Stage Hypnosis, Is it really mind control?

Stage Hypnosis, what you always wanted to know!

The first barrier I have to deal with most people is explaining to them that Hypnosis is not mind control.

For this reason I do not really agree with Stage Shows, it creates fear in people, and makes them very wary of even looking at this amazing alternative treatment.

So how does it work?

Most people can be Hypnotized, there are a few percent who cannot because they do not have the normal brain function to concentrate for any amount of time, anyone who is under the influence also cannot be Hypnotized.

Everyone else are "normal" except for the few people who are thrill seekers, there are the really out there people who will do anything for a laugh, they will be the life and soul of the party and be incredibly extrovert.

When a Hypnosis stage show is booking a venue they know those prime seats right in front of the stage will contain a high volume of the "out there" people.

They want to be right there, they want to see everything, they want to be involved.

So with a few suggestibility tests, they pass with flying colors, they are invited on stage, the Hypnotist has indeed really chosen some 15 people but they are the extroverts and would do anything for a laugh anyway.

So this is why Stage Hypnosis appears to be scary to viewers, yes it is real but those people are there because they want to be.

So if you want to know more please contact me and I will be happy to spend some time with you, my consultations are free.

Check out Hypnosis Orlando for more details.

Watch what you say Doc!

This is a case study you may find interesting.

A client came for hypnotherapy because she suddenly started to have issues with her consultant, she had been his patient a long time and had recently undergone a gastric band procedure, however after the operation she became more irritated with him even though he had seemingly done nothing wrong.

A regression was the modality used and it uncovered something rather shocking.

During the procedure the consultant had made unkind comments regards the patient thinking she would never know.

Even under anesthesia the sub conscious mind still hears everything going on around us, all the client knew was she suddenly had an aversion to him and couldn't work out why.

After the session she made an appointment to see him and told him what he had said, he was astonished and incredibly embarrassed by what she uncovered.

This could have cost him his career and reputation.

Thought provoking information!

For information about my products and services look on www.hypnoteyes.me

Wealth, Prosperity and Hypnosis, How it can help you today.

Prosperity is something we all strive for but something that we constantly seem to fail at but why ?

We all know we need money to live and we all want the dream vacations and fast cars (mines an escalade!!!!!) but what's stopping us? or are we just not successful?

The answer is no, but our own beliefs are more than likely holding us back in what we need and strive for most.

I asked people in a room how much they would like to earn each year, I had all manner of answers $100,000 - $500,000 one person said as much as I possibly can and he was right!

Although $250,000 will of course pay the bills and give us the car and lifestyle we want, why not expect to earn as much as possible.

Fear is the answer, but what you put out you get back, it's called the law of attraction.

Somehow we all have this in us, For most people we see money as being the root of all evil, this is typically an older saying but even me aged 40 came out with that but why did I say that ?

Because it was programmed in by my mother, although she struggled with 3 jobs all my life, she I believe was scared by the thought of being wealthy, she did not think she deserved any better, even though she worked so hard.

Unworthy is a belief system I deal with most of the time.

For some in the back of our minds we did not come from money and therefore may have an emotional hang up on it.

The normal working guy I spoke to said yes but I couldn't possibly earn over $100,000 so why ask for it, well you just said it!

If you only cast your fishing pole out far enough to catch small fish, you will never have a chance of catching the bigger fish.

We are limiting our own power to gain what we need most - Security. 

So think about your own goals, are you limiting yourself?

Using Hypnosis we can clear these blockages and program in your real goals of what you want and WILL receive.

Creating and manifesting is something we should all do, but we have no concept of how to do it.

Because we do not believe we deserve it.

My program for this is to clear the blocks and then a create and manifesting session to get you on your way, so what are you worth ?

Contact me today www.hypnoteyes.me

Using Hypnosis for surgery

I wanted to share this article with you

Although many of us tend to think of hypnosis in terms of swinging stopwatches and making unsuspecting people act like chickens, it turns out that this age-old practice is now being used for far more practical purposes, including better health and lower hospital bills. However, as progressive as this may sound, I wonder if such an approach to easing suffering ultimately gives us more or less control over our bodies.

The practice of hypnosis dates back to the late eighteenth century when German physician, Franz Mesmer, theorized that the universe contained an invisible, health-inducing “fluid” that could be transferred from one person or “animate being” to another using inanimate objects such as magnets; a process he called “animal magnetism.” (Using this term to describe someone’s sex appeal didn’t happen until years later).

