Do you wonder if hypnosis works? The short answer is yes, but let’s explore the definition of hypnosis. I want to share the meaning behind hypnosis terms, such as the unconscious mind, a state of trance, and hypnotic suggestions.

Hypnosis is a natural state of consciousness, which everyone experiences throughout a typical day. Think of activities you’re so absorbed in that block other stimulus, noise, or interruptions. One example is when you’re completely absorbed in your favorite TV show: your attention is solely on the program, and you may not hear someone talking to you or hear the telephone ringing. You also experience a type of hypnosis when driving to a destination without remembering every turn or traffic light; you arrive and think, “The car knew where I was going”. Actually, in both these examples, you are hyper focused and in a type of hypnosis or trance. Hypnosis works because it’s a naturally occurring state of being.

The definition of hypnotherapy (or hypnotism) is “the use of trance and suggestion to improve general self-control and maintain a positive mental attitude,” according to The National Guild of Hypnotists. Understanding that a “trance” is that hyper focused state we just discussed, let’s talk about your unconscious mind and the use of suggestion.

To make permanent, positive changes in your life, it’s important to address those changes on the unconscious level. Your hypnotist or hypnotherapist uses techniques that will guide you into a completely relaxed state, or trance. In hypnosis, your unconscious mind is focused on the hypnotist’s words and suggestions. Your unconscious mind is the part of your mind that makes important decisions about your physical functioning, like

• Management and awareness of physical sensations including pain.
• Awareness of body position.
• Regulating the functions of autonomic nervous system including blood pressure, heart rate, hormone secretion, body temperature, respiration etc.

Your unconscious mind also maintains:

• Emotional expression
• Memories and recall
• Fantasies, dreams and daydreams
• Intuition and inspiration

You will work with your hypnotist or hypnotherapist in explaining problems or issues. Together, you will decide on a goal for your hypnosis session. Using various techniques, your hypnotist will make “suggestions” to your unconscious mind. The suggestions are positive statements to help you reach your goal.

Hypnosis works because it’s a natural state that all humans experience. Hypnosis allows you to reach the unconscious mind, where positive and permanent change happens. Hypnosis is an effective tool for dealing with many issues, like pain management, weight loss, smoking cessation, reducing anxiety and stress, personal and professional success, and many positive life changes.

Scientific studies show hypnosis works for:

1. Smoking (Texas A&M and others)
2. Weight Loss (Oxford University and others)
3. Pain Management (Stanford University and others)
4. Drug & Alcohol Addiction (Ohio State University and others)
5. Healing Faster (Harvard University)

If you’d to discover the benefits of hypnosis, you can find a hypnotist or hypnotherapist in your area by visiting Advanced Hypnosis of America.

And to learn more about hypnosis and its benefits on your health, visit http://hypnosisforlifechanges.com

I’m passionate about helping people make permanent, positive changes to their lives.

Let’s chat about hypnosis,
Larry Akers, CHT
Hypnotherapist