Hypnosis and its derivative, hypnotherapy, have been the focus of many misconceptions created by layman's imagination. People either believe them to be falling in the domain of the occult, or don't regard them to be serious scientific pursuits. Provided below are some common misconceptions prevalent about hypnosis, and the real truth behind them.
Hypnosis has no connection with any sort of mystical arts. It hinges more on the science of the human mind and is very simple to practice for anyone who is prepared to learn it. People refuse to believe in hypnosis even after seeing participants effectively experiencing its power in public shows. They hold that the people who have been under hypnosis are mentally not strong enough to withstand the impact of the practitioner. But this again is a complete fallacy. Even people with strong will power can fall under the charms of an expert hypnosis practitioner.
Another notion about hypnosis that people have made up arbitrarily is that it is an alternate state of consciousness. An individual under hypnosis does not get shut off from the outside world, but remains completely aware of the happenings around him. During the hypnotic state, the subject relaxes completely and is hence able to focus fully on the suggestions provided by the practitioner.
Some scientific discoveries have claimed that only about 5% of the population is capable of being hypnotized, which is the third misconception on this list. Although, the finding has some element of truth to it, what makes it empty is the fact that the researchers made use of the same hypnosis technique for everyone. One hypnosis procedure for all is not a workable solution as different individuals fall under different character types, and hence respond to different techniques.
People also tend to associate hypnosis with meditation. However, meditation is a purely personal experience that has got no involvement of communication, while communication is an integral part of any successful hypnosis. Similarly, a period of trance is also sometimes confused with hypnosis, which is not correct. Just like meditation, trance is a state of mind, and it is not linked with communication in any manner, while the very basis of the hypnosis method is communication.
A majority of people believe that it is not possible to bring about changes in one's appearance and behaviour through hypnosis training or hypnotherapy. Hypnosis obviously cannot attain something that is unnatural to the body. However, it can guide the body to a healthy shape through behavioural transformations like eating less, and quitting smoking and other addictive habits by ensuring a good amount of of inspiration in a person.
If an individual believes in all the wrong notions that exist regarding hypnotherapy and doesn't venture to participate in a hypnotic session, then he will himself block his way to a happier and healthier life.
Hypnosis has no connection with any sort of mystical arts. It hinges more on the science of the human mind and is very simple to practice for anyone who is prepared to learn it. People refuse to believe in hypnosis even after seeing participants effectively experiencing its power in public shows. They hold that the people who have been under hypnosis are mentally not strong enough to withstand the impact of the practitioner. But this again is a complete fallacy. Even people with strong will power can fall under the charms of an expert hypnosis practitioner.
Another notion about hypnosis that people have made up arbitrarily is that it is an alternate state of consciousness. An individual under hypnosis does not get shut off from the outside world, but remains completely aware of the happenings around him. During the hypnotic state, the subject relaxes completely and is hence able to focus fully on the suggestions provided by the practitioner.
Some scientific discoveries have claimed that only about 5% of the population is capable of being hypnotized, which is the third misconception on this list. Although, the finding has some element of truth to it, what makes it empty is the fact that the researchers made use of the same hypnosis technique for everyone. One hypnosis procedure for all is not a workable solution as different individuals fall under different character types, and hence respond to different techniques.
People also tend to associate hypnosis with meditation. However, meditation is a purely personal experience that has got no involvement of communication, while communication is an integral part of any successful hypnosis. Similarly, a period of trance is also sometimes confused with hypnosis, which is not correct. Just like meditation, trance is a state of mind, and it is not linked with communication in any manner, while the very basis of the hypnosis method is communication.
A majority of people believe that it is not possible to bring about changes in one's appearance and behaviour through hypnosis training or hypnotherapy. Hypnosis obviously cannot attain something that is unnatural to the body. However, it can guide the body to a healthy shape through behavioural transformations like eating less, and quitting smoking and other addictive habits by ensuring a good amount of of inspiration in a person.
If an individual believes in all the wrong notions that exist regarding hypnotherapy and doesn't venture to participate in a hypnotic session, then he will himself block his way to a happier and healthier life.
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