Hypnosis: What is it, and does it work?
Unravel the enigma of hypnosis, a fascinating psychological phenomenon often shrouded in mystery. Explore its definition, delve into its workings, and question its efficacy. Let's embark on a journey to demystify hypnosis, shedding light on its potential benefits and limitations.
Hypnosis has been treading the line between quackery and therapy since around the 18th century, but recently it has been picking up steam as an alternative treatment for many disorders.
A recent review published in the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews has defined hypnosis as a kind of top-down regulation of conscious awareness, a process in which “mental representations […] override physiology, perception, and behavior”
- There are two main elements of hypnosis: induction and suggestions
- Hypnotic induction is the first suggestion delivered during the process
- Suggestions elicit seemingly involuntary responses from the participants
Hypnosis and cognition
Many studies link hypnosis specifically to cognitive processes and describe it as “a phenomenon involving attentive receptive concentration.”
- The relationship between hypnosis and states of attention is reinforced by the results of past experiments, in which hypnotic suggestion was used to alter different kinds of perception.
- Hypnosis is currently used to relieve several medical conditions and to help people let go of negative habits that can have a serious impact on their health.
Home uses of hypnotherapy techniques
Hypnotherapists and media outlets often list self-hypnosis techniques as a shortcut for achieving relaxation and boosting self-confidence
- Researchers suggest that for these simple techniques to be effective, high levels of suggestibility are unnecessary, and sometimes they advise putting them into practice as a way of supplementing specialist therapies at home
- Some surprising avenues wherein hypnotic suggestion has been used are children’s books
- Various links between hypnosis and meditation techniques are also drawn by some researchers