What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis, which is also referred to as hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestion, is an altered state of consciousness. This state of consciousness is usually artificially induced and is different from everyday awareness in three aspects:

• Focused attention
• Responsiveness to suggestions
• Open-minded - not critical or disbelieving

The purpose of hypnosis as a therapeutic technique is to help an individual understand and gain more control over his/her behavior, emotions or physical well-being.
 

How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis appears to affect how the brain communicates with the body through nerve impulses, hormones and biochemicals such as neuropeptides. Hypnosis can create a state of deep relaxation and quiet the mind. When someone is hypnotized, they may be able to concentrate intensely on a specific thought, memory, feeling or sensation while blocking out distractions. They may be more open than usual to suggestions, and this can be used to improve health and well-being.
 

Who is hypnosis for?

Hypnotherapy has been used to help relieve the symptoms of a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. Hypnosis is one of several relaxation methods for treating chronic pain that has been approved by an independent panel convened by the National Institutes of Health.

According to preliminary studies, hypnotherapy can be used to support behavior change, such as smoking cessation, however it is not a magic bullet. It's typically used as one part of a broader treatment plan, rather than as a stand-alone therapy. Like any other therapy, it can be helpful to some people and fail with others. It seems to work best when an individual is highly motivated and the therapist is well trained and experienced in tobacco dependence treatment.
 

Types of hypnosis

A variety of hypnotic techniques exist.

• A hypnotherapist may lead a relaxation exercise and make suggestions, for example, reducing pain or stress or helping to eliminate the cravings associated with smoking cessation.
  
  
• A hypnotherapist may help a client to visualize the state they want to achieve. For example, hypnotherapists can help athletes specifically visualize what they want to accomplish before they perform it physically.
  
  
• Self-hypnosis can be taught by a certified hypnotherapist; the individual can then use this skill to help themselves.
   
  

What is the role of Hypnosis in tobacco cessation?

• Non-conscious suggestions for behavior modification are accepted by the individual
  (Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with nicotine dependence, 1996).
  
  
• "Strategies for hypnosis interventions include direct hypnotic suggestions to quit, suggestions intended to produce aversion to smoking, and training in self-hypnosis to reinforce formal treatment" (Simon & Salzberg, 1982).
  
  
•  With a heightened state of awareness,   Through self-motivation and relaxation, suggestions can be made to the subconscious mind to change habits and build healthy behavior. The individual can become able to concentrate on positive suggestions to become a nonsmoker.  (http://www.lungin.org)
  
  
• While further rigorous research is needed to determine the efficacy of hypnosis for smoking cessation, recent reviews suggest efficacy comparable to other smoking cessation methods such as behavior modification.  Findings reported in 2004 suggest greater benefits for men than women (30% vs. 23% quit rates)
  
  
• The American Lung Association of Indiana sponsors self- hypnosis classes and reports significant quit rates. (http://www.lungin.org/prog_hypnosis.asp#schedule)
  
  
• "Reviewers have noted that, in general, hypnosis is not very effective when used alone, but it may be useful as part of a multi-component intervention" (USDHHS, 2000). Hypnosis could be combined with cognitive behavioral strategies, an awareness of nutrition and exercise, and an avoidance of smoking triggers to help make smoking cessation successful.
  
  American Psychological Association 112th Annual Convention, Honolulu, HI
  (as cited in Grabmeier, 2004)