The world of TV and film has left us with two mental images of hypnosis – used by evil villains to control the masses or by stage shows to make people think they are chickens.  In reality, hypnosis and particularly self-hypnosis is a very different thing to these images and can have some clear benefits for almost everyone.

What is self-hypnosis?

In its most basic form, hypnosis is described as a state of highly focused attention with heightened suggestibility.  It is often accompanied by a feeling of relaxation.  If you have induced this state yourself, it is termed as autohypnosis or self-hypnosis while if it is brought on by someone else, it is called hetero hypnosis or hypnotherapy.

The idea of self-hypnosis was first discussed by a German physician called Franz Anton Mesmer.  He believed that there was an invisible force, a cosmic energy, that connected everything in the universe and that a person could access it through self-hypnosis.  While his cosmic energy was never proven, the groundwork he laid created modern self-hypnosis.

How does it work?

There are various methods to reach a state of self-hypnosis, depending on the advice given.  But they all have certain elements in common – you need to be willing to try, unafraid of entering a trance state and not be overly sceptic.  As you attempt to enter the state, you should focus your mind on the problem you are trying to solve.

Entering a state of self-hypnosis doesn’t happen in a minute or two so a suitable period of time should be left for the practice.  There’s no point trying to rush through it as we all have a tendency to do as this won’t help achieve the aims.

What are the benefits of self-hypnosis?

Once you have found a technique that you are comfortable with and that works for you, what can you achieve in the state?  What are the benefits of self-hypnosis?

One of the most common uses for self-hypnosis and other hypnotherapies is to help deal with sleep disorders and reach a state of deep sleep.  One study in Switzerland found that when people used a hypnotic suggestion before sleep, 80% of them spent more time in slow wave sleep, the deep restorative phase when their brain activity was monitored.

Another popular use for hypnosis is to calm nerves and deal with stress.  Some studies have shown it can help with major issues such as undergoing surgery or giving birth, helping to relieve the associated stress and calm the body in preparation.  The techniques of self-hypnosis can also help with general stress and anxiety as well as to change bad habits – people trying to overcome a fear or change a certain behaviour have benefited from it.

The relaxation techniques involved with self-hypnosis have also been shown to help change mood and emotional state.  Therefore, if you are worried about something, the trance can help you put these worries into context or to alter your concentration onto something less stressful.

Conclusion

Self-hypnosis is all about altering your mind, changing your perspective and helping to deal with the troubles of daily life.  However, it is clear from the studies that while there are a number of clear benefits, these will only work if you approach the techniques with an open mind and an urge for the process to work.