Hypnosis is nothing new. Indeed, you can trace the scientific practice way back to the 18th century, and a German physician called Franz Mesmer (hence the term ‘to mesmerize’…). Hypnosis as a practice, according to the same source, goes back even further to times where sorcery and magic were the order of the day. In more recent times, despite the occasional skeptic, hypnosis is a more accepted and celebrated part of life. For many, it’s a source of entertainment. However, the benefits of hypnotherapy (aka hypnosis applied as a therapeutic tool) mean it’s used increasingly in healing practices too.
But how, specifically, does someone stand to gain from hypnotherapy?
Keep reading to discover the hypnotherapeutic benefits that few people ever hear about.
1. Stress Reduction
”You’re feeling veeeery sleepy”.
We’ve all come across this sort of stereotypical spiel of the pop-hypnotist.
And, though the reality of hypnotherapy is far from it, there are elements of truth therein. The sleepy state is one such example; there is, indeed, something exceptionally relaxing about being hypnotized.
You’re not, in actual fact, asleep. Instead, you’re in a state of consciousness where physical and mental tension ease away.
The result is that any stress you’ve been experiencing can fall away like water off a duck’s back.
This stress reduction doesn’t stop at the end of the session though. A proficient hypnotist will help you rewire internal mechanisms that have become problematic.
Particular states, such as excessive rumination, can be supported to help reduce stress levels in daily life as well.
2. A Better Night’s Sleep
There’s nothing worse than being unable to sleep at night.
Insomnia is wildly common in the US, and the impact it has is terrible. We all know the symptoms of a poor night’s sleep- we’re irritable, lethargic, restless, and unable to focus as normal.
However, more serious sleep deprivation can cause significant health-related issues.
Thankfully, hypnotism can improve the situation. It makes intuitive sense when you recall the inherent stress-free state of relaxation it creates.
Interestingly, the term ‘hypnosis’ derives from ‘Hypnos’, who was the ancient Greek god of sleep.
The sleep state you enter into mid-session is only one stage of the support though. The rewiring of brain patterns through hypnosis also facilitates better sleep at night.
3. Pain Reduction
Chronic pain is all-consuming.
Think about the last time you were in serious pain. It’s likely that everything from practical tasks to focusing at work was far more difficult.
Luckily for most of us, pain starts to dwindle as time goes by. The process speeds along even faster with medical support.
But not when the pain is chronic. Suddenly, pain is a constant feature of life. All the practical, mental and emotional struggles involved fail to dissipate.
Anyone who’s experienced chronic pain will understand the desperate desire to find a cure.
And, thankfully, hypnotism might provide one. Indeed, as a clinical therapy, hypnosis has been shown to support chronic pain caused by burns, arthritis, and cancer.
You might wonder how mental therapy can reduce physical pain. It’s likely to do with the mind-body connection. Our mind and body are intrinsically connected; physical issues impact our mind and vice versa.
Hypnosis may deliver effective support for chronic pain by enabling us to cope better with it mentally.
4. Reduced Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is another debilitating ailment that countless people suffer from.
Characterized by cramps, stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea, it’s a cause of both physical and emotional distress.
A vicious circle can develop too:
People who suffer from IBS often feel anxious and embarrassed by their condition, which exacerbates the physical symptoms. Of course, their worsening symptoms cause further worry; the cycle repeats.
Somebody looking for a natural solution to IBS will be pleased to hear that hypnotherapy might help. Whether it’s used as a replacement or in collaboration with medication will depend on personal factors (and doctor’s advice).
Regardless, hypnotherapy can tackle each element of the IBS experience. Indeed, we’ve already noted how it can relieve stress and pain/discomfort. These are two central aspects of the condition.
5. Weight Loss
Are you looking to shed a few pounds?
Let’s face it, many of us struggle to keep up with our diet and exercise regimes. Unfortunately, they’re also both central components of losing weight!
Most of us benefit from a helping hand; hiring a trainer, joining a fitness class, or soliciting the support of a close friend, are all routes that many people take to stay committed.
Hypnotherapy can be another useful tool for making the process somewhat easier.
Alas, you won’t walk away 5 pounds lighter from a session with a hypnotherapist! You may, however, rediscover your motivation and change your attitudes about exercise.
Similarly, you might be able to address certain negative behaviors that stymie your weight-loss attempts. Any over-eating, or anxiety about exercising in public, for example, could both be helped with hypnotherapy.
6. Addiction-Recovery
Finally, hypnosis might be of use for anyone struggling with addiction.
The addiction itself doesn’t matter. Someone could be hooked on Class A drugs, alcohol, or gambling, as just three examples.
Rather than addressing the exact addiction, hypnotherapy can restore feelings of control and mastery. Better still, an addict could address any feelings of guilt or shame that’s compounding the problem.
In a similar way, the hypnotist can guide an addict (in a safe and controlled space) back in time to open the doors to forgotten trauma.
Historic suffering might be at the source of the addiction; remembering it can be a vital first step to overcoming the issue.
Experience the Benefits of Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis has, in one way or another, been part of the human experience for a seriously long time!
However, we have scientific interest over the last few hundred years to thank for hypnotism’s current value to society.
Indeed, though it remains a top form of entertainment too, the true benefits of hypnotherapy are often felt most in terms of personal wellbeing.
Hopefully, this post has highlighted how exactly hypnotism helps in this regard!
Are you interested in accessing hypnosis for life-changing support? Click here to learn about booking a private session.
