Can You Use Hypnosis to Stop Smoking ?

by ian Williamson

All habits, inhibitions, and mental blocks are stored in our subconscious mind. With each of these factors there are associated feelings and sensations. Some time in the past these emotional inputs - feelings and sensations - were experienced repeatedly. The repetition reinforced those emotions and made them more dominating than other emotions. The subconscious mind tries to re-live the experience, creates situations so that dominating emotions appear again and again and get further reinforced. As a result the subconscious mind creates and maintains self-made limitations.

To take an example, say a person has a habit of smoking. There are physical and mental sensations connected with smoking. The subconscious mind will try to experience those sensations again. It will create a situation in which smoking will become a "necessity". The data stored with the subconscious will be confirmed and the subconscious mind will happily conclude that smoking is a necessity.

To break any bad habit or limitations set up in the subconscious it will be necessary to change the conviction held by it. The stored emotions of bad habit will have to be replaced with desirable emotions. Hypnotism is one of the methods for changing the beliefs held by the subconscious mind.

There are two broad stages in the process of hypnotism.

1. Relaxation 2. Focus on the problem

In the relaxed condition the subconscious mind is more receptive. You will need to have some perfection in achieving relaxation by practicing stage 1 several times. This is a necessary precondition for hypnosis. After you are sufficiently trained in relaxation you can divert your attention to problem solving. By this technique it is possible to solve virtually any personal problems.

Relaxation

Try to recall an event in which you felt totally relaxed. It could be your recent vacation or meeting with old friends or time you spent in reserve forest away from daily problems. It could be any situation with which memory of your relaxation is connected. If you cannot recall any event you can invent one in your imagination. You can have a combination of real life and imaginary situations.

After deciding the situation you will mentally go there. Write down the steps for going there from your present position. Your steps could be something like this.

1. I am sitting comfortably on my favorite chair. 2. Now I am shutting out my worries. 3. My nerves have calmed down and I am feeling more relaxed. 4. My breathing is becoming more rhythmic and relaxed. 5. I am breathing more deeply. (Concentrate on your breathing for a minute or two.) 6. I am feeling that I have descended into Endcity Park. (Try to remember the park in detail.) 7. I am enjoying the natural surroundings, the smell of fresh air, all around there is feast for my eyes. 8. The atmosphere is so soothing and relaxing. 9. I feel totally relaxed. 10. I am totally relaxed.

After writing these steps, revise and remember them thoroughly because once you start the process of relaxation you cannot break to consult your notes.

In the entire process of relaxation you will be talking to yourself. You can silently talk to yourself or record your talk in your voice and play the recording when you want to relax. While recording speak in slow and soothing voice. For each step give sufficient time in your recording to experience the feelings as if you are really there.

When you are ready to start the process, sit comfortably in your favorite chair. Close your eyes, silently start talking to yourself and go through the steps one by one. (Or play the recording). Give sufficient time and stress to each step to capture the emotions. After you reach equivalent of step 10 given in the example above you can retrace your steps and return back to normalcy. You should practise these steps few times so that you are able to relax quickly at will.

Now you are ready to focus on your attention on resolving the problems. From step 10, or its equivalent, you can go directly to the next stage.

Focus on Problem Solving

There are several methods of concentrating on the problems. A method called 'pattern interrupting' works well for eliminating habits like smoking. In this method you start with writing the steps and feelings associated with execution of your bad habit.

If you wish to quit smoking, make a list of all the steps you take when you smoke. Following steps are only suggestive; you can make your own steps:

1. I am totally relaxed (you will be continuing from the relaxed position). 2. I have an urge to smoke. 3. I take out a cigarette. There goes my 50c (or whatever the cost of one cigarette). 4. I take out my lighter. 5. I can already feel the excitement of smoking. 6. I light my cigarette. 7. I am now smoking (remember the taste and the sensation of smoking). 8. My cigarette is over and I throw away the stub. 9. The evil act of smoking is over. At last! 10. Feeling of guilt. 11. Feeling of mischievous accomplishment because I finished my cigarette before Anita could see me smoking. 12. Comforting feeling that I will not be smoking for some time at least. 13. I am still relaxed. 14. What a great achievement it will be when I totally quit smoking.

After writing down the steps, try to remember them.

Next time after you are in relaxed stage start with the steps to focus on the problem. Try to re-live the experience. After completing the steps again think of steps 2 to 12 but not sequentially. Think of the steps in random order to break the pattern. Try to think of each step randomly about 3 times.

