Hypnotism and Hypnosis

an essay by Master Hypnotist A.J. LaHaye

Enter the Intriguing World of Hypnosis!

   Simply put, hypnotism is the practice and use of hypnosis.  It utilizes 2 natural human traits, the "Power of Suggestion" and "trance",  to make both psychological and physiological changes in humans.  Hypnotism uses relaxation, repetition and sensory imagery during trance to create the acceptance of verbal suggestion.  

    Trance is a natural and common state of the human mind.  You experience it several times daily.  Yet you are likely unaware that trance is actually what you are experiencing.  The reason the same trip one time seems short and another time seems long is due to time distortion while in trance. If you've ever been totally engrossed in a book, or engrossed in a movie to the exclusion of all else, or missed an exit on a freeway because you were “somewhere else,” or if you've ever found yourself in your driveway after work without remembering the trip, you were in trance!  

    In fact, you most likely spent the first few years of your life in trance.  There is a theory that very young children are in a constant state of hypnosis.  This facilitates the learning process.  It is a major factor in the accelerated learning that occurs in the early years of a human life.  Hypnotism is used for speed learning new languages for that very same reason.

    "The Power of Suggestion" is well known yet not well understood.  It is a natural trait in humans probably related to the human ability to learn.  It is the tendency to simply take in information uncritically, without question.  This trait has been exploited in humans throughout history by every great leader that has ever existed, sometimes for good and often for the leaders own personal gain.

    Hypnosis is a heightened state of awareness in which a direct connection is made to the subconscious mind.  The critical thinking conscious mind is slowed to a minimum by total relaxation and the skill of the hypnotist. The subconscious can then simply react directly to the suggestions given.  

    Hypnotism is not supernatural, nor is it mind-control by another person. Hypnotism is rarely portrayed realistically in the movies. Though the thought of one person controlling the mind of another makes for a good story it is not reality.    One cannot be made to do anything that is against their will while under hypnosis.  In other words, Hypnotism cannot make you do anything that is against your morals, ethics or conscious desires.

    All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. You do it to yourself. The skilled Hypnotist is the guide.

    Although the word "hypnosis" is derived from the Greek word "Hypnos," the mythical god of sleep, it only resembles sleep.  It is not.  One must be able to hear the voice of the hypnotist and pay attention in order to respond to the suggestions.

    Hypnotism today is used therapeutically for teaching new behaviors.  It's uses include; to help people quit smoking, to lose weight, to relieve pain, in childbirth, with stress reduction, with academic improvement and many others.  See Uses of Hypnotism.

    With the exception of three types of people everyone can be hypnotized.  People who are intoxicated, those who don't want to be hypnotized and people with an IQ clinically below 70 will have a difficult time experiencing hypnosis.  One must be able to pay attention and follow directions. 

    Hypnotism has been officially sanctioned by the Catholic Church for use in childbirth and other moral purposes and is in line with the doctrine of all mainstream religions. The religions that outlaw hypnotism or claim that hypnotism is demonic seem to be the ones that are actually using it themselves to control their congregations.  Paradoxically, part of their hypnotism is that they ban hypnotism.

    Both the American and British Medical Associations issued statements back as early as the 1950’s supporting the usefulness of hypnotism as a form of therapy.  Hypnotism is taught at Harvard, Yale, and the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.  It is used by all branches of the military and by police departments too.

    Hypnotism is accepted by the medical profession today as a significant form of therapy.  Ask your doctor if you could benefit from a hypnosis program.

    Hypnotism has been scientifically proven to be safe, easy and effective. One must simply be willing to pay attention and follow directions to do very well.

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