What Is Hypnosis?

By Luanne Ruona, MD

Hypnosis Plus Center

More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles

What Is Hypnosis?

What is hypnosis? Basically, it can be said that it is a state where the conscious mind is so distracted and relaxed that it allows messages to get through to the subconscious. It is a tool for change that enables the conscious and subconscious to work together in a healthy way.

From childhood on, we are all hypnotized in various ways (parents, teachers, TV, peers, etc.) to certain beliefs about life, the way we find our limitations, talents, that we lose power as we age and many other negative beliefs that can lead to stress, unhappiness, emotional pain and disease.

Hypnosis has many skeptics because of media misinformation, giving visions of hypnosis that are not accurate. You will never say or do anything that is against your value system. It does not create amnesia. Hypnosis is not part of the occult nor is it super-natural.

Self-talk is a form of self-hypnosis. We all do it every day by saying, “I can’t get to the gym” or “I don’t have time.”

Can I Be Hypnotized?

This is a very common question. The vast majority of people can be hypnotized and especially if they want and expect to be. If someone does not want to be hypnotized they will not be.

Hypnosis is a wonderful tool for self-change because it reaches the subconscious and helps us communicate with it. Exploration and documentation of civilization proves that most discoveries, significant material and insights emerged from the subconscious during moments of relaxation and rest. Einstein openly admitted, “Imagination was more important than knowledge.”

The Russians have long been known for their use of hypnosis and mental imaging. In preparation for the 1980 Olympics, they divided their athletes into four groups. The groups were divided among those who only did physical training to those who did a combination of physical and mental training. The group that did the most mental training won the most medals. Jack Nicklaus, the world famous golfer, said his success was 10 percent swing, 40 percent set up and stance, and 50 percent mental picture.

The central nervous system does not differentiate between deep-seated mental programming for an activity and the actual physical activity. Hypnosis encourages and helps this mental programming. It is a wonderful tool to help and guide you on your path to self-fulfillment and a more joyous and happy life.