Top 10 Hypnosis Myths

By: Brenda Mayhew
Submitted: 2008-10-07 18:03:07
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There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about hypnosis circulating today so I thought I'd bring them all together for you and tell the truths behind the legends.

1.  People who are hypnotised are asleep and don't know what is happening.

This myth has been perpetuated by the stage hypnotists who say things like "on the count of 3 you will fall asleep." and "When i click my fingers you will wake up"  Hypnosis isn't a sleep state.  It is a state of deep relaxation in which you become hyper aware andfocused on what is happening around you.  You are in control of the situation the whole time and can stop it anytime you feel the need.

2.  People can't remember what they have done under hypnosis.

This is another stage show myth.  People have very good memories of what has happened under hypnosis.  For instance people can be encouraged to explore pastlives while in the hypnotic trance.  When they return to a normal state they still have very vivid memories of what they saw and remembered under hypnosis.  This type of therapy is called past life regression.

3.  Once hypnotised a person is under the control of the hypnotist.

This myth has come from the old black and white B-movies.  The beautiful damsel falls under the hypnotist's spell and is at his mercy as he twiddles his moustache and smiles at the camera with a glint in his eye.  Great for Hollywood not so great for real life.  This never happens.  When you are in a hypnotic trance you are fully aware of what is being suggested to you.  If at any time you feel uncomfortable you will automatically resist the hypnotic suggestions and bring yourself out of the trance.  The fact that you are uncomfortable is enough to break the trance because you aren't as relaxed as you need to be for hypnosis to work effectively.

4.  Only weak minded and easily suggestible people can be hypnotised.

This is the complete opposite of what actually happens.  It is people of below average I.Q. that cannot be hypnotised.  Anyone of average intelligence can be in a hypnotic trance.  Most people generally slip into and out of trance on a daily basis.

5.  You have to lie back and close your eyes to be hypnotised.

Myth.  To be hypnotised all you need to do is focus and concentrate.  In fact using conversational hypnosis it is possible to hypnotise someone without them even realising that you are using hypnosis on them at all.

6.  A person under hypnosis can be made to reveal his or her deepest secrets.

Myth.  A person can't be forced to do anything under hypnosis, least of all be made to tell the truth.  In fact hypnosis opens up all your creative abilities so if you were ever going to lie, hypnotic trance would be the best place to do it.  You are in total control of the situation so you if you don't want to tell your hypnotist something then you won't.

7.  Hypnosis will make you remember everything that has ever happened to you.   Ever!

Hypnosis can be a great tool for aiding memory.  You will remember things that had previously slipped your mind, but there is no way that you will remember everything that has happened to you.  It has taken you a very long time to live your life.  It's literally impossible to remember all of that in a one hour session.

8.  You can get stuck in a trance forever.

Nope sorry this isn't true either.  To come out of hypnosis all you have to do is bring yourself out of your deep relaxation state.  More people get stuck in their bathtubs every year than get stuck in hypnotic trances.

9. Hypnosis can make you act like a chicken.

This is another myth that comes from the world of stage shows.  Stage hypnotists are really good at judging people's personalities.  then tend to pick subjects that like a good laugh and aren't afraid of being a little silly.  Then behind the mask of hypnosis these people find it very easy to lower their inhibition levels.  They wouldprobably behave quite similar to this if you saw them after a few drinks.  When you add together their eagerness to have fun, their suggestibility and the pressure of a theatre full of people watching them they tend to do whatever the hypnotist suggests.  It's unlikely these people would behave the same way if they were in a room alone with the hypnotist.

10.  Hypnosis is satanic and against religion.

There are still some religions that condemn hypnosis but most have accepted that there is real healing benefits to be found within hypnosis.  The roman catholic church accepted hypnosis back in 1956.  Most other majorreligions have also accepted hypnosis either before or after this time, and have no problem with their members seeking hypnotic help.

These are just a few of the many myths and misconceptions circling the globe today.  I hoped I've helped to put some minds at ease and given you a little more information about hypnosis.

Article source: Expert Articles