Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a method of inducing a trance or a dream-like state in order to treat disorders of mainly psychological or emotional origin. It has been practised in various forms for thousands of years by many cultures including African, American Indian, Celtic, Egyptian and Ancient Greek. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, hypnosis, or ‘mesmerism’, was seen more as a sideshow curiosity than a valid medical treatment. Today, it is recognised by the scientific community as an effective healing tool, although how hypnotherapy works is still something of a mystery. Hypnosis is used as a part of medical, psychological and dental treatments; it is not a treatment in its own right.

A range of disorders
Hypnosis is effective in treating a range of disorders, including:
   Anxiety
   Asthma
   Chronic pain
   Fears and phobias
   Giving up smoking
   High blood pressure
   Insomnia
   Panic attacks
   Stress.

The alpha brainwave
A hypnotic state can occur naturally and spontaneously, such as when you are absorbed in a pleasant task, or when day-dreaming. Clinical hypnosis is the deliberate induction of an altered state of awareness. The brain has different levels of consciousness, or awareness, ranging from fully alert to drowsy to fully asleep, with variations in between. These different levels of consciousness can be mapped by brain wave activity, using a device called an electroencephalograph (EEG). When the brain is calm, it produces a distinctive EEG pattern called alpha waves. According to current theory, the subconscious mind is more accessible when the brain is producing alpha waves, because the conscious mind is relaxed. Therapeutic suggestions can then be given, usually to great effect.

You are in control

Suggestions tend to be taken to heart, but only if those suggestions are acceptable to the hypnotised person. Contrary to popular belief, you can’t be hypnotised into doing things against your will. You can’t be forced into a hypnotic state either. Instead, you allow yourself to be hypnotised. It is a voluntary altering of your own consciousness, and you are always in control.

Degrees of suggestibility

One in ten people are very easy to hypnotise. Eighty per cent of the general population is reasonably open to hypnotic suggestion. The remaining 10 cent are resistant. In general, children are easier subjects than adults. Your degree of suggestibility has a lot to do with certain personality traits and doesn’t mean you have a weak character, as is popularly believed. Easily hypnotised people have a number of positive traits in common, including:

   High creativity or artistic tendencies
   A good imagination
   The ability to lose oneself in a movie or book
   The ability to concentrate and keep mental focus.

Different methods of hypnosis

Typically, relaxing the mind involves the use of imagery. For instance, you might be asked to imagine a peaceful scene. Being in a hypnotic state feels similar to the dreamy state of mind that exists just before falling asleep, except you are alert and aware of your surroundings. There are many ways to deliberately induce this altered state of consciousness, including:
   A qualified hypnosis practitioner
   Hypnosis audiotapes
   Imaginative techniques
   Relaxation techniques.

Special considerations
Hypnotherapy should be avoided if you are suffering from severe depression or psychosis.

Where to get help
   Your doctor
   Australian Society of Hypnosis Tel. (03) 9496 4548.

Things to remember

    Hypnosis is designed to induce a relaxed and suggestible state of mind.
    Around 90 per cent of the general population can be hypnotised to varying degrees.
    Contrary to popular belief, you are always in control and can’t be hypnotised against your will.