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Throughout history, different cultures have experimented with inducing a trance like state, whether for spiritual rituals or for healing. The founder of modern hypnosis was Franz Anton Mesmer, from where we get the term 'mesmerism'. The ancient cultures of Greece and Egypt used healing trances, and the tribal cultures in Africa and elsewhere have long used rhythmic drumming and dancing to induce trance. In the 1950s and American psychotherapist Milton H. Erickson developed the modern form of hypnotherapy in use in the West today. Both the US and UK medical authorities recommend that hypnosis and hypnotherapy be covered in doctor's training, but sadly, it rarely is. Hypnotherapy practitioners believe that the mind has several levels of consciousness. Under hypnosis, the rational brain is bypassed, and suggestions are made directly to the subconscious mind. During a medium hypnotic trance, the metabolism, breathing and heartbeat slow and the brain produces alpha waves. During hypnotherapy, the practitioner introduces the patient to a deeply relaxed but still conscious state. At this time, the patient is open to suggestion, and can be desensitised towards fears, phobias, pain and personal issues. Common 'conditions' treatable through hypnotherapy include: stress, obesity, addictions, anxiety, phobias, depression, insomnia, digestive disorders, asthma, allergies, skin conditions. Up to 90% of the population can be hypnotised, and 10% of those are extremely susceptible and can be taken to trances so deep that even operations can be performed without anaesthetic. Imaginative, artistic people make the best subjects, but much depends on personal willingness to try hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapists claim that it is impossible to hypnotise an unwilling subject, and also that the subconscious mind is unlikely to accept suggestions which the rational mind would brand unreasonable. There is no doubt that hypnosis works, although how exactly it works remains a mystery. During a classical hypnotic induction, the patient lies down comfortably whilst the practitioner talks to them in a low, slow and soothing voice. Patients may be asked to visualise a beautiful setting, or to watch a light, or to listen to monotonous words. The practitioner will suggest that you feel sleepy and heavy, and will often count down from ten to one, or suggest that you visualise yourself going down in a lift. Once under hypnotic trance, you will still be aware of your surroundings - it is a myth that patients can be attacked or molested whilst under trance. Ericksonian hypnotherapists often will not use trance at all, preferring to introduce suggestion strategically during a patient's normal thoughts or daydreams. Most people can learn to self-hypnotise themselves. Self-hypnosis can be use for relaxation, pain relief or to foster self-confidence and other positive attitudes. Be prepared at first to spend 20-30 minutes a day practising the techniques; it's best to learn from books or tapes, or some hypnotherapists offer self-help training courses. For more information, visit our Self Help and Hypnosis Videos, DVDs, CDs and Kits section, our Hypnosis Books section or our Self Help Books section in the new age shop.
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