Over time, Mesmer discovered that simply passing his hands in front of a patient’s body had the same effect as when he used magnets. This led to the introduction of the term “Mesmerism,” which eventually gave rise to the practice of hypnotism some 70 years later.

At one point the French government appointed a Board of Inquiry to investigate Mesmer’s theories. They concluded that not only was there no evidence of the so-called animal magnetic fluid, but that any supposed benefit from Mesmer’s treatments was due entirely to the imagination of the individuals involved.

Today, the practice of hypnotism looks much different than it did in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, although the underlying premise – whether applied knowingly or not – is the same: the idea that you can be trained to think, act, and even feel differently through the power of suggestion.

Despite its dubious debut, many in the medical field now consider hypnosis – when performed on oneself or, more commonly, with the help of a trained practitioner – to be a reliable if not entirely understood form of therapy. According to a recent column by Melinda Beck in the Wall Street Journal, “Scientific evidence is mounting that hypnosis can be effective in a variety of medical situations, from easing migraine headaches to lowering blood pressure, controlling asthma attacks, minimizing hot flashes and diminishing side effects from chemotherapy.” One study even found that patients who were hypnotized before surgery saved an average of $331 on doctor’s bills and pain medication.

Citing various experts, Beck goes on to say that, contrary to widespread misunderstanding, “Real hypnosis for therapeutic purposes gives subjects more control over their minds and bodies, not less.”

At first blush this may seem like a reasonable conclusion. But, as I’ve thought more about the subject, the one question that keeps coming to mind is if it would ever be a good idea to allow another individual – even someone with good intentions – to manipulate my thoughts. This sounds like I’d actually be losing control of something I’ve learned – and many doctors and medical researchers confirm – has a direct impact on my health.

If I agree to relinquish control in one instance, who’s to say that won’t leave me that much more susceptible – for better or worse – to the power of suggestion in the next… or the next?

For me the most effective and health-inducing thoughts come from deep, contemplative prayer. While some say that this is just another form of self-hypnosis or even self-delusion, I’ve found it to be quite the opposite, providing me with a clearer, more enlightened view of my relationship to the Divine.

Certainly what’s happening in the field of medical hypnosis offers further evidence of the undeniable link between mind and body, and it seems to be working, at least to some extent, for a growing number of individuals. But my hunch is that as we gain a more divinely inspired sense of self-control, we’ll start seeing more consistent results. Not because of another person's suggestions, but because of what we discover about ourselves through our own spiritual transformation.

This article shared with permission by Communities @WashingtonTimes.com

From my perspective however the power of suggestion is a formidable one, but cannot be successful unless the client/patient wishes it.

What it can certainly do is prepare the body for surgery with suggestions such as minimal blood loss and speedy recovering and healing, why wouldn't patient's want to try this.

Sadly the hospitals and doctors may reject this for a few reasons, number one, the hospital is a business and needs to make as much money as it can, number two Hypnosis is still looked upon by some as questionable and the results not yet proved.

With Patients seeking out alternative help and listening to a recording made for them by the Hypnotherapist, they can begin the programming process before surgery and even listen to it whilst in surgery.

Even under anesthetic the sub conscious mind still hears everything, so suggestions would still be responded to.

Have a look at my website for testimonials and more information. www.hypnoteyes.me

