What is Hypnosis

 Dear readers and friends,

Today I present to you an interesting topic that will have followed up with other articles: Hypnosis. Even this topic is surrounded by many erroneous ideas and preconceptions that we will try to debunk in a series of articles about it.

Hypnosis owes its name to the Greek word hypnos (sleep), even though the hypnotic state is very different from that of sleeping. It has been practiced by man since the dawn of time, testimonies come from the time of the ancient Babylonians, Greeks and Egyptians and has taken on different denominations depending on the religion, culture or tradition that exercised it. In general practices involving the use of songs, drums and dance rituals to change or alter the state of consciousness fall under the definition of hypnosis. These methods have been successfully used and handed down for centuries and centuries by Druids, Vikings, Indian yogis, Sufis, shamans, King Wonderworkers, Hindu priests and more broadly by saints of all religions and enlightened men of every tradition and culture . In 2600 BC, for example, Wong Tai, the father of Chinese medicine, wrote of healing techniques based on certain hand movements and repeated words. Many stories about what we now call hypnosis can also be read in the Bible and in the Hindu Vedas.

HYPNOSIS: Physiological state, usually artificially induced, apparently similar to sleep, which allows a great variety of behavioral responses to verbal stimulation. The hypnotized individual seems to be in communication only with the hypnotist and to follow his suggestions uncritically, automatically, ignoring the stimuli of the environment. Without the conscious contribution of the will, the hypnotized person perceives sensations even in contrast with the stimuli that affect the sense organs. Memory and self-awareness may also be impaired, and the effects of suggestions may be extended (posthypnotically) to subsequent normal vigilance activity. The induction of hypnosis does not require experience: even a recorded tape can be sufficient. (TRECCANI ENCYCLOPEDIA)

Hypnosis is a state of consciousness of complete presence to oneself and to the outside.

Natural function of the mind thanks to which numerous benefits can be obtained, hypnosis allows a cerebral synchronization of the two hemispheres for a perfect optimization of human resources.

The hypnotic process consists in a total concentration of attention within oneself to draw on the entire range of the individual's abilities and make them usable, ready for use. 

Through the hypnotist the person arrives at both the inner and higher self, guided step by step into the maze of his own subconscious with different verbal and paraverbal as well as non-verbal models, to ensure that he can find within  his mind all the resources necessary to solve a problematic state and make lasting changes.

It has been shown that most of us use only a measly 5% of our brain capacity; others, the most talented who have made history or who succeed with excellence in their activities, have come to exploit up to 10% or a maximum of 20%. 

Based on the fundamental principle that recognizes anyone, without exception, the ability to improve and on the basis of a firm belief that we can all make the most of our abilities, reflection leads us to consider the possibility that these super-powered characters have understood what can be defined as the "secret": leave room for instinct and imagination! By curbing the monopoly of reason, which very often causes a narrowing of the cognitive field by trapping people in increasingly complex dynamics to unravel, a complementary but different logic can be brought into play, that of creativity.

To achieve a change that allows a full and satisfying existence, facing the obstacles on the way and making decisions with more serenity, it is necessary to make changes in the deepest convictions, re-evaluate the most rooted beliefs and understand what values ​​belong to us and condition us our behavior, because every mental map is created on the basis of what the person believes, what they are convinced of. In this regard, I conclude this brief introduction with a quote:

“By always adopting the same behaviors, you always get the same results”. 

Leaving aside this rather specialized form of hypnosis, called show hypnosis, one way to understand the phenomenon of hypnotic trance could be to imagine a state of relaxation in which the conscious mind detaches itself from daily worries and disturbances. In this particular state of relaxation, the subconscious part of our mind is more inclined to respond creatively to suggestions. Can focus on the things you want to change and ways to do it best, free from critical or anxious thoughts. You find yourself in a state of relaxation but without sleep, in full awareness of yourself. You simply "let things happen" through your subconscious mind rather than trying to make them happen with your conscious mind.

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness  that allows concentration, focus and direction of the mind, characterized by a greater reactivity to suggestion; it can be induced in people by a variety of methods and is used for a multitude of beneficial applications, not just in medical and psychiatric treatment as is generally thought. Hypnosis is usually induced by a qualified operator, the hypnotist, but it can also be easily self-induced, for example with deep relaxation or greater concentration on one's breathing. History, traditions and different cultures teach a multitude of practices and rituals found in many mystical, philosophical and religious systems. When the hypnotic state is self-induced, it is called self-hypnosis.

The practice of promoting healing or positive development in any way is known as  hypnotherapy. As such, hypnotherapy is a kind of psychotherapy. Hypnotherapy aims to  reprogram behavior patterns within the mind, enabling one to overcome  irrational fears, phobias, negative thoughts and repressed emotions.

Most people think they have never been hypnotized. Statistical reality provides a different answer and demonstrates that in our daily life we ​​are continually subjected to unconscious suggestions by:

·         Parents

·         Teachers

·         Friends

·         Social

·         Politicians

·         Religion

·         Media such as newspapers and television

·         Advertising

Have you ever bought something from a vendor even though it wasn't what you really wanted? Have you ever responded to an ad by buying something you hadn't even remotely considered buying before seeing it? Have you ever found yourself at a supermarket checkout not knowing why you put something in your cart? If yes, then you have been hypnotized. 

Well, with these last few ideas I'll let you think. See you in the next article to continue this beautiful topic with increasingly interesting aspects.