How Hypnosis Can Help Create a Healthy Lifestyle

Some of us engage in behaviors that can be harmful and unhealthy, such as overeating and smoking. Perhaps you have issues with insomnia, stress, or irrational fears. Hypnosis, defined as an artificially induced trance state resembling sleep, can be an effective tool in helping you address and remove these unwanted elements in your life. 

Expert Beacon featured an article written by Kimberly Friedmutter which provides useful information for those who are looking for a natural and non-invasive way to a healthier and stress-free lifestyle.

According to Friedmutter, there are certain facts you need to know and understand before pursuing hypnosis.  Here is a hypnosis Q & A:

Q: Does a person have to want to be hypnotized for it to work?
A: Yes and no. The suggestibility level of the subject matters to a degree. For example, if a person uses conscious resistance to the process, then it can take longer to for them to relax, therefore possibly inhibiting the success of the process.

Q: Are there different levels of hypnosis or sleep once the person is hypnotized?
A: Yes. Initially, pre-sleep or relaxation occurs, heart rate slows and body temperature drops. The next level is a light-sleep. The person is still easily awoken without having feelings of disorientation. The third level is slow-wave sleep where blood pressure begins to drop and finally, deep sleep. During this final stage, the subject is hard to awake and when awakened will feel confused and sleepy.

Q: Will I be asked a lot of questions by the hypnotist?
A: A trained hypnotist will not be asking you questions as much as making suggestions to you.

Q: Does Hypnosis require physical touch?
A: No! Hypnosis does not require touching of any kind. Blindfolds are often used to eliminate sight in order to enhance the hypnotic experience.

Q: Will I remember my hypnosis session?
A: Memories of sessions may vary. Some people report feeling like they are dreaming, drifting or floating. It is not uncommon to remember some parts of a hypnotic session or the practitioners voice. This voice may be heard in parts or in a muffled, muted tone.

Q: Is Hypnosis the same as meditation?
A: Hypnosis is different than meditation although relaxation is part of both processes. Meditation is the focus on breath and absence of thought. Hypnosis is most effective when listening to the hypnotist’s voice and thinking about what is suggested.

Q: How long do the effects of Hypnosis last?
A: The effects of hypnosis can last a lifetime. If the process is successful, the sessions should alleviate the presenting problem. Relapse may occur, but most practitioners would expect lasting results for most issues.

Q: Is self-hypnosis an option and does it work?
A: Self-hypnosis is an excellent option and there are many books and recordings on this protocol. Basic fundamentals apply, give it a try!

Q: Do hypnotists tape sessions?
A: Some do. Some people find a tape helpful if they want to hear their session repeatedly. Tapes are helpful only if the client listens to them. If it is believed to be a benefit to you, make certain you use taping as a criteria when interviewing hypnotists.

Q: What about the success rate of a hypnotist?
A: Success rates vary depending on the definition of success and how long a client is ‘tracked’ after the sessions. Not all hypnotists can be aware of relapse, etc. . . . so success rates can be unreliable and inaccurate. The decision for the session to be successful primarily relies on the subject. Therefore, hypnosis can be made a success from the decision to make it exactly that.

Q: Does a hypnotist say the same thing to all clients during Hypnosis?
A: No. Hypnotists often times use ‘scripts’ which is the term for what a hypnotist says, even when created by the hypnotist. There are many scripts available for all variations of presenting problems. Scripts can be found readily online, self-help books and recordings.

Friedmutter also explains relaxation is an integral part of hypnosis as it lowers the chances of suggestibility and preconceived ideas.  She also states that hypnosis is becoming a more commonly used method of therapy:

“Hypnosis is an excellent way to modify unwanted behavior and enhance desired behavior. Many people, including notables in history, have had much success with hypnosis. Hypnosis has become an accepted and acknowledged form of healing and transformation.”