Hypnosis for Wellbeing
Hygeia was the Ancient Greek goddess of Good Health, and was associated with the prevention of sickness. She was the daughter of Asclepius, the God of Medicine. Hygeia is therefore a symbol of the emotional and psychological health that hypnosis can help us to attain and maintain. Hygeia’s sisters include Panakeia (All-Cure) and Iaso (Remedy).
Hypnosis is the process by which the power of our unconscious is accessed to assist us in attaining the goals which we desire. Most of us have the ability to achieve those goals, but we can sabotage ourselves without meaning to do so. Hypnosis can help us tap into that unconscious power, to ensure that we stay focussed on our goals so that we are able to succeed in reaching them.
When we go into a hypnotic state, or trance, our perception is focussed inwards. This is a natural state. Most of us have spontaneously gone into trance, for instance when driving or day dreaming. Children in particular are very good reaching this trancelike state. Any parent who has tried to attract the attention of a child watching television knows how powerful this state can be.
Hypnosis is a skill and can be learned, although some people are better at it than others. Ability to go into trance tends to be associated with higher levels of intelligence. Generally, those who are able to focus their attention and concentrate, for instance when reading or watching a film, are better at learning how to go into trance. Like any skill, the more hypnosis is practiced, the better a person becomes at going into trance.
There are many misconceptions about hypnosis. It is not sleep, and people generally remember what happens while in trance, although sometimes there can be time distortion, for instance, it can seem as though only a few minutes have passed when in fact it can be a deal longer. Another misconception is that people give up their power when in trance. This is not the case. You do not relinquish your will. If you do not want to go into trance, it will not happen. You have to focus your attention to go into trance. During hypnotherapy, the hypnotherapist is merely helping the process. Often hypnotherapy is undertaken as part of psychotherapy with a psychologist.
The following are examples of the various life issues where hypnosis can be of assistance:
weight loss - stop smoking - reduce alcohol consumption - anxiety - improve your sleep - fears and phobias - nail biting - panic - increase motivation - attitude change - learning - sports performance - general relaxation
and many other problems