As science and technology quickly evolve, the areas of medicine and health also benefit, and in this modern age, one would think that all medical doctors rely solely on practices that are clinically tested and proven. It is, however, undeniable that both patients and doctors are also turning to alternative treatments and therapies for various conditions. Some even go back to practices that were used in previous centuries. Certainly, there is a good reason for this: some of these practices are applicable even in the modern era.
Hypnotherapy is one practice that has been used since ancient times and is being used by some modern medical practitioners, as there is evidence that the practice works and benefits patients. In our modern society, people often suffer from conditions such as pain, unhealthy practices, and negative patterns of thinking. While traditional medical science can work to solve these conditions, hypnotherapy offers an alternative solution. This may involve changes in lifestyle – including creating a healthy diet, making behavioral changes, and altering belief systems. The bottom line is that hypnotherapy offers natural solutions, i.e., tapping into the power of the subconscious, instead of pumping one’s body with medication.
Hypnotherapy’s roots may lie in ancient practices, but it really does help a lot of people today. In fact, even in the most progressive cities, hypnotherapy is being practiced. For example, you might be surprised how easily you can find qualified NYC hypnotherapy practitioners.
What exactly is hypnotherapy anyway?
Hypnotherapy is a form of treatment wherein the patient undergoes guided imagery and is led to a state of intense concentration and focused attention. The result is that the patient reaches a state of heightened awareness, wherein he gets led into a deep hypnotic trance. In this state, the physical surroundings are ignored, and the hypnotherapist is able to help the patient focus on very specific thoughts, tasks, or issues that need to be sorted out.
How is hypnotherapy used?
Much like other methods psychologists and/or psychiatrists use, hypnotherapy can be utilized in two major ways.
Suggestion therapy
When in the state of heightened awareness, an individual is more open to suggestions. In this way, hypnotherapy can be used to change certain habits or patterns of thinking. Edward J. Longo, a certified NYC hypnotherapy therapist, is one of the leading experts in the field. When asked, “Why is your therapy a good option for someone who is dealing with an addiction or other debilitating problem?”, he explains:
First of all, I not only treat an addiction, I treat the human body, mind, and spirit. You cant get this just by quitting smoking. Other hypnotists might cure you of smoking, but whats left is damage to the body. So what I do is I give people exercises, I find out what their physical damages are. I used to be a body builder in the past, I studied psychology and the mind, and I go into the spirituality, its a three focus therapy. In other words, I do not just treat the smoking, I treat the being.
This leads to the next point…
Analysis
As Edward J. Longo states, he finds out what physical damages his patients may have. This is, in fact, analysis. Sometimes, people who exhibit emotional (or other types) of disorders may actually not realize what the root cause is. That is why they continue living a disturbed, unhappy, or discontent life.
With hypnotherapy taking a person to a different plane, so to speak, the therapist can help him delve deeply into his consciousness, which can in turn lead to finding out the underlying reasons for the patient’s condition. This can then be addressed via the suggestion therapy and/or other forms of psychotherapy.
In effect, hypnotherapy is a partnership between the patient and the therapist – where the patient is able to be in full control – which aims to address issues which may otherwise not be possible if only the conscious mind is dealt with. The power of the subconscious is key.
How hypnotherapy gives hope in a modern world
You’re reading this blog, so the chances are that you have your own bucketful of issues that you need help with. You might be even seeing a psychologist, but you may feel that nothing is working for you. That’s not to say that psychologists and psychiatrists don’t “work”. It’s just that, if you’ve been trying the same thing for a while, and you’re not getting the results you want, maybe it’s time to consider something else that has worked for many other people?
Hypnotherapy is a method which can take you to a whole new level of awareness that you’ve never experienced before, and with this comes many possibilities. It has been used to analyse and treat disorders such as phobias, fears, and anxiety – problems that can be debilitating if left unresolved. Hypnotherapy can also help people with sleep disorders, stress, post-trauma anxiety, and dealing with grief.
This practice is not limited to mental and psychological methods. The power exercise and other physical activities may be harnessed to address issues such as low self-esteem and inspire a more positive and healthy lifestyle, which in turn boosts one’s general sense of well-being.
If you’ve been trying to beat depression for the longest time, maybe even taking medication, and you still feel that you’re “not quite there yet”, doesn’t the idea of hypnotherapy give you hope?
With this fast-paced world putting so much on your shoulders, potentially messing us up emotionally and mentally, hypnotherapy is an alternative and safe way to finally get to the root of your issues.
Originally posted on July 28, 2014 @ 9:22 pm