Although many of us tend to think of hypnosis in terms of swinging stopwatches and making unsuspecting people act like chickens, it turns out that this age-old practice is now being used for far more practical purposes, including better health and lower hospital bills. However, as progressive as this may sound, I wonder if such an approach to easing suffering ultimately gives us more or less control over our bodies.
The practice of hypnosis dates back to the late eighteenth century when German physician, Franz Mesmer, theorized that the universe contained an invisible, health-inducing “fluid” that could be transferred from one person or “animate being” to another using inanimate objects such as magnets; a process he called “animal magnetism.” (Using this term to describe someone’s sex appeal didn’t happen until years later).
Over time, Mesmer discovered that simply passing his hands in front of a patient’s body had the same effect as when he used magnets. This led to the introduction of the term “Mesmerism,” which eventually gave rise to the practice of hypnotism some 70 years later.
At one point the French government appointed a Board of Inquiry to investigate Mesmer’s theories. They concluded that not only was there no evidence of the so-called animal magnetic fluid, but that any supposed benefit from Mesmer’s treatments was due entirely to the imagination of the individuals involved.
Today, the practice of hypnotism looks much different than it did in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, although the underlying premise – whether applied knowingly or not – is the same: the idea that you can be trained to think, act, and even feel differently through the power of suggestion.
Despite its dubious debut, many in the medical field now consider hypnosis – when performed on oneself or, more commonly, with the help of a trained practitioner – to be a reliable if not entirely understood form of therapy. According to a recent column by Melinda Beck in the Wall Street Journal, “Scientific evidence is mounting that hypnosis can be effective in a variety of medical situations, from easing migraine headaches to lowering blood pressure, controlling asthma attacks, minimizing hot flashes and diminishing side effects from chemotherapy.” One study even found that patients who were hypnotized before surgery saved an average of $331 on doctor’s bills and pain medication.
Citing various experts, Beck goes on to say that, contrary to widespread misunderstanding, “Real hypnosis for therapeutic purposes gives subjects more control over their minds and bodies, not less.”
At first blush this may seem like a reasonable conclusion. But, as I’ve thought more about the subject, the one question that keeps coming to mind is if it would ever be a good idea to allow another individual – even someone with good intentions – to manipulate my thoughts. This sounds like I’d actually be losing control of something I’ve learned – and many doctors and medical researchers confirm – has a direct impact on my health.
If I agree to relinquish control in one instance, who’s to say that won’t leave me that much more susceptible – for better or worse – to the power of suggestion in the next… or the next?
For me the most effective and health-inducing thoughts come from deep, contemplative prayer. While some say that this is just another form of self-hypnosis or even self-delusion, I’ve found it to be quite the opposite, providing me with a clearer, more enlightened view of my relationship to the Divine.
Certainly what’s happening in the field of medical hypnosis offers further evidence of the undeniable link between mind and body, and it seems to be working, at least to some extent, for a growing number of individuals. But my hunch is that as we gain a more divinely inspired sense of self-control, we’ll start seeing more consistent results. Not because of another person's suggestions, but because of what we discover about ourselves through our own spiritual transformation.
This article shared with permission by Communities @WashingtonTimes.com

Source: The Bay Citizen (http://s.tt/1cLmr)

Although many of us tend to think of hypnosis in terms of swinging stopwatches and making unsuspecting people act like chickens, it turns out that this age-old practice is now being used for far more practical purposes, including better health and lower hospital bills. However, as progressive as this may sound, I wonder if such an approach to easing suffering ultimately gives us more or less control over our bodies.
The practice of hypnosis dates back to the late eighteenth century when German physician, Franz Mesmer, theorized that the universe contained an invisible, health-inducing “fluid” that could be transferred from one person or “animate being” to another using inanimate objects such as magnets; a process he called “animal magnetism.” (Using this term to describe someone’s sex appeal didn’t happen until years later).
Over time, Mesmer discovered that simply passing his hands in front of a patient’s body had the same effect as when he used magnets. This led to the introduction of the term “Mesmerism,” which eventually gave rise to the practice of hypnotism some 70 years later.
At one point the French government appointed a Board of Inquiry to investigate Mesmer’s theories. They concluded that not only was there no evidence of the so-called animal magnetic fluid, but that any supposed benefit from Mesmer’s treatments was due entirely to the imagination of the individuals involved.
Today, the practice of hypnotism looks much different than it did in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, although the underlying premise – whether applied knowingly or not – is the same: the idea that you can be trained to think, act, and even feel differently through the power of suggestion.
Despite its dubious debut, many in the medical field now consider hypnosis – when performed on oneself or, more commonly, with the help of a trained practitioner – to be a reliable if not entirely understood form of therapy. According to a recent column by Melinda Beck in the Wall Street Journal, “Scientific evidence is mounting that hypnosis can be effective in a variety of medical situations, from easing migraine headaches to lowering blood pressure, controlling asthma attacks, minimizing hot flashes and diminishing side effects from chemotherapy.” One study even found that patients who were hypnotized before surgery saved an average of $331 on doctor’s bills and pain medication.
Citing various experts, Beck goes on to say that, contrary to widespread misunderstanding, “Real hypnosis for therapeutic purposes gives subjects more control over their minds and bodies, not less.”
At first blush this may seem like a reasonable conclusion. But, as I’ve thought more about the subject, the one question that keeps coming to mind is if it would ever be a good idea to allow another individual – even someone with good intentions – to manipulate my thoughts. This sounds like I’d actually be losing control of something I’ve learned – and many doctors and medical researchers confirm – has a direct impact on my health.
If I agree to relinquish control in one instance, who’s to say that won’t leave me that much more susceptible – for better or worse – to the power of suggestion in the next… or the next?
For me the most effective and health-inducing thoughts come from deep, contemplative prayer. While some say that this is just another form of self-hypnosis or even self-delusion, I’ve found it to be quite the opposite, providing me with a clearer, more enlightened view of my relationship to the Divine.
Certainly what’s happening in the field of medical hypnosis offers further evidence of the undeniable link between mind and body, and it seems to be working, at least to some extent, for a growing number of individuals. But my hunch is that as we gain a more divinely inspired sense of self-control, we’ll start seeing more consistent results. Not because of another person's suggestions, but because of what we discover about ourselves through our own spiritual transformation.
This article shared with permission by Communities @WashingtonTimes.com

