Top 6 Myths of Hypnosis

The top 6 myths of Hypnosis. Hypnosis has been around for many centuries and millions of people have undergone hypnotic therapy. Furthermore many have seen hypnosis in action when attending events and live on TV. Hypnosis has become highly familiar to people all around the world. It is also amazing just how many misconceptions there are about hypnosis.   In fact, today, myths about hypnosis still exist.

Top 6 myths of hypnosis explained

The hypnosis myths that still exist are often ones that make sense.  It is because people do not understand how hypnosis works.  What is true is that hypnosis can create a number of interesting effects on the mind.  Audio or visual hallucinations or feeling less pain are a few.
However, that does not mean that hypnosis can do everything. Plus, many of the things millions of people think it can do are simply not true.  Let’s put to rest some very common hypnosis myths.  These will help you gain a better understanding of how it really works on the mind.

Top 6 Myths of Hypnosis -It is Not Sleep

This is arguably the most common of the top 6 myths of hypnosis.  People close their eyes during hypnosis and look peaceful and therefore may look asleep. The truth is that they are far from being asleep.
We know that they are not asleep because their brainwave pattern indicates a heightened sense of concentration.  A brain scan of a hypnotised subject will show a very high level of alpha waves.  This indicates that they are awake, highly responsive and very alert.

Top 6 Myths of Hypnosis- Mentally Weak

Mentally weak and uneducated people are easier to hypnotise according to some people’s belief.   The truth is that it is probably the opposite. In fact, the more intelligent you are and the more powerful your self-control, the easier you can be hypnotised.

In fact, those with mental health issues may find it difficult to focus. Ultimately, hypnosis relies on concentration.  If you can concentrate then you can be more easily hypnotised. Usually, about one in every three people are more likely to try and resist being hypnotised for various reasons. However, even this can be overcome if someone is resisting.

When hypnotised you are not helpless.

People have different responses to hypnotism.  However,  the truth is that they are far from being helpless. People in hypnosis still keep their core values, morals and standards of behaviour just like their normal state. It is actually difficult to get people to do what they normally would not do in public.
However, the silly things people do on stage under hypnosis may be due in large part to their personality type. In essence, if a person who enjoys attention would bark like a dog to get people to look at them, why would they somehow not do it under a state of hypnosis?
Ultimately, hypnosis on the stage does involve a heightened level of suggestion.  It works because the person on stage is willing.  They feel comfortable following the commands in these situations.

Hypnosis can Retrieve Long Forgotten Memories

This is also one of the most popular of the top 6  myths of hypnosis. Furthermore, many believe this is true along with trained professionals such as psychologists as well as those who practice hypnotherapy. However, the truth is that the opposite is more likely. Any memories buried deep in the mind will not only stay there, but false memories can be put in their place.

When a person is under a heightened state of suggestion, it means that a hypnotist may even unwillingly plant false memories that seem just as real as what might have happened to a person long ago. Hypnosis simply does not work in a manner that activates memory cells that have long been deactivated.
Therefore, the person placed under hypnosis in a Hollywood film to remember the face of a killer long forgotten is pure fiction, albeit an entertaining piece of fiction.

Hypnosis Takes Several Sessions to “Cure” Someone

Another of the top 6 myths of hypnosis. You can quit smoking or get rid of a phobia n just one or 2 sessions. However, the very idea that one session of hypnosis will cure depression or cure an illness is unlikely.  It takes several sessions over time to have any real impact, just like with many traditional therapies.
However, many people have claimed it only took one session of hypnotherapy to work for them as it makes a great story. Using hundreds of nicotine patches over two years to finally quit does not make for a very entertaining story.

It can take one, six, or more sessions for a person to receive the true benefits of hypnotherapy. It often needs additional support in order for the sessions to have a real impact.   Still, many misunderstand their abilities to overcome some problems and expect overnight miracles. There are those who think if they close their eyes during hypnosis for weight loss they will wake up slim!

Most People have been hypnotised.

In fact, most people have experienced a level of hypnosis in their lives whether they realise it or not. To go into hypnosis you don’t need a hypnotist. In fact, one of the most common states of hypnosis occurs when you have been driving long distances.

This state known as “reflective driving” is where the conscious mind has disassociated itself from the body.  Then, the unconscious part of the brain still takes care of all the functions of the vehicle. Often you cannot remember the last several blocks or miles that you have driven. However, you have executed a number of stops, turns and lane changes.  This is an example of when you have been in a mild hypnotic state.

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