Now think of desirable steps. For example, you can concentrate on these steps:

1. I am totally relaxed. 2. It is good that my last cigarette is over. 3. It feels great just to think that I will not smoke again. 4. I am happy that I will not have to hide anything from Anita. 5. What a sense of achievement. I have finally quit smoking. I have done it! 6. This is the victory of my will power over my useless habit. 7. I am still relaxed.

After repeating those desirable steps few times you can slowly come back to your normal self.

Hypnotism has amazing power. When used properly it can bring about tremendous benefits. It is a formidable tool and should be used wisely.


About the Author: For More Quit Smoking by Ian Williamson please visit http://www.real-articles.com/Category/Smoking/128

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With Hypnotic Weight Loss You Can Combat Your Sweet Tooth and Stop the Damaging Snacking For Good

by John Leogue

So you have an insatiable sweet tooth? Or perhaps it's the uncontrollable snacking that's doing you and your diet in.

Regardless of the exact culprit, there is reliable weight loss help that doesn't count on diet pills or self-deprivation.

This proven solution is hypnotic weight loss and making it work for you is easier than you might think!

Let's look at exactly what hypnosis is, and how you can use hypnotic weight loss to better control your cravings and sudden snack urges, allowing you to control your diet instead of allowing it to control you!

According to the American Psychological Association Division of Psychological Hypnosis, hypnosis is a procedure during which a health professional or researcher suggests that a client, patient, or subject experience changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, or behavior.

Most people can undergo hypnosis for weight loss and apply these changes in their sensations, perceptions, thoughts or behaviors about food and experience very strong results.

And, this includes you!

Although scientists have different theories about the nature of hypnosis, all seem to agree that hypnotized people report changes in the way they feel, think, and behave, and that these changes are in response to suggestions implied through hypnosis for weight loss.

People vary in their degree of responsiveness to hypnotic suggestions, but most people can be hypnotized to some degree. Scientists disagree about whether hypnosis involves a special mental state. Even so, with some professional guidance, you can learn how to become hypnotized, reaping the benefits of hypnotic weight loss for many years to come.

The premise of hypnotic weight loss is that "suggestibility," which is related to "hypnotizability," is a scientific concept and does not have any connotation of a weak will. Instead, suggestibility seems to be related to the capacity for using imagination and once you tap into this, those unwanted pounds are more easily shed.

Using suggestions, such as verbal or non-verbal promptings to act or think in ways the hypnotist indicates - and all in an effortless and automatic or non-voluntary manner, allows you to approach food and your eating habits with a completely new mindset.

The result: weight loss and long-term weight maintenance success.

You should know that hypnotic weight loss is most effective when you are highly motivated to overcome the problem and when the hypnotherapist is well trained in both hypnosis and in general considerations relating to the treatment of the particular problem, which, in this case, is being overweight.

Also, it is worth pointing out that some individuals seem to have a higher natural hypnotic talent and capacity that may allow them to benefit more readily from hypnosis or hypnotic weight loss.

This said, it is important to keep in mind that hypnosis is like any other therapeutic modality: it is of major benefit to some patients with some problems, and it is helpful with many other patients, but it can fail, just like any other clinical method.

This said, you certainly have a better chance at succeeding at hypnotic weight loss when you team-up with health care professionals who use hypnotic weight loss on a regular basis and who achieve a high rate of success with patients when using this method.

Before you make any decisions about hypnotic weight loss and if it is for you, you should know that a hypnotic state is not the same thing as gullibility or weakness. Unfortunately, many people base their assumptions about hypnotism on entertaining stage acts, but fail to see hypnosis as a valuable and proven tool that can help you control your worst eating habits.

So give it a try for yourself and see what you think when those unwanted pounds start melting away (and staying away)!

About the Author:Copyright 2006 John Leogue. Not having an incentive to lose weight makes weight loss virtually impossible. Hypnosis is a powerful weight loss tool. Find out how hypnosis can help you lose weight by visiting www.thezenofthin.info.

Article Source:http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=264403

2 ways to learn hypnotism

by Clay

Hypnotism is basically a deep sleep, where your subconcious is more reactive than your concious self. While under hypnosis, you are aware of what you're doing, and it's possible to wake yourself up at any time. Hypnosis does not turn someone into a controllable zombie like hollywood would have you beleive although, it is possible to influence someone to do something they wouldnt normally do.

First of all i'd like to state that I am not a teacher and I do not teach people how to hypnotize themselve or others. I simply have learned myself, and will recommend 2 killer articles that you should not look past if you're serious about learning.

