Does Hypnosis Work?

Back to Hypnosis Explained | What is Hypnosis?

14768392_s

The results from a 2006 Comparative Study by American Health Magazine show:

Psychoanalysis – 38% recovery after 600 sessions
Behavioral Therapy – 72% recovery after 22 sessions
Hypnotherapy – 93% recovery after 6 sessions

In 1958, the American Medical Association certified hypnosis as a legitimate treatment tool. In 1996, the National Institutes of Health ruled hypnosis to be effective for a variety of physiological and psychogenic conditions. In our current era, with the advent of new imaging and brain-wave measuring instruments, there now exists a solid body of research data confirming the healing power of hypnosis. As such, major hospitals throughout the country including prestigious medical centers like the Mayo Clinic have hypnotherapists on staff.

It has been estimated that the subconscious represents approximately 88% of the total mind, the conscious mind a mere 12%. The conscious mind, the center of rationality, is the thinker. The subconscious mind, which houses the limbic system that controls the physiological functions of the body as well as memory, emotions and behavior, is the doer.

Imagine an individual rowing a boat on the ocean. Beneath the surface connected to that rowboat on a long cable is a submarine. As long as the rowboat and the submarine have the same goal, all was well. But if that submarine has a different navigational orientation, all the rowing will be in vain. The rowboat will be dragged across the water in the direction the submarine is programmed to go.

Accordingly, sometimes after much rational analysis, you may know exactly why you are doing something unhealthy or feeling something negative and still not be able to stop it. You may know for certain that it is “all in your head” and still not be able to influence that deeper part of you with your rational mind.

Because hypnosis bypasses the chatter of the conscious analytical mind and connects directly to the subconscious, it can be amply demonstrated in comparative studies like that of the American Health Magazine that significant remedy is achievable efficiently in a shorter amount of time for a wide range of physiological, behavioral and motivational issues.

Please note, however, that hypnotherapists are certified as complementary healthcare practitioners. They are not licensed to medically diagnose or cure. Certain medical conditions require a doctor’s referral; certain psychological conditions such as neurosis and other mental disorders require collaboration with a psychotherapist or psychiatrist.