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Hypnosis
is an age-old healing procedure in which the patient enters a deeply
relaxed and intensely focused psychological state. This natural
therapeutic technique was practiced in Egypt more than 3,000 years
ago. The name comes from Hypno-the Greek god of sleep. In the late
eighteenth century, a German doctor, Franz Mesmer (origin of the
term "mesmerize"), brought hypnosis to the West. Today,
this healing technique is widely accepted as a medical therapy to
treat addictions, phobias, pain and many other conditions. The main
principle behind hypnosis is to put a patient in a trace-like state
in which she shuts out distractions and becomes receptive to the
therapist's suggestions and instructions. As the patient passes
from the conscious mind, the therapist tries to foster positive
thoughts and feeling in her to activate the self-healing powers
of both the mind and body.
Who can
be hypnotized?
The patient should have a strong belief in recovery and in the value
of hypnosis. This is because only someone who wants to be hypnotized
and who trusts the therapist can truly achieve a trance state. In
general, creative people are more easily hypnotized than those who
are mistrustful or fearful. Successful hypnosis also depended on
the ability to relax. It is estimated that 70-90 percent of people
are suitable subjects.
The treatment
:
The therapeutic use of hypnosis, also known as hypnotherapy, should
be performed only by a well trained and experienced doctor or other
health-care professional. The session begins with a relaxation exercise,
which helps the patient shut out everyday concerns and distractions.
The patient may then be asked to focus on a particular object, to
follow the therapist's fingertips or just to close her eyes and
do breath induction. Once the trance state is achieved, the therapist
offers suggestions designed to help heal the patient. Treatment
usually requires 5-15 sessions. Some insures now partially cover
cost.
The effects
Hypnosis alters both physical and mental states. During a hypnotic
trance, pulse, breathing and movements slow considerably as the
patient enters a state of profound relaxation. The logical faculties
that people normally use to filter and censer incoming information
are suspended, and the patient becomes deeply receptive to the therapist's
suggestions. During the session, the therapist conveys positive
feelings and ideas to the patient in order to effect healing. Hypnosis
is a particularly traumas that may underlie a psychosomatic illness
or an addition.
The
latest research findings
Studies show that hypnosis produces changes in the brain's electrical
activity. As a result, many patients who undergo hypnosis to relieve
pain can reduce their use of pain relievers. Research also confirms
that the technique can help people quit smoking. Hypnosis should
always be used in conjunction with other forms of medical treatment.
Beware of hypnotists
Who promise success in a short period of time.
Extra
tip : Ask your therapist about
self-care exercises that you can perform at home. The hypnotic healing
process is often fostered by such actions as repeating formulaic
sentences on a daily basis. Typical statements might include, "My
symptoms are improving all the time" or "I will soon be
healthy."
Used
to alleviate chronic pain and psychosomatic illnesses; and to moderate
depression, asthma, addictions, allergies, sleep disturbances and
anxiety
Successful
hypnosis
- Before starting
therapy, the patient should discuss her prior medical history,
important events that have affected her personality development
and her overall physical and mental health with the hypnotist.
- The hypnotist
mobilizes a patient's innate healing powers in the fight against
illness. For example, the therapist may get a patient with arthritis
to concentrate on a painful joint in order to promote the flow
of inflammation-fighting white blood cells to tea area. Or, to
treat an addiction, the therapist will strengthen the patient's
resolve to live free of the harmful substance. Suggestions not
to smoke, for example, may be voiced as: "I can breathe freely.
My lungs are healthy." The patient should also repeat such
statements regularly at home.
- The therapist
gently brings the patient out of the trance. At times this feels
abrupt and may cause fear, dizziness and a dozed feeling.
Contraindications
- In general,
patients suffering from psychosis, delusions or severe anxiety
should not undergo hypnosis because the trance state can induce
unpredictable or uncontrollable reactions in those with such severe
psychological disturbances.
- Children
younger than 5 should never undergo hypnosis; it can be too disorienting.
- Hypnosis
may provoke potentially harmful reactions, such as severe low
blood pressure or a dangerous slowing of the heart. If either
occurs, therapy may have to be stopped.
- Some patients
become overly dependent on or almost "addicted" to hypnosis.
When this happens, therapy must be discontinued.
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