The word hypnosis comes from the Greek word “hypnos” which means sleep. Those who are hypnotized become in a trance-like state and results in them becoming almost completely unaware of their surroundings. Hypnotherapy is commonly used to treat psychological and physical problems.

Hypnosis is not used to treat disease, but only to cure the symptoms of the disease. Experts are not completely aware of how hypnosis works, but it is thought that it causes the brain to release naturally produced substances which affect the way you perceive pain and other symptoms of disease. Other people believe that hypnosis puts you in a state of deep relaxation which leaves the brain open to suggestion. They think that the suggestions placed upon you in hypnosis allow you to control bodily reactions that you normally have no control over. This can result in you controlling bodily functions such as blood pressure, your heart rate, hunger, and some types of pain. Because of its effectiveness hypnosis has been used to treat a variety of different conditions. The pain of child birth, surgery, anxiety, insomnia, asthma, irritability, and irritable bowel syndrome are just a few of the things that can be treated by hypnosis. It can also be used to treat pain associated with cancer treatments such as nausea or vomiting. Others have used hypnotherapy to successfully quit smoking or to help them in weight management. Contrary to popular belief you cannot be hypnotized without your consent. You control your own state of relaxation, and a state of concentration is required to undergo hypnosis.

Although some people practice self hypnosis, it should really be left up to a psychiatric professional. Although hypnotherapy can be quit useful in treating a variety of different conditions there are some subjects which can be dangerous to bring up during this type of therapy. Past sexual abuse is an example of a subject which should not be approached through hypnotherapy because the brain is in a state of extreme vulnerability and very open to suggestion during hypnotherapy sessions. To be safe make sure your hypnotherapist is experienced and takes the necessary precautions to make your hypnosis experience a positive one.