The word hypnosis and hypnotism was coined by a Scottish surgeon James Braid in 1841s from the term "neuro-hypnotism" or nervous sleep.
Hypnosis is a mental state or set of attitudes and beliefs usually induced by a procedure known as hypnotic induction.
It is a state of mental concentration often leading to a form of progressive relaxation which is termed "nervous sleep".
In the year 2005, the Society Psychological Hypnosis of the American Psychological Association come up to a formal definition which is closely related to that of Braid.
It says that Hypnosis is a mental state (state theory) or set of attitudes and beliefs (non-state theory) which is usually induced by a procedure known as a hypnotic induction, which is commonly composed of a series of preliminary instructions and suggestions.
Hypnotic suggestions may be delivered ("self-suggestion" or "autosuggestion").
So normally, hypnosis would involve the introduction to the procedure during which the subject is told that suggestions for imaginative experiences will be given.
During the induction there is an enormous variety of different techniques used in hypnotism.
The tradition way is to put the client into a "hypnotic trance" which means a person is in half-conscious state, seemingly between sleeping and waking, in which ability to function voluntarily may be suspended.
"Braidism" or the "eye-fixation" technique by Braid is the most influential method.
This is how to induct the James Braid's Eye-fixation hypnotic method; first hold a bright object between the thumb and middle finger of the left hand and hold it about eight to fifteen inches from the eyes and position it above the forehead so it can greatly strain the eyes and eyelids, and make the patient understand that they have to maintain a steady stare at the object and concentrate on the object alone.
Changes of the eyes will be observed pupil will start to contract then dilate then start the wavy movement of the object, and carry the object towards the eyes, and eyelids will close involuntarily, with the vibratory movement.
If eyelids will not close, the patient is asked to move their eyeballs and make him understand that he is allowed to close the eyelids once the object is carried towards the eyes, but the eyeballs must be kept fixed in the same position and concentrate on the object and the eyelids close with a vibratory motion or become spasmodically closed.
Today, hypnosis is being used and is well accepted by the medical society as tool for improving health like changing a patient's unhealthy lifestyle to a healthy one.
The use of hypnotism for therapeutic purposes is referred to as "hypnotherapy".
The goal of hypnotherapy is sustain a positive way of maintaining healthy life.
One of the most common uses for hypnosis is stress management, weight loss, and cessation of smoking.
Today hypnosis is trying to help individuals to overcome cancer.
The essence of hypnosis is a completely natural mental state that uses the subconscious mind.
The subconscious mind will hold the key to unlimited power and abilities.
If hypnosis is used effectively, it becomes easier to do the things you want to do in life.
Hypnosis is a natural, safe, pleasant, and effective to overcome any negative habits and to promote ideal body and optimum health.
It can foster maintain self-esteem, creativity, innovative and talents.
According to Dr.
Larry Deutsch, a practicing family physician and hypnotherapist, his proven self-help and hypnotherapy programs have helped thousands of people attain happier and healthier lives.
To quit smoking with hypnosis is easy and effective.
The problem of insomnia, feeling of anxiety and stress can also be managed by hypnosis.
In hypnosis, you can discover a way to lose weight and happier.
By using hypnosis, you can experience the joy of calm natural birth.
Those are only some of the benefits of hypnosis.
Hypnotherapy or hypnosis therapy connects the natural ability to help you change your life for the better.