Although many of us tend to think of hypnosis in terms of swinging stopwatches and making unsuspecting people act like chickens, it turns out that this age-old practice is now being used for far more practical purposes, including better health and lower hospital bills. However, as progressive as this may sound, I wonder if such an approach to easing suffering ultimately gives us more or less control over our bodies.
The practice of hypnosis dates back to the late eighteenth century when German physician, Franz Mesmer, theorized that the universe contained an invisible, health-inducing “fluid” that could be transferred from one person or “animate being” to another using inanimate objects such as magnets; a process he called “animal magnetism.” (Using this term to describe someone’s sex appeal didn’t happen until years later).
Over time, Mesmer discovered that simply passing his hands in front of a patient’s body had the same effect as when he used magnets. This led to the introduction of the term “Mesmerism,” which eventually gave rise to the practice of hypnotism some 70 years later.
At one point the French government appointed a Board of Inquiry to investigate Mesmer’s theories. They concluded that not only was there no evidence of the so-called animal magnetic fluid, but that any supposed benefit from Mesmer’s treatments was due entirely to the imagination of the individuals involved.
Today, the practice of hypnotism looks much different than it did in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, although the underlying premise – whether applied knowingly or not – is the same: the idea that you can be trained to think, act, and even feel differently through the power of suggestion.
Despite its dubious debut, many in the medical field now consider hypnosis – when performed on oneself or, more commonly, with the help of a trained practitioner – to be a reliable if not entirely understood form of therapy. According to a recent column by Melinda Beck in the Wall Street Journal, “Scientific evidence is mounting that hypnosis can be effective in a variety of medical situations, from easing migraine headaches to lowering blood pressure, controlling asthma attacks, minimizing hot flashes and diminishing side effects from chemotherapy.” One study even found that patients who were hypnotized before surgery saved an average of $331 on doctor’s bills and pain medication.
Citing various experts, Beck goes on to say that, contrary to widespread misunderstanding, “Real hypnosis for therapeutic purposes gives subjects more control over their minds and bodies, not less.”
At first blush this may seem like a reasonable conclusion. But, as I’ve thought more about the subject, the one question that keeps coming to mind is if it would ever be a good idea to allow another individual – even someone with good intentions – to manipulate my thoughts. This sounds like I’d actually be losing control of something I’ve learned – and many doctors and medical researchers confirm – has a direct impact on my health.
If I agree to relinquish control in one instance, who’s to say that won’t leave me that much more susceptible – for better or worse – to the power of suggestion in the next… or the next?
For me the most effective and health-inducing thoughts come from deep, contemplative prayer. While some say that this is just another form of self-hypnosis or even self-delusion, I’ve found it to be quite the opposite, providing me with a clearer, more enlightened view of my relationship to the Divine.
Certainly what’s happening in the field of medical hypnosis offers further evidence of the undeniable link between mind and body, and it seems to be working, at least to some extent, for a growing number of individuals. But my hunch is that as we gain a more divinely inspired sense of self-control, we’ll start seeing more consistent results. Not because of another person's suggestions, but because of what we discover about ourselves through our own spiritual transformation.
This article shared with permission by Communities @WashingtonTimes.com

Source: The Bay Citizen (http://s.tt/1cLmr)

