About Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a naturally
induced state of relaxed concentration. Many of us have already experienced
the self-hypnotic state of daydreaming. Self-hypnosis is a relaxed state
where the mind/body connection can enhance communication with our
subconscious mind. The subconscious is the part of our mind that influences
what we think, how we feel and the choices we make. It can actually control
pain.
Many people
have the misconception that hypnosis is a form of mind control or
brainwashing, where people do not have free will or control over themselves
and are unaware of what is going on around them. This is actually untrue and
much of this misconception have been perpetuated by the movies and stage
hypnotists for entertainment purposes.
There is no magic to achieving success with self-hypnosis. Almost anyone who
chooses to can reach deep relaxation and redirected focus. There is nothing
unnatural or supernatural about it. Hypnosis is simply a natural state of
physical, mental and emotional relaxation, along with a heightened state of
awareness. It is like the state you are in before you fall asleep and or as
you awake in the morning. You'll feel very relaxed, yet your mind will still
be highly focused and aware.
Hypnosis is a means of moving into a perfectly natural state of mind, that
people actually move in and out of several times a day. Everyone has
experienced this state, although they may not have called it hypnosis. When
we become engrossed with our work and lose track of time or what is going
around us, that is hypnosis. We are in a hypnotic state when we are
daydreaming or become so engrossed in a movie or book that we emotionally
react to what the characters are experiencing.
Even during driving, we may enter an altered state of awareness. Have you
ever had the experience of driving along the highway and suddenly realized
that you passed your exit a few hundred metres back? Or have you ever been
so caught up in a computer game that you've lost track of time, or not
realized that someone has been talking to you? These are all everyday
examples of a change of consciousness and an altered state of awareness.
Hypnosis is just another example of an altered state of awareness. The
difference being hypnosis is unique in that it can be utilized for
self-change.
When having your baby with Hypnobirthing®, what you will experience is
similar to the daydreaming or focusing that occurs when you are engrossed in
a book or staring at a fire. You will be conversant and in good spirits,
totally relaxed, but fully in control. You will be aware of your body's
contractions but will be able to determine the extent to which you feel the
surge. You will experience your birth in an atmosphere of calm relaxation,
without fear and tension that cause pain. Your body's natural anaesthesia
(endorphins) will replace the stress hormones that create pain.
When it is time for you baby to be born, you will be fully awake and
involved.
Just imagine welcoming each
surge! Feeling peaceful... relaxing... and even smiling as your baby comes
closer to you!
Studies have found that women using hypnosis in
labour experience:
Common Misconceptions about Hypnosis
“In hypnosis, a person has to do whatever the hypnotist says to do.”
You
cannot be controlled and won’t do anything while in a hypnotic state that
you wouldn’t be likely to do in your normal state. People will not accept
any suggestions to do anything that is opposed to our morals, standards,
ethics, beliefs, etc. Since the subconscious mind will not allow you to be
hypnotized against their will or accept any suggestions that are not in your
best interests, even while in the hypnotic state, you retain full choice.
No one can be hypnotized unless they want and allow it to occur.
“I will be unconscious if I am hypnotized.”
People are generally fully aware of everything that is going on and being
said while under hypnosis. Even in the deepest levels of clinical hypnosis,
most people will remember everything that happens and is said. Hypnosis in
not about going to sleep or becoming unconscious. On the contrary, a
typical hypnotic state is a condition of heightened awareness and deepened
relaxation. It is a state in which the mind works so well and the “Law of
Self-Preservation” works so beautifully that no one could ever take
advantage of you in the hypnotic state.
“If I am hypnotized I will lose control of myself.”
While in a hypnotic trance state you will actually gain greater control of
yourself. The only reason we will accept and follow post-hypnotic
suggestions is that they are what we have told the hypnotherapist we want.
The “Law of Self-Preservation” will not allow us to accept a harmful
suggestion. No one has ever been injured by hypnosis.
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