Hypnosis can be traced back over 4,000 years ago to ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians used to have sleep or dream temples where sick people were healed. These people were put into a trance-like state. Priests would use various forms of chanting to induce them into such a state. Healing would take place while the sick person was in that hypnotic condition. The priests used the power of suggestio
n to help the sick people obtain a cure for their illness. Today, hypnosis is being used in many self-improvement categories like weight loss and stop-smoking programs. It has also been used to control certain habits like bed-wetting and thumb-sucking in younger patients. Hypnotherapy is fast becoming popular because it doesn’t involve drugs and has no serious side effects. Hypnosis is defined as an altered state of consciousness that is usually achieved with the help of a hypnotherapist. A person under hypnosis is usually characterized to have intense concentration, in extreme relaxation and has high suggestibility. Many people believe that hypnosis is also a way of accessing repressed memories, multiple personalities, mystical insights or memories of past lives. Hypnosis is also used as a therapeutic technique to help gain control over one’s behavior, emotions or well-being. Hypnotherapy also has the potential to aid in the relief of symptoms associated with different health conditions. It’s typically used together with other treatments. The most common hypnotic techniques are fixed-gaze induction or eye fixation, rapid progressive relaxation and imagery, and loss of balance. The fixed-gaze induction or eye fixation method involves getting the subject to focus intently on a single object and tune everything else out. The subject is lulled into relaxation as the hypnotist talks to him in a low tone. The rapid technique is done by overloading the subject’s mind with abrupt, firm commands. A forceful command coupled with a convincing hypnotist gets the subject to surrender his conscious control over the situation. Stage hypnotists usually use this method. The term "hypnosis" comes from the Ancient Greek word meaning to sleep.A person in a state of hypnosis is relaxed, has focused attention, and has increased suggestibility.Hypnosis is normally preceded by a "hypnotic induction" technique/
Hypnosis is normally preceded by a "hypnotic induction" technique,
In 1973, Dr. John Kappas, Founder of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, wrote and defined the profession of a hypnotherapist in the Federal Dictionary of Occupational Titles:
"Induces hypnotic state in client to increase motivation or alter behavior patterns: Consults with client to determine nature of problem. Prepares client to enter hypnotic state by explaining how hypnosis works and what client will experience. Tests subject to determine degree of physical and emotional suggestibility. Induces hypnotic state in client, using individualized methods and techniques of hypnosis based on interpretation of test results and analysis of client's problem. May train client in self-hypnosis conditioning
