Hypnosis Information
History of Hypnosis
Hypnosis has a very long history, having been used as early as 2000 B.C. in Egyptian “sleep” or “dream” temples where a “sacred sleep” was induced for healing purposes. In the 18th Century, Austrian physician named Franz Anton Mesmer, popularized the therapeutic use of suggestion (known as “mesmerism” at the time) and not long after (around 1770), a Scottish surgeon named James Braid coined the term “hypnosis”. Eventually, a French Pharmacist introduced “auto-suggestion” or “self-hypnosis” in the 1900’s, realizing that people actually had the ability to heal themselves. Hypnosis was approved as a field of study by the American Medical Association in 1958 and has certainly advanced over the years. It is now recognized as a very effective and safe treatment for many ailments. Hypnosis can be used on its own or in combination with other healing modalities and/or medical treatments.
Hypnosis in Everyday Life
We are in and out of hypnosis naturally several times every day. It always happens just before you fall asleep and immediately after you wake up, but there are many other examples… Have you ever driven somewhere and upon arrival, not really remembered the last 5 minutes of your drive? Have you ever been so deeply engrossed in a movie, TV show or book… feeling as if the characters are real and being moved emotionally? Even when a person is daydreaming, playing video games, dancing, or is “lost in the music”, they are in a state of hypnosis. Have you lost all control or awareness when doing any of those things?… Of course not! You’re simply focused on one thing, to the exclusion of everything else. This is one of the main aspects of hypnosis.
How Does Hypnosis work?
The power for change lies within your subconscious (inner) mind, and hypnosis is a SAFE, FAST and EFFECTIVE way to access that part of your mind. Through guided relaxation of your body and mind, we are able to bypass the critical faculty, the analytical part of your conscious mind, and essentially re-train your mind to create positive outcomes. New, and more useful, concepts (given as “suggestions”) are introduced and easily accepted in hypnosis. That new information is what your conscious mind will draw from when making decisions, taking actions or forming opinions, impacting your life in a positive way.
Hypnosis directly influences the inner mind, which is where lasting change takes place! Hypnosis isn’t a temporary fix… It is a long-term solution!
"What we think determines what happens to us, so if we want to change our lives, we need to stretch our minds."
~ Wayne Dyer
Hypnosis FAQs
No, not everyone, but about 90-95% of all people can be hypnotized. Any person of normal intelligence has the ability to be hypnotized. Of course, imagination and a willingness to cooperate are essential. The best hypnotic candidate is someone who is strongly motivated to realize their goals. You have to want it!
Absolutely not! When a person is in hypnosis, they remain in control of their mind and body the whole time. Hypnosis can’t “make” you do anything. It makes it easy for you to achieve what it is you want. The hypnotist is simply a guide. The power to change is within the mind of the person in hypnosis. In fact, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis! You choose to enter the hypnotic state… You choose to remain in that state… You choose to accept or reject the suggestions you hear… And you choose to emerge from hypnosis. All the power lies within you!
People volunteering for those shows know exactly what they are signing up for… To have fun and to entertain people! They will respond to hypnotic suggestions, but they won’t do anything that goes against their morals or that they don’t want to do. They would instead simply ignore the suggestion, or emerge from hypnosis.
Not at all. In fact, you will be aware of everything going on around you if you want to be. You will also hear every word that is spoken when in hypnosis. You may or may not consciously remember everything that was said afterwards, but your subconscious mind will remember all of the hypnotic suggestions that are given.
Yes. No one stays hypnotized. You will come out of the hypnotic state when prompted by the hypnotist or whenever you wish. Remember, you are in control the whole time.
Yes! There are easy ways to follow along in hypnosis and quiet your mind. Your hypnotist will help you with this in the moment and you will likely be surprised with how easy it is to simply follow along with each word as it is said. And even if your thoughts start to wander while in hypnosis, that’s totally fine. Your subconscious mind is still listening and absorbing all of the positive messages you will receive.
Strong-minded people actually enter hypnosis very easily. Your determination will serve you well in hypnosis!
No. Hypnosis has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with the power of your own mind. It is a safe, easy and very effective way to direct your inner mind to focus on a positive outcome.
Absolutely! In fact, children are very susceptible, even without being in hypnosis, up to the age of about 6-8 years old. Before that they haven’t yet fully developed the critical faculty (analytical part) of their conscious mind. So be very careful what you say to your young children since you are helping them form their belief systems that they will access throughout their lives. Children, teens and young adults can all benefit from hypnosis. Fears, nervous habits, focus issues, test anxiety, self-confidence, athletic performance, trouble sleeping, and more can all be alleviated with hypnosis if the participant is willing.
There doesn’t have to be any type of special feelings associated with hypnosis. Most people do experience a feeling of complete relaxation and very much enjoy their time in a hypnosis session.
What to expect during your hypnosis session(s)
- One of the first things you can expect is complete relaxation of your body and mind! Each session is personalized for you and what you may need at that particular time. Hypnotic suggestions and NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) techniques are customized throughout your program to help you reach your goals. Each hypnosis session is approximately 60 minutes minutes depending on what may be needed.
- If you’d like, Reiki can also be incorporated into your hypnosis sessions.
- You are also sent home with audio tracks to reinforce your hypnosis and support you through your program, helping you stay focused on your goals.
- Self-hypnosis techniques are also learned and easily mastered to reinforce your desired changes and significantly lessen the chance of relapse. This allows self-hypnosis to be a life skill that you can use for positive change anytime.
What Hypnosis can be used for ?
The question should almost be, “What can’t hypnosis be used for?” as the list of possibilities is endless. These are some of the more common uses for hypnosis:
- Weight Management/Weight Loss
- Smoking Cessation/Quit Smoking
- Stress Management/Stress Reduction
- Panic attacks, and worrisome or uneasy feelings
- Low moods & increasing optimism
- Confidence Boosting & Improving Self-Esteem
- Pain Management/Chronic Pain
- Migraines/Headaches
- Sleep Enhancement/Insomnia
- Childbirth
- Fertility
- Performance Enhancement (Sports, Arts or otherwise)
- Public speaking & stage fright
- Fears, aversions & apprehensions
- Bad or nervous habits
- Test Anxiety
- Focus & Concentration
- Memory Improvement
- Goal Setting & Motivation
- Reducing side effects from cancer treatment
- Dental & Medical Procedures
- Pre-surgery preparation
Many people notice even more wonderful benefits from hypnosis, aside from what they initially wanted to accomplish. Hypnosis promotes wellness in all ways!
If there is a change you’d like to make in your life, there’s a good chance Hypnosis can help you make that change!
The effectiveness of hypnosis varies depending on a person’s motivation, belief, expectation, and commitment to change, as well as their ability to use their imagination (which is the language of the subconscious mind). Results may vary based on these factors.
Are you ready to let go of what’s
holding you back?
Why wait?
The time for change is now!
Call Edmonton Hypnosis Solutions today and take the first step towards your empowered future!
