosis. You should have a confidential conversation with the subject, establish mutual understanding and dispel possible fears, which will help to conduct a successful induction of hypnosis.

Is it possible to treat with hypnosis online?

Today there are many training courses that are conducted online. Therefore, one of the pressing questions is: is it possible to treat diseases with hypnosis over the Internet? It is possible to give an unambiguous answer to this question.

MYTHS ABOUT HYPNOSIS AND HYPNOBIRTH

Hypnosis for stage shows

Most people initially learn about hypnosis through the media when they see someone staring at a swinging clock and falling asleep. Although the phenomena of hypnosis can be used for entertainment, hypnosis is primarily used to help people change habits, improve their understanding of their behavior and their inner world in order to improve their quality of life. The effectiveness of hypnosis has been confirmed by a huge amount of research and is now widely used in psychology to treat anxiety, phobias and pain. The truth is that most of us are in a state of hypnosis every day. Have you ever come home from work and realized that you can't remember every turn, stop sign, etc.? During these moments, you were operating at a level of consciousness in which routine activities are performed on autopilot. This conscious state is called the alpha state. The alpha brainwave state is the most commonly used state in hypnosis.

Hypnosis is hocus pocus

Uninformed people sometimes use terms such as hocus pocus and voodoo to describe hypnosis. These terms diminish the results of clinical interventions that help thousands of people every year. As mentioned earlier, hypnosis has been a standard of care in psychology for many years and is gaining more and more popularity as the public becomes more and more aware of the connection between the mind and body. Most people know that stress causes illness, but do not realize that many other behaviors and emotions cause illness as well. Hypnosis is used to find root causes, emotions, beliefs and behavior to improve both mental and physical health. The reason hypnosis is so effective is because gentle hypnosis practitioners work with the subconscious mind, where scientists believe 95% of the solutions to our problems lie.

Hypnosis won't work on me

Hypnosis is effective for those who truly want to change their thoughts, beliefs and behavior. You cannot be hypnotized against your will, it is only effective when you allow yourself to go into hypnosis. The mind is a very powerful tool and when we use it for our benefit, positive changes occur. But first you must choose hypnosis as you would choose any other treatment method.

I'm afraid of losing control

A person under hypnosis remains in complete control and can return to any level of awareness at any time. Because control is maintained, people act as they would in their everyday lives. No one violates moral standards while under hypnosis.

What if I fall asleep?

This can happen when a person relaxes so much that they fall asleep. It's not too common, but it can happen and won't hurt you in any way. The unconscious part that we want to reach is always awake and will hear what is being said; the session will still be effective.

You can't give birth under hypnosis

It is so created by nature that the giving birth mother is in an altered state of consciousness; hormones also help to disconnect from the surrounding reality and focus more on what is happening with the baby and in the body. Classes with a professional hypnobirthing instructor teach you how to deepen this state and relax even more. This is the deepest misconception that in the process of hypnosis there is no control; on the contrary, hypnomoms are better focused. After all, in a state of deep relaxation, the mother feels and understands her body and everything that happens to it during childbirth in the best possible way. There is no unnecessary tension or fear, the whole process is easier and calmer.

Childbirth is painful

Birth shouldn't be painful. A woman's body is designed to give birth. The Hypnobirthing course talks about the many natural chemicals that are produced in the body during pregnancy and childbirth that help the body perform its functions. Pain is usually the result of long-held negative beliefs about childbirth or the result of unnecessary medical interventions that interrupt the body's natural processes. Statistics show that mothers who give birth using the hypnobirthing method are treated with fewer painkillers and various medical interventions. Mothers share wonderful birth stories and talk about their trust in their bodies and babies.

You cannot give birth using the hypnobirthing method in a regular maternity hospital.

Hypnomoms can choose any type of birth: vertical or in water, with or without a paid contract. During the courses, mothers learn deep relaxation techniques and breathing techniques to help them give birth easily.

Partial material used from here: https://www.chooseperfectlynatural.com/HypnoBirthing_Myths_and_Truths.pdf

Are there any contraindications for hypnotherapy?

We have already found out what can be treated with hypnosis, now we will consider whether this method of treatment is available to everyone. Like other therapeutic methods, it has contraindications. These include:

acute heart failure;
recent stroke or heart attack;
all psychiatric diseases (schizophrenia, paranoia, manic-depressive syndrome);
epilepsy, etc.

The above factors are extremely rare in hypnotherapy practice, but they exist. Therefore, before hypnotherapy, patients undergo a consultation with a specialist who determines the possibility of using the procedure in each specific case.

Note! The presence of contraindications does not mean that patients will encounter complications. But precautions must be taken. In addition, the effectiveness of the method in this case decreases.

Thus, hypnotherapy is an improved method of treating a number of diseases, especially somatic and psychological.