Hypnosis is a misunderstood and undervalued method that is currently available to assist in relieving pain and discomfort. Most people, when they think of hypnosis, think of stopping smoking, or weight management, or looking ridiculous on stage. Yet, hypnosis has been used for hundreds of years to help with depression, addiction and phobias. There many case studies where hypnosis has been used effectively for pain control before, during, and after surgeries, dental procedures, and childbirth. The results from the use of hypnosis were reduced anxiety, either no pain or reduced use of anesthesia, and a much speedier recovery after.

A wide variety of conditions have been found to respond to hypnotic suggestion. A short list of these conditions include (in no particular order): asthma, eczema, depression, sexual problems, ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, stammering, smoking, weight reduction, anorexia, bulimia, shyness, pains of all descriptions (headache, neuralgia, sciatica and toothache), sleeplessness, functional and organic paralysis, chlorosis (anaemia), menstrual problems, childbirth, pregnancy (morning sickness, dietary obsessions, heat discomfort, tiredness), loss of appetite, all nervous digestive disturbances, constipation, some rheumatism, lumbago, stammering, seasickness, bedwetting, chorea, anxiety disorders, phobias, and bad habits of all kinds. Whew! That’s quite a list.

So, given that all of these things respond to suggestion, why don’t more people use hypnosis? Part of it is that people just don’t understand what hypnosis is or what it can and cannot do. Have you ever daydreamed? That is similar to hypnosis. I bet that you were in control the entire time that you were in the daydream. So, unless you are OK clucking like a chicken, I can’t make you do it!

The root of the word hypnosis means sleep, and yet, while experiencing hypnosis, you are not asleep! You are in a very relaxed state, and you are totally aware of your surroundings. In fact, in the very deepest stages of hypnosis, where you have a negative hallucination (you don’t see things that are there), are experienced by all of us. Have you ever misplaced your car keys, or your glasses, and looked all over for them, only to discover that they are right in front of you! Congratulations,

you have experienced the deepest form of hypnosis, and, I would bet, that you were totally awake at the time (well most of you anyway).

I have heard it said that you forget things while in hypnosis. That can happen, and, we forget things all of the time. Have you been introduced to a person, and within just a few seconds, have to ask them their name again because you forgot it!? Or walked into a room to do something, and can’t remember why your there? By the way, hypnosis can help you with that!

Given all of the benefits that hypnosis can provide, why not explore what it can do for you. If you are experiencing one or more of the items listed above, why not consider if hypnosis can help?