Hypnosis has been practiced for thousands of years, however in the last 20 years it has grown in popularity and is far more welcomed in the medical fraternity than before. Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not a state of deep sleep. It does involve the induction of a trance-like condition or deep relaxation. But when in it, the client is actually in an enhanced state of awareness, concentrating entirely on the hypnotherapist’s voice.
It is a gentle, effective healing art using a distinctive way of speaking and behaviour to access the subconscious mind. In this state, the conscious mind is suppressed and the subconscious mind is awake. The therapist is then able to suggest ideas, concepts and lifestyle changes to the client - the seeds of which become firmly planted.
Hypnotherapy aims to re-programme patterns of behaviour within the mind, enabling irrational fears, phobias, negative thoughts and suppressed emotions to be brought under control.
As the body is released from conscious control during the relaxed trance-like state of hypnosis - breathing becomes slower and deeper, the pulse rate drops and the metabolic rate falls. Similar changes along nervous pathways and hormonal channels enable the sensation of pain to become less severe and the awareness of unpleasant symptoms to be reduced.
Hypnosis works by altering our state of consciousness so that the analytical left side (the verbal and orderly side) of the brain is turned off, while the non-analytical right side (the attention, memory, reasoning and problem-solving side) is made more alert. The conscious control of the mind is quietened and the subconscious mind is awakened.
Since the subconscious mind is a deep-rooted, more instinctive force than the conscious mind - this is the part which has to change for the client’s behaviour and physical state to alter.
Progress can only be made by reprogramming the subconscious so that deep-rooted instincts and beliefs are altered.
Hypnotherapy can be used for stress management; confidence and self esteem; stop smoking;
weight loss; fears and phobias; anxiety and panic, among other conditions.
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