What is Hypnosis?
DEFINITION: Hypnosis is a particular altered state of selective hyper-suggestibility brought about in an individual by the use of a combination of relaxation, fixation of attention, and suggestion.
There are many definitions and theories about the nature of hypnosis; however, the understanding of hypnosis and why it works is still unanswered. The best we can do is describe what happens when a subject is in a state of hypnosis.
Just as Papa said in “MY Big Fat Greek Wedding”, “…every word comes from the Greek.” The word “hypnosis” comes from the Greek word “hypnos” which means “sleep”. Although the state of hypnosis is not sleep, it does resemble a sleep-like state; so, for lack of a better word, “hypnosis” stuck!
Unfortunately, when folks think of hypnosis, they automatically think of the hypnotist who performs on stage by hypnotizing his/her subjects and making them do funny or
entertaining acts.
It’s very convincing and quite entertaining; but at the same time, it’s a “hard act to follow” for a clinical hypnotherapist who knows the value of hypnosis in physical, mental and emotional healing. We first have to bring down the stigma caused by these stage hypnotists in order to ward off any fears a client may have about being out of control or being manipulated to do something against their will.
Studies have revealed that when a person enters the hypnotic trance state, *brainwave activity slows (theta level) and the person becomes highly receptive to suggestion. There is no explanation for this phenomenon. It appears that when a person is in an altered state of brainwave activity, the conscious, critical thinking mind steps aside, and the
programmable, habitual, non-critical part of the mind steps forward to receive and accept suggestions.
The brain has four different brain wave states: beta, alpha, theta, and delta.
Beta state - the normal waking state, which is measured at a frequency of 14-28
cycles per second.
Alpha state - a relaxed state which is inductive to visualization and creativity.
The alpha wave pattern occurs during a brainwave frequency from 9 to 14 cycles
per second.
Theta state - occurs during REM Sleep. The theta state is a deeper state of
relaxation that also occurs during hypnosis and meditation. The brain shows a theta
wave pattern from 4 to 8 cycles per second. Theta brain waves can be considered
the subconscious. It is the first stage of the phase where people dream.
Delta state - the sleep state. The brain shows a delta wave pattern from 1 to 4
cycles per second.
Gamma occurs when a person is processing stimuli and grouping things into a
coherent whole. It is not a state of mind. It occurs during beta.
*Levels of brainwave activity can be recognized and measured by a machine called an electroencephalogram (EEG). Hypnosis occurs between the alpha and theta level of brainwave activity. -- Science Daily
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy using hypnosis as the tool to reach the subconscious mind where all of our behavior patterns, habits, beliefs, and emotions are stored.
A Clinical Hypnotherapist is a specialist who has been trained to use hypnosis techniques in a therapeutic setting to help clients with behavior modification such as: to eliminate fears or phobias, break unwanted habits such as smoking or nail biting; eliminate sleep and eating disorders, enhance performance in sports or business; improve skills such as reading, studying or passing tests.
A professionally trained Clinical Hypnotherapist knows how to help their client re-program thoughts and beliefs, establish new habits, heal conflicting problems, and allow the body and mind to work together in harmony for optimum health and well-being.
The body and mind were designed, from the very beginning, to work together to keep us healthy and happy. A healthy body needs good nutrition, regular exercise , healthy habits, and a healthy mind.
A healthy mind must have positive and supportive thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. If the mind is not healthy, the body is not healthy, regardless of good nutrition, regular exercise, and healthy habits.