1. First and foremost is one you have to pay for, but it's worth it, the information is very organized and very easy to understand. I have read alot, and i mean alot, of ebooks on hypnotism, and i assure you that this is by far the best. Click Here! to check it out.

2. Second is a very well written (and free) article from wikihow.com on self hypnosis. If you are strictly interested in hypnotising other people i still suggest that you read this, it gives you a much better understanding on what hypnosis is as a whole. Find it Here!

About the Author:Clay has been practicing self hypnosis for over 3 years and is completely self taught from e-books and online tutorials.

Article Source:http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=257806

Can Hypnosis Really Produce Results?

by Bill Urell

Immense patience and courage is required of you to delve into the world of hypnosis, specifically self hypnosis.

Hypnosis, a field, which is starting to be recognized in the realm of science, quite recently is occasionally referred to as hypnotherapy or hypnotic submission. It is a transformed state of awareness or consciousness. The state of awareness differs from the actual or regular mental condition primarily through the state of relaxation it induces. It is not easy to achieve this state from the mind, it requires practice and training. Hypnosis for weight loss or as a self help procedure helps you comprehend and achieve more control over your actions and activities. Hypnotists say that hypnosis generates a state of deep repose and quietens the mind. When you are hypnotized, you can focus strongly on a particular thought, remembrance, feeling or sensation while warding off all the disruptions and disturbances.

Types of hypnosis

There are broadly two types of hypnosis; passive and command hypnosis. While using hypnosis for remedial purposes, the kind of hypnosis generally used is passive; the patient is authorized to, and assisted to, go into hypnosis completely of his own free will and the hypnotist plays an absolutely passive role. This method is quite the reverse of command hypnosis.

As the name suggests, in command hypnosis, the hypnotist takes up a dominating authoritative control over the patient who, may or may not be aware of the modus operandi the hypnotist is practising on him. Yet he is under the positive control and influence of the hypnotist. All hypnotism is basically self-hypnosis. Still, there are many procedures and modes to hypnotise, including CD and tapes. Because it is the mind of the person who is being hypnotised all hypnosis is considered to be Self-hypnosis.

The hypnotist may propose the methods of hypnosis for weight control so that you may chose and accomplish and achieve your specific health goals. The other method is that once you are in a hypnotic state, the hypnotist assists by stimulating your imagination by suggesting certain images. This conscious creation of pictures in your psyche is called mental imagery, and it's a powerful way to help bring about what you want to achieve. An approved hypnotist would teach you how to engage in a state of hypnosis by yourself.

It is reported that with self-hypnosis you can achieve your goals and become the person you always desired to be. It sounds far-fetched, but it is true. The process of self-hypnosis involves absolute relaxation and a guided process for connecting the mind to provide information and control and to produce optimistic changes.

Usually, self hypnosis programs are designed and prepared by people who have never met the person willing to be hypnotised. This may lead to negative or disastrous results. For the self hypnosis to be successful, it is necessary for it to be designed by the same person who intends to ultimately use and benefit from it.

True self hypnosis is tailored to suit the needs of the person undergoing hypnosis. One you hear people say self-hypnosis, it is in literal terms that the "self" is hypnotising the self! We have the conscious mind and the sub-conscious mind. Under hypnosis the conscious mind communicates with the sub-conscious. This helps to reprogram it, i.e. the sub-conscious mind gets reprogrammed. Usually it is asserts that while a person actually attempts to do self-hypnosis; he must be alone and must be in a comfortable position like lying down. Pictures may be placed, and it is then required to concentrate on these pictures and then try to delve into deep sleep. This is basically commanding oneself to fall asleep while concentrating on the pictures. This process will only be successful, if one is absolutely calm. If you are uneasy and anxious and feed yourself with negative affirmations, it may have detrimental effects. It is therefore important to give and command oneself to be positive.

Self-hypnosis is like an artistic hobby that requires in depth analysis and constant practice, without which one shall always remain a novice in the field. To take an example, as it is required by a person learning to play the guitar, to practice for hours and for years to be proficient in it, an analogy follows that, hypnosis may be mastered only with practice as practice makes a man perfect! The draw back with self-hypnosis is that its all in the mind therefore it is a mind game and the one with the maximum span of patience and concentration will learn it the fastest. How to choose a qualified professional The only drawback of hypnosis is that it is unregulated and has not been ratified by any medical rules as such. It might be a part of psychiatry, but it has a limited role to play as people do have inhibitions about it still. Hypnosis is not regulated in most countries, so it is advisable that one is very cautious while selecting a hypnotist. However there are some autonomous bodies and authorities, which give certificates to people who complete the specific course in Hypnosis. Licensed health care specialists like psychiatrists and psychologists also do perform some hypnosis techniques.

