Hypnosis and How it Works
A Brief Description of Hypnosis
Hypnosis is derived from the Greek word �hypnos,� which means sleep. However, hypnosis is NOT a state of sleep. The clinical definition of hypnosis is heightened states of awareness dominated by the subconscious mind. Hypnosis is a treatment modality approved by the British Medical Association since 1955 and the American Medical Association since 1958. The brain operates in four general states determined by the frequency of the electricity generated by the exchange of chemicals in the neural pathways. The four states include:
1) Full Conscious Awareness, 2) The Hypnotic State, 3) The Dream State, 4) The Sleep State. These four states correspond to electrical activity in the brain and are defined by the frequency ranges on the Electroencephalogram (EEG). Full conscious awareness occurs when the majority of the electrical activity in the brain is in the beta range (14-35 Hz). The hypnotic state occurs when brain activity is in the alpha range (8-13 Hz). The dream state occurs when brain activity is in the delta range (.5-3 Hz). Full conscious awareness is where we spend most of our waking hours. In this state our mind is attentive and uses logic to reason, evaluate, assess, judge, and make decisions. When we experience transitions and disease, the answer may arrive from the subconscious mind and dreams. In the hypnotic state, the doorway between the conscious and the subconscious is opened. Memories become easily accessible and new information is stored. In the hypnotic state, we are �experiencing� a deeply relaxed state, which affects a physiological transition from the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous system (see Figure 1-1). In addition the secretion of a chemical compound called nitric oxide combats the stress response. Healing states are stimulated, and destructive behavioral patterns are modified.
Read MoreWhy hypnosis works?
Hypnosis works by
re-programming the subconscious mind with new information.
It can be used to
modify destructive behavioral patterns and replace them with a healthy life style and productive quality of life.
Physical sensations
can be altered thus eliciting a state of health and freedom from pain.
Hypnosis works by
�shaping our perception of reality through healthy updates of our subconscious mind.