Although many of us tend to think of hypnosis in terms of swinging stopwatches and making unsuspecting people act like chickens, it turns out that this age-old practice is now being used for far more practical purposes, including better health and lower hospital bills. However, as progressive as this may sound, I wonder if such an approach to easing suffering ultimately gives us more or less control over our bodies.
The practice of hypnosis dates back to the late eighteenth century when German physician, Franz Mesmer, theorized that the universe contained an invisible, health-inducing “fluid” that could be transferred from one person or “animate being” to another using inanimate objects such as magnets; a process he called “animal magnetism.” (Using this term to describe someone’s sex appeal didn’t happen until years later).
Over time, Mesmer discovered that simply passing his hands in front of a patient’s body had the same effect as when he used magnets. This led to the introduction of the term “Mesmerism,” which eventually gave rise to the practice of hypnotism some 70 years later.
At one point the French government appointed a Board of Inquiry to investigate Mesmer’s theories. They concluded that not only was there no evidence of the so-called animal magnetic fluid, but that any supposed benefit from Mesmer’s treatments was due entirely to the imagination of the individuals involved.
Today, the practice of hypnotism looks much different than it did in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, although the underlying premise – whether applied knowingly or not – is the same: the idea that you can be trained to think, act, and even feel differently through the power of suggestion.
Despite its dubious debut, many in the medical field now consider hypnosis – when performed on oneself or, more commonly, with the help of a trained practitioner – to be a reliable if not entirely understood form of therapy. According to a recent column by Melinda Beck in the Wall Street Journal, “Scientific evidence is mounting that hypnosis can be effective in a variety of medical situations, from easing migraine headaches to lowering blood pressure, controlling asthma attacks, minimizing hot flashes and diminishing side effects from chemotherapy.” One study even found that patients who were hypnotized before surgery saved an average of $331 on doctor’s bills and pain medication.
Citing various experts, Beck goes on to say that, contrary to widespread misunderstanding, “Real hypnosis for therapeutic purposes gives subjects more control over their minds and bodies, not less.”
At first blush this may seem like a reasonable conclusion. But, as I’ve thought more about the subject, the one question that keeps coming to mind is if it would ever be a good idea to allow another individual – even someone with good intentions – to manipulate my thoughts. This sounds like I’d actually be losing control of something I’ve learned – and many doctors and medical researchers confirm – has a direct impact on my health.
If I agree to relinquish control in one instance, who’s to say that won’t leave me that much more susceptible – for better or worse – to the power of suggestion in the next… or the next?
For me the most effective and health-inducing thoughts come from deep, contemplative prayer. While some say that this is just another form of self-hypnosis or even self-delusion, I’ve found it to be quite the opposite, providing me with a clearer, more enlightened view of my relationship to the Divine.
Certainly what’s happening in the field of medical hypnosis offers further evidence of the undeniable link between mind and body, and it seems to be working, at least to some extent, for a growing number of individuals. But my hunch is that as we gain a more divinely inspired sense of self-control, we’ll start seeing more consistent results. Not because of another person's suggestions, but because of what we discover about ourselves through our own spiritual transformation.
This article shared with permission by Communities @WashingtonTimes.com,

Source: The Bay Citizen (http://s.tt/1cLmr)

How you can help in an emergency situation.

Today I want to talk about how we can all help others during emergency situations.

There are times in our lives when our minds are wide open and at risk from permanent unwanted changes.

One of these times can be when we are in an accident situation.

At the moment of impact we are in fight or flight mode, meaning our sub conscious mind is open.

First responders have a key role to play for many reasons, of course to give first aid, but what is said at that time can mean the difference between life and death.

If there has been a car accident, a mom driving her two children, will only be worried about them, this is positive because she is not thinking about herself, her focus is elsewhere, however this can also be a negative thing especially if something is wrong.

If she is barely conscious and hears a first responder on the radio updating the other people and she hears, three casualties two of them fatal, she has lost the will to live, knowing the two most precious people in the word are gone is enough to stop her from wanting to live.

Thought provoking and incredibly sad.

I was once a first responder and knowing what I know I was able to calm the driver down, she couldn't move, and could not see her son was ok, he was stunned and could not say anything.

I told her I had called 911 and help was on it's way, in fact we could already hear the sirens and I was able to reassure her that her son was indeed ok, and the air bags had gone off as they should have and everything was going to be ok.

I asked the child to hold his mom's hand which bought them both comfort until they were attended too by the paramedics.