About the Author: Now there is a gallery of powerful information yours for the taking. Decide now to reduce stress and improve the quality of your life. Click here: Hypnosis for Weight Loss
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Improve Psychic Ability with Hypnosis?

by James Malone

Can hypnosis be used to enhance psychic development? Anecdotal evidence dating back to hypnotism's early historical figures like Anton Mesmer hints that it can. Of course this assumes a belief in psychic phenomena-a topic beyond the scope of this article.

There have been attempts to test ESP in the laboratory setting and the results have been mixed. One of the more interesting findings has been the identification of test subjects who exhibit what has been labeled negative ESP.

ESP tests usually involve the subjects trying to ascertain a given piece of information without the use of the five physical senses. For example, being able to tell what someone is drawing in another room or picking the order of playing cards in a well shuffled deck.

In the design of these tests it is recognized that a certain percentage of correct random guesses are to be expected. Any result that goes beyond these parameters is considered to be significant.

It is obvious that being able to score consistently higher than chance on an ESP test suggests some sort of enhanced psychic facility. Yet there are also those individuals who repeatedly score or worse than what would be expected with just random guessing-thus the person with negative ESP.

Indian researchers B.K. Kanthamani and K. Ramakrishna Rao identified distinctive personality traits associated with those who scored both negative and positive ESP in their lab experiments.

Those with positive ESP on the whole tended to be outgoing, enthusiastic, adventuresome and relaxed. The negative ESP subjects were prone to be tense, withdrawn, easily frustrated and suspicious. It was surmised that the traits common to the negative ESP group most likely stand in the way of all their endeavors, including their psychic development

So can hypnosis improve psychic ability? It is a powerful tool that enables the individual to access and refine more of his or her mental abilities. If the development of a more relaxed and optimistic personality does indeed boost ESP, the answer is yes. But you knew that already, didn't you?

I am getting the strong impression that you enjoy learning about psychic phenomena. Wait there's more... I see you becoming incredibly curious about what the Psychic Development Course has to offer.

About the Author: James Malone is a Certified Hypnotist from Point Pleasant, NJ. He has also predicted that you are utterly fascinated by the topic of improving your psychic ability and sees you visiting The Psychic Ability Course

Article Source:http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=294781

How to Become a Hypnotist: 5 Helpful Suggestions

by James Malone

Public interest in natural healing methods is at an all time high. More people want to go beyond using them for their own health needs and desire to become practitioners themselves and hypnosis is one of the more popular arts. Have you ever wondered how to become a hypnotist?

Hypnosis is a collection of talk therapy techniques that uses trance and suggestion in order to alter habitual patterns of unhealthy thought, feeling and behavior. Quite often the results are rapid, dramatic and lasting because hypnotism addresses many of life's problems at their root cause-the subconscious mind.

There are two basic categories of hypnosis practitioner, the individual who is licensed in some healthcare discipline like medicine or psychotherapy who integrates the techniques into his or her work. Then there are those people who practice hypnotism as a separate and distinct profession, often using the titles of Certified Hypnotist, Hypnotherapist of Consulting Hypnotist. The tips in this article are addressed primarily to those in the latter group.

A person who practices hypnosis is not born with a special power; rather it is a skill that is acquired through training and practice. Below are five suggestions that you may find helpful if you are considering entering this field.

Have a sincere desire to help others. Although a significant income can be generated in a hypnosis practice, your primary focus must be on the client's wellbeing and happiness. People can spot insincerity a mile away and a person in trance actually becomes more perceptive than usual. Be one of the good guys, love what you do and the money will follow.

Receive good training. There are courses in clinical hypnotism that claim you can be ready to work with paying clients after one weekend training-this is a dubious claim at best. The more respected hypnosis training organizations have set a minimum standard of 100 hands-on classroom hours for initial certification, with annual continuing education standards for recertification. Some of the better organizations are the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH), the International Medical and Dental Hypnosis Association (IMDHA) and the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT). There are also good online training resources, however these cannot replace the need for live instruction and supervised practice.

