Hypnosis, ever since its heyday in the Victorian era, has come under a lot of fire for claims that most people associate with pseudo-science. Once it was studied further, though, hypnosis became more widely accepted, eventually reaching acceptance in the field of alternative medicine, and tentative acceptance in mainstream medicine. One variety, self-hypnosis, has become very popular among many people for the benefits it can offer.
Definition
Hypnosis is a technique whereby the conscious, rational mind is pushed aside and the unconscious, or subconscious, mind is brought to the forefront. This is often a difficult process that entails putting a person into a sort of wakeful sleep, which leaves him or her more open to suggestion. It's when a person can put themselves into this almost trance-like state that it is considered to be self-hypnosis.
Meditation
Meditation is a form of self-hypnosis. Sitting in a comfortable place and clearing the mind, focusing on breathing, and eliminating distractions are all signs of meditation. For those who are truly skilled in this art form, hours may go by while their conscious mind is suppressed, and they focus on a single thing, such as eliminating stress, ignoring pain, or just letting their mind drift while the body takes care of itself.
Visualization
One method used by many people who practice self-hypnosis is visualization. This is a very common exercise even when people are not in a meditative state. Basically, a person must visualize how they would be if they changed a certain behavior, or achieved a certain goal. It is this visualization, done while in a hypnotic state, that changes the behavior when a person's conscious mind has woken up again. Visualization is sometimes grouped along with "post-hypnotic suggestion," meaning a suggestion that is planted in the subconscious mind that then takes effect on the conscious mind.
Tools
There are often a great number of tools that can assist in the self-hypnosis process. Soothing background sounds, whether the sound of the surf or calming music, often help achieve a relaxed, hypnotic state. Choosing certain times of the day may also help some people, as well as choosing a certain place in which to undergo this process. All of these things are associated over time with the relaxed, hypnotic state, and it will be easier to achieve the more a person uses the same tools over and over again.
Variety
Like many other alternative medicines, different methods of self-hypnosis work for different people. Entering a trance is something that people do without knowing it many times, such as when reading a book, waking up in the morning, or just staring off into space. There is a lot of literature on the subject that can be a guide, and often there are classes taught on hypnosis and meditation. If those methods fail, talking with a professional hypnotist may open up new doors to persons who want to learn methods of self-hypnosis that work best for them.
