Seven Hypnosis Myths Exploded

Over the years, hypnosis myths have been created due to all sorts of weird associations from stage hypnotists, the media and superstition. This is a great shame, because in reality, hypnosis is your single most effective tool for change. Hypnosis is your birthright, and you should know how to use it so it doesn't use you. Here we dispel some of the biggest myths.

Hypnosis Myth 1) All hypnosis is the same.

As with anything, hypnosis can be good, bad or indifferent. The most common is old-style authoritarian hypnosis of the type "You are getting sleepy, you are feeling confident". Unsurprisingly, this sort of hypnosis doesn't work well with many people. Good hypnosis uses subtle psychological principles and advanced communication patterns.

It's like the difference between a football coach who thinks you'll perform best if he yells at you, compared with the more elegant style of a great leader who knows that to get the best from his people, he needs to understand motivation, to cajole, encourage and reward.

Hypnosis Downloads.com offers hundreds of sessions using the best type of hypnosis.

Hypnosis Myth 2) You can remain permanently stuck in hypnosis

No one remains in a hypnotic state permanently, but some people enjoy deep trance so much that they don't want to come out. It is because they are in a wonderful state which they have never experienced before and hence do not want to leave it. Perhaps for the first time, they are able to experience total freedom, inner peace and happiness and all seems absolutely perfect in their world.

When you are in a hypnotic state, your body begins to release an abundance of pleasure hormones (endorphins). You feel better than you ever felt before. You would like to stay in this state for ever but the session has to end. It is then that some people come out of the state while some continue in the state. In the latter case, you will drift into sleep and wake up later as usual.

Hypnosis Myth 3) Some people can't be hypnotized.

The truth is that everyone can be hypnotized. As a matter of fact, each one of us uses hypnosis in some form or the other every single day of our life either consciously or unconsciously.

We experience some form of a hypnotic state every time we imagine, every time we become emotional, every time our attention is focused on something.

The people that are easiest to hypnotize are those who have great imagination and are able to focus on the desired objective. The only reason some one can't be hypnotized is if s/he is incapable of paying attention due to extremely low IQ or brain damage. That's not to say that every hypnotist can hypnotize anyone. The more flexible the hypnotist, the more effective s/he will be with the largest number of people.

Hypnosis Myth 4) Hypnosis is something weird that other people do to you.

If you couldn't go into hypnosis, you wouldn't be able to sleep, to learn, or get nervous through 'negative self hypnosis'. (You know when you imagine things going wrong and it makes you feel anxious? Well that's self hypnosis!)

Hypnosis is simply a deliberate utilization of the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) or dream state. We're not giving people medication here – if it wasn't a natural ability, hypnosis wouldn't work!

Hypnosis Myth 5) You lose control in hypnosis.

A hypnotist can have as much power over you as you give him/her. Hypnosis can be done in many more subtle ways than someone telling you to "take a deep breath and close your eyes now ... ". It may be a simple statement that someone utters which stimulates your imagination and more importantly your emotions - a statement of hope and encouragement or of some dismal consequences.

It is always up to you, whether you are having a session with a hypnotist, listening to hypnosis recording or receiving information through some other media - from a parent, a teacher, a salesman, an advertisement, tv news, books or newspapers - whether you want to accept or reject the statements offered. For that reason it is said that "all hypnosis is ultimately self-hypnosis" and that you are always in control.

Crazy news stories, stage hypnotists and gossip have created the illusion that you lose control in hypnosis. In fact, when hypnotized, you are relaxed and focused – and able to choose to get up and walk away at any time. You choose to give your attention to the hypnotist, and you can withdraw it at any time.

Hypnosis Myth 6) I will be made to perform embarrassing acts, such as act like a drunk, or dance like some actor.

This assumption is based mainly on stage hypnotism and Hollywood films. The reality is that these people volunteer to act on stage, and thereby allow themselves to participate in silly suggestions.

Another important fact worth remembering is that one will never do anything under hypnosis that one does not do in real life. For example, no lady will ever undress under a hypnotist’s suggestions. In fact, she will snap out of hypnosis. However, a lady who works or has worked as a strip tease artist may undress, even on stage, under a hypnotist’s suggestions, if she has herself volunteered to go on stage.

Similarly, no hypnotist can make you reveal your innermost secrets as it is you who are in control and not the hypnotist.

Hypnosis Myth 7) Hypnosis is a Cure-All.

No, hypnosis is not a cure-all. Hypnosis is very powerful and apart from many aspects of personality development, can cure, or aid in the cure, of a great many ailments. Hypnosis can also solve a great many personal problems. But it is not the answer for everything.

While Hypnosis is a relatively quick method of making permanent improvements, there is no such thing as a one-time miracle cure. Every individual makes progress at his or her own rate. That is where hypnosis tapes or CDs can help.

If you have been scared of hypnosis in the past, this article has hopefully convinced you to at least give it a try. But remember, ensure what you're getting is the real thing. Visit www.hypnosisdownloads.com

Article by Mark Tyrrell of Hypnosis Downloads.com.