Luckily this was a minor incident, had I been presented with something much worse, I could have given positive suggestions to help slow down blood flow and give support until the paramedics were on scene.

So if you are ever a witness to an accident, please bear this article in mind, it really could help save lives, and even better show someone you care even if you are a stranger.

www.hypnoteyes.me

Worried about sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking, formally known as somnambulism, is a behavior disorder that originates during deep sleep and results in walking or performing other complex behaviors while asleep. It is much more common in children than adults and is more likely to occur if a person is sleep deprived. Because a sleepwalker typically remains in deep sleep throughout the episode, he or she may be difficult to awaken and will probably not remember the sleepwalking incident. Sleepwalking usually involves more than just walking during sleep; it is a series of complex behaviours that are carried out while sleeping, the most obvious of which is walking. Symptoms of sleepwalking disorder range from simply sitting up in bed and looking around, to walking around the room or house, to leaving the house and even driving long distances.

The prevalence of sleepwalking in the general population is estimated to be between 1% and 15%. The onset or persistence of sleepwalking in adulthood is common, and is usually not associated with any significant underlying psychiatric or psychological problems.

Common triggers for sleepwalking include sleep-deprivation, sedative agents (including alcohol), febrile illnesses, and certain medications. Drugs such as sedative/hypnotics (drugs that promote relaxation or sleep), narcoleptics (drugs used to treat psychosis), stimulants (drugs that increase activity), and antihistamines (drugs used to treat symptoms of allergy) can trigger sleepwalking.

Other factors include genetics (traits that run in families), environmental, and medical conditions.

Sleepwalking is not associated with other sleep problems like sleeping alone in a room or with others, fear of the dark, or anger outbursts.

The sleepwalker is unable to respond during the event and does not remember sleepwalking. In some cases, sleepwalking is associated with incoherent talking.

Episodes of sleepwalking can range from quiet walking about the room to agitated running or attempts to “escape”, Typically, the eyes are open with a glassy, staring appearance as the person quietly roams the house. On questioning, responses are slow or absent. If the person is returned to bed without awakening, they usually do not remember the event.
Older children, who may awaken more easily at the end of an episode, often are embarrassed by the behavior (especially if it was inappropriate).

Sleepwalking occurs more frequently in identical twins, and is 10 times more likely to occur if a first-degree relative has a history of sleepwalking. Therefore, it is thought the condition can be inherited.

In children, if symptoms persist through adolescence, consult your doctor or psychiatrist.

Misconceptions and how to address sleepwalking

Some people mistakenly believe that a sleepwalker should not be awakened. It is not dangerous to awaken a sleepwalker, although it is common for the person to be confused or disoriented for a short time when they wake up.

Another misconception is that a person cannot be injured while sleepwalking. Sleepwalkers are commonly injured when they trip and lose their balance. Safety measures may be needed to prevent injury. This may include moving objects such as electrical cords or furniture to reduce the chances of tripping and falling. You may need to block off stairways with a gate.

In many cases simply improving sleep hygiene may eliminate the problem. If you are experiencing symptoms, you should talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist about ways to prevent injury during the episodes and about the possibility of underlying illness.

Also, be prepared to discuss with your doctor or pediatrician any factors, such as fatigue, medication, or stress, which may trigger symptoms. Treatment for sleepwalking in adults may include hypnosis. In fact, there are many cases in which sleepwalking patients have successfully treated their symptoms with hypnosis alone. Also, pharmacological therapies such as sedative-hypnotics or antidepressants have been helpful in reducing the incidence of sleepwalking in some people.

For more information about Hypnosis go to www.hypnoteyes.me

Hypnosis and Pain Management

Hypnosis in one form or another has been around for thousands of years, but until recently, evidence to support its biological and clinically powerful effects have been lacking. Today hypnosis is used by clinicians around the world to help manage pain, childbirth, phobia and anxiety.

Hypnosis is a state of conscious awareness which most people experience many times each day.

Hypnosis in one form or another has been around for thousands of years, but until recently, evidence to support its biological and clinically powerful effects have been lacking. Today hypnosis is used by clinicians around the world to help manage pain, childbirth, phobia and anxiety – particularly in children.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is thought to be a state of conscious awareness which most people experience transiently many times each day.
Hypnotic experiences and responses tend to involve:

• absorption or a state of focused concentration or attention;
• dissociation, where the patient’s perception of the external environment diminishes; and
• suggestibility (the ability of an individual to respond, in a non-volitional way, to a verbal or non-verbal communication).