Research the legal limits of practice in your state. Hypnotism is not tightly regulated in most of the United States. However, you can get in big trouble if you appear to be practicing medicine or psychotherapy if you are not licensed to do so. As a general guideline, complimentary practitioners cannot diagnose or prescribe for a physical or mental illness; if you work with these conditions a doctor's referral will be needed. Nonetheless, there are plenty of folks, who struggle with "the everyday problems of everyday life," who need your help. You can do this without infringing on the rightful domain of the licensed healthcare professional. The aforementioned professional organizations can help you with these questions.

Use the skills on yourself. One of the major side benefits of a good clinical hypnosis training course is that you will learn invaluable skills related to being able to be more relaxed and confident in your own life. Be sure to practice them. As mentioned previously, the hypnotized person becomes more aware and perceptive. A tense and unhealthy practitioner is creating a sense of incongruence that will limit his or her ability to positively influence the client. Walk the talk!

Recognize the need for an entrepreneurial spirit. One drawback of a career in the natural healing arts is that unlike other professions, you usually cannot start working for someone else before beginning a practice of your own. Realize you may have to learn how to be business person as well. Chances are you may require some help with this as well. Consider establishing a relationship with an established practitioner where he can act as your mentor. There are also organizations like S.C.O.R.E. that can be a big help.

About the Author:James Malone is a Certified Hypnotist from Point Pleasant, NJ. Are you curious enough about how to become a hypnotist to learn some more? IMAGINE THAT! Might I suggest you see what you can learn from the How to Become a Hypnotist page?

Article Source:http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=298215

Learn About Hypnosis and Make Your LIfe Better

by Abbas Abedi

Your awareness about hypnosis probably came from a number of fiction novels, science fiction movies, and TV shows. Some people view hypnosis as a paranormal event, but is it?

The Encyclopedia Britannica defines the word "hypnosis" as the state wherein sleep is induced by one person, called the hypnotist, to another person. Through the process, the hypnotist manipulates the actions and thoughts of the other person.

A hypnotized person readily accepts suggestions and orders of the hypnotist because he is in a state of subjection or vulnerability. Proper reasoning and normal thinking is set aside.

It is to be noted that the history of hypnotism can be traced back into the ancient ages when sorcery was very popular. The famous Sigmund Freud used hypnosis when he was studying the state of being unconscious.

Eventually, the practice of hypnotism has come to be widely used in the disciplines of psychology and medicine. Some practitioners even hypnotize patients to calm them or anesthetize them, modify unlikely behaviors, and ultimately, uncover repressed personality or memories.

Still, there is no exact or generally accepted explanation for hypnotism. Below are various attempts and theories that try to pacify the unending questions and curiosity about the concept.

1) Theories On Dissociation And Neo Dissociation

Pierre Janet, a French physician and psychologist of the 19th century, had a theory on dissociation, which is the state when components of consciousness are split off. Through Dr. Janet's experiments and observations, hysterical patients were pacified through dissociation, which is practically hypnosis.

In 1977, American psychologist Ernest Hilgard developed a neo dissociation theory, which was a spin-off to Dr Janet's dissociation concept. According to Dr. Hilgard, there are components of one's personality that are further dissociated from other sub-components through an amnesic blockage. Therefore, orders and commands from a hypnotist would alter one's perception and eventually, behavior.

2) Theory Of Role-playing

The theory of role-playing states that people are all playing roles. Any alteration from a hypnotist would provide a wake up call or induce reality. Thus, the theory is primarily dependent on the kind of rapport developed between the patient or subject and the hypnotist.

3) Hysteria

Another psychologist named Charcot has postulated that hypnosis can only be effective when people experience hysteria. However, modern breakthroughs have challenged the idea because hypnosis is found to take effect also on people who do not exhibit hysteria.

4) Partial Sleep

An early psychologist named Ivan Pavlov tried to explain the nature of hypnosis by defining it as a state of being partially asleep.

The theory explains the reason why a hypnotized person seems to lose his sense of own thinking and depends on the instructions of the hypnotist. Otherwise, hypnosis would not be possible because normal thinking would resist subjugation to other people's control.

Overall, a handful of professionals and experts attempted to explain and expound on the nature and dynamics of hypnotism. Some people still think of hypnotism as a form of a paranormal activity. A number of movies and fiction stories depict hypnotism as evil. Some people now perceive the concept as a creepy idea.

Above all, hypnotism is a way of understanding the complex and confusing facet of the human mind and consciousness.


About the Author: Abbas Abedi--Attain immediate stress relief and permanent stress management skills.Download my FREE stress management system, consisting of a 77 page ebook and 7 mp3s.Visit:Learn Self Hypnosis for Stress Management
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