| The practice is hypnosis has been with us since the first written records emerged. In its clinical form, it dates back as far as the 1700s. The roots of modern medical hypnosis date back to Franz Anton Mesmer, who first used hypnosis for this purpose during the eighteenth century. In 1958, the American Medical Association recognized hypnosis as a valid medical technique.
Contrary to old ideas that hypnosis takes away the subjects control, hypnosis is instead a form of focused attention that enables a person to accept guidance from a therapist in a state of receptive concentration. As such, this technique can be used for immediate issues, like pain management and can provide an alternative to anesthesia or sedation during medical procedures.
The actual process of hypnosis involves a contract between the practitioner or practitioner and the patient. The person must agree to the hypnosis. The hypnotic state involves concentration, and a state of complete relaxation. This is followed by a suggestion offered by the practitioner to provide the patient with instructions on how they will perceive their environment, their bodies or other people.
Some people resist the hypnotic process because they believe that the therapist will have control over them. Many practitioners say they can hypnotize ANYONE and that people with a strong will are not immune to hypnosis. Since no one can be hypnotized against their will, the real question is whether a person wants to be hypnotized rather than whether they CAN BE hypnotized.
Hypnosis that is designed to address a habit like smoking or eating is often delivered in group sessions held over a number of hours, and it can also be administered by CDs and tapes in the privacy of your home. Keep mind that this mass approach is less effective because it is generic in nature and not tailored to a particular patient.
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