People describe the hypnotic mindset in different ways such as, “being beside oneself”, “out of body experiences”, “daydreaming”, “tuning out” or a meditative state.

Until the 19th century, hypnosis was the only means of having surgery comfortably. James Braid), a Scottish surgeon working in Bengal in the 1840s, operated on several hundred patients using hypnosis and his success subsequently received widespread acclaim.

Over the years, clinicians have reported dissociation from pain, decreased bleeding and reduced infection, suggesting an evolutionary basis for why we have the ability to enter a hypnotic “trance-like” state when under extreme stress.

Following the establishment of pharmacological anesthesia – with its greater effectiveness and reliability – the practice of hypnosis languished for decades, becoming little more than a parlour trick. It was almost forgotten until relatively recently.

Unfortunately, the term “hypnosis” has many negative connotations and its use by stage hypnotists as entertainment has probably contributed to many doctors not taking the clinical use of hypnosis seriously.

How it works

Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not sleep; hypnotic responses can be elicited in minutes or less; and a conscious belief that it will be effective is not required to achieve a benefit. Patients experiencing hypnosis can hear what’s happening around them and can halt the process at any stage if they wish.

The success of hypnosis in a clinical setting requires trust between doctor and patient to go along with the process. But a borderline, and sometimes frank, hypnotic state frequently occurs spontaneously in hospital patients where the overwhelming stress of the external environment – or the thought of painful procedures, or feelings of being a victim to illness – can facilitate an internal focus of attention.

Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not sleep.

This can make patients highly responsive to suggestions, positive or negative. And it means that when a doctor says, before a potentially painful procedure, “this is going to sting”, the communication can function as a hypnotic suggestion and is likely to increase pain. In contrast, the positive suggestion, “the local anesthetic will numb the area and allow us to perform the procedure more comfortably” is likely to decrease pain of local anesthetic injection.

What the research say?

Advances in brain function imaging using functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scanning techniques have allowed us to see that hypnosis modulates activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, which links the limbic (emotions) and sensory cortical areas of the brain during hypnotic pain relief. This appears to allow sensations that would normally be experienced as painful to no longer have the suffering or negative emotions that would normally be associated with them.

A labor contraction, for example, can be felt as either the most terrifying and painful of sensations or a wonderfully fulfilling experience that tells the mother she is getting closer to her baby. These very different perceptions may be experienced despite the intensity of uterine contractions being identical.

Anesthetists in Belgium have successfully used hypnosis to help thousands of patients minimize their need for general anesthesia during thyroidectomy (surgical removal of they thyroid gland), mastectomy (removal of the breast) and plastic surgery.

Meanwhile, US researchers are currently investigating the effectiveness of hypnosis and suggestion in the management of chronic and procedural pain including burns.

And our own institution is researching the effectiveness of hypnosis in managing childbirth pain, along with investigators in Denmark, the United Kingdom and the University of Tasmania.

How is it used?

Hypnosis in the formal sense – where a patient receives an induction, treatment, and an alerting procedure – is more commonly practiced by clinical psychologists and not widely used in hospitals. Although a number of hospitals around the world use hypnotic techniques, the main clinical application is to use suggestions to supplement anesthesia drugs and techniques as part of a multi modal approach to patient care.

Hypnosis has been used at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital for more than three decades, since Dr Graham Wicks, a medical hypnotherapist at the hospital, pioneered its use. Over the years, hypnosis has been used to treat thousands of children with problems as diverse as bed wetting, pain, and helping children comfortably use hypnotic anesthesia with needles and renal dialysis.

Today, several pediatricians and anesthetists at our institution are trained in hypnosis and use it to supplement patient care where indicated.

As anesthetists, we use hypnotic techniques to help patients feel more in control and to supplement and enhance their anesthesia experience. Common examples include assisting children and adults with their induction of anesthesia, burns dressings, treatment of needle phobia, assistance with childbirth pain and preparation of patients for surgery.

It’s very rare for procedures to be performed entirely using hypnosis.

The main value of hypnosis as a technique is to assist patients having drips and needles inserted more comfortably and usefully supplement a less than perfect local anesthetic. The belief that the patient can do more than he or she thinks (and more than the doctor believes is possible) is likely to generate surprising therapeutic responses.

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