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"Hypnosis: An altered state of consciousness

During hypnosis, you might receive suggestions designed to decrease your perception of pain and increase your ability to cope with it. Alternatively, you might receive suggestions designed to decrease cravings.

Have you ever been totally absorbed while reading a book, cooking or watching a movie? Did you zone out to the point where you didn’t notice what else was going on around you? If so, you’ve experienced a type of trance-like state or focused attention that’s similar to what happens to you during hypnosis.

Although its medical uses aren’t entirely understood, hypnosis, when provided by a certified hypnotherapist or other qualified clinician, appears to help with a variety of health conditions. These range from helping to control pain to easing the symptoms of asthma.

Hypnosis, also referred to as hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestion, is an altered state of consciousness. This state of consciousness is usually achieved with the help of a hypnotherapist and is different from your everyday awareness. When under hypnosis:

• Your attention is more focused
• You’re more responsive to suggestions
• You’re more open and less critical of disbelieving

The purpose of hypnosis as a therapeutic technique is to help you gain more control over your behavior, emotions or physical well-being

Who is hypnosis for?

Hypnosis has the potential to help relieve the symptoms of a wide variety of diseases and conditions. It can be used independently or along with other treatments. For example, it’s one of several relaxation methods for treating chronic pain that has been approved by an independent panel convened by the National Institutes of Health.

According to preliminary studies, hypnotherapy may be used to:

• Change negative behaviors, such as smoking, bed-wetting and overeating
• Reduce fears, stress and anxiety
• Eliminate of decrease the intensity of phobias
• Treat pain during childbirth and reduce labor time
• Control pain during dental and surgical procedures
• Relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Lower blood pressure
• Control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
• Reduce the intensity or frequency of headaches, including migraines
• Treat and ease the symptoms of asthma
• Hasten the healing of some skin diseases, including warts, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis"

- Mayo Clinic.com
About Hypnosis