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In various cultures hypnosis has been known for thousands
of years. 4000 years old Egyptian illustrations show people seemingly asleep
whilst others seem to be engaged in some form of hypnosis. The Egyptians also
had "Tempels of sleep". Sick people went here to pledge an offer to the
goddess Isis, after which the priests led them into sleep and then gave them
suggestions for healing. Similarly, age-old Chinese and Indian documents
describe religious rituals used by worshipppers to enter a hypnotic state.
Even today some cultures use hypnotising techniques. With drums and music an altered state of awareness is created.
It is not always necessary to use such aid. Virtually everyone has had the experience of having been "absentminded" for a while. For instance, you are reading a book and suddenly you are startled and it appears to be later than you thought. Many people experience this mental state while driving. Especially when driving seems to be no more than a routine action our thoughts may dwell such that it seems like we have skipped a part. These are occurences of a hypnotic or altered state of awareness.
Hypnotherapy
makes use of the qualities of this specific state of awareness. This mental
condition can very well be compared to the properties of an iceberg. The
conscious, rational aspect of our brain is located above water. The subconscious
is under water and at the same time much more extensive. It appears that under
hypnosis the subconscious is more accessible. The iceberg is somewhat tilted
A good hypno-therapeutic session takes you into a state of very deep relaxation,
accompanied with a substantial reduction of the stress level. With better access
to the subconscious, it is easier to find hidden causes of problems and to
suggest solutions.
At
times it is surprising how under hypnosis a person suddenly sees the connection
between past experiences and current complaints. In a completely natural way the
subconscious processes the newly acquired knoledge and starts the healing
process. Recently doctors
have become increasingly supportive of hypnotherapy as an aid to better health.
Many people regard hypnosis with suspicion as a result of stage hypnotism and tv-performances but, contrary to popular belief, the state of hypnosis is not some mysterious trance during which you have no control. Actually you always stay in charge during a hypnotherapy session and will not reveal anything against your will.
A hypnotic state is a completely natural state of consciousness. During hypnosis you are not asleep and nothing can occur without your full consent. It is usual to hear and remember everything that has happened.
The following is an illustration of the type of problem which can be helped:
| Agitation | Fatigue | Learning difficulties | Stage fright |
| Anxiety | Gastric problems | Memory recall | Stress disorders |
| Asthma | Grief | Migraine | Smoking |
| Apetite disorders | Gynaecological disorders | Pain management | Sports performance |
| Blood pressure | Inhibitions | Panic Attacks | Tension |
| Concentration problems | Insomnia | Public speaking | Travel anxiety |
| Depression | Irritable Bowel Syndrom (IBS) | Relationship issues | Weight control |
| Examinaion nerves | Lack of Confidence | Skin disorders |