The Clinical and Non-Clinical Applications of Hypnotism - Research Paper Example

? Hypnotism Hypnotism Hypnotism is described as the practice of performing, studying and applying the phenomenon of hypnosis for various causes. The word hypnosis basically has a Greek origin and relates to the Greek god of sleep or dreams, Hypnos. Hypnotism or the practice of hypnosis has a very vast historical aspect and the current uses of this practice in the field of medicine and psychiatry has made it a very interesting yet questionable practice. The literature supporting the science and art of hypnosis can be traced back to 1843. Some consider hypnotism only an art rather than a scientific practice while others support the scientific rationale behind this practice. Despite of its questionable status, hypnotism is practiced as a proper medical procedure in various clinical settings (Weitzenhoffer 2000; James 2010). Hypnotism will be considered on the basis of its historical perspectives, effects on the body and mind, related myths and misconceptions and the current school of thoughts related to hypnosis. The word hypnotism was first put forward by a Scottish surgeon, Dr. James Braid in the 1800s. He initially used the word “neurypnosis” relating it to paralysis of the central nervous system occurring during a state of sleep. Later the word was condensed to “hypnosis”. He used the technique of mesmerizing the patients in a scientific manner for their cure. James Esdaile was another scientist who performed operations without anesthesia using this practice. The operations were almost painless. Sigmund Freud also worked in this area to explain the rationale behind hypnotism. He first established the link between the human nervous habits or neurosis to the subconscious state of mind. An Act for the consent of hypnotism practice in the state of UK was passed by the British government in 1952. Painless procedures in childbirth and dentistry were performed through hypnotism. This increased its popularity in UK and USA (James 2010; Sharma 1998). During hypnosis the conscious mind is converted to a state of sleep while the focus is made on the subconscious mind. In this manner, suggestions or commands are given to the subconscious mind in the state of hypnosis. It can be explained by a theory that hypnosis puts the “brain” to sleep while the mind or an aura becomes alert or active at that time. This resembles the state of dreaming. Self-hypnosis is a very common form of hypnosis that is induced by an individual on his/her oneself usually by meditation. Hypnosis is a conscious experience and the individual is under a phase of relaxed body status. He is less aware of the surrounding situations and more focused on the events going through his mind currently or in the past. Thus, hypnosis should not be considered as a state of unconsciousness rather it is enhancing the alertness or awareness of an individual for his/her internal events (Ellis2011; James 2010). Many times people are under a state of hypnosis while watching TV or day-dreaming or while travelling in a car. This occurs unknowingly and the body feels relaxed with an amplified state of awareness of the mind (Sharma 1998). The response of each and every person to the experience will be different based on the previous events of his life. Thus, it is an amplified awareness of the internal environment of a person and the experience is completely different from one person to another. For this reason, the experience of hypnosis is difficult to describe as it is just like explaining one’s dreams to another person (James 2010). Brain has complete control over all the body movements. For instance in moments of stress or panic our brain decides the spontaneous responses made by our body. While sleeping, the brain is less alert and at its minimum level of functioning and body control. When sleep is induced through artificial means like hypnosis or self-meditation, the brain is temporarily put to a state of sleep or the functioning is reduced to a minimal level. However, a person who is resisting to this practice consciously cannot be hypnotized. During anesthesia, the same is achieved through drugs. The person under hypnosis only views or hears what the hypnotist suggests to that individual. Hence, the reaction or response of the person is also accordingly. Mostly, the individuals cannot recall the events during hypnosis and even deny that they were even hypnotized (Ellis 2011). Another quite interesting and useful feature of hypnotism is time regression. When the brain is in a hypnotic state, it is not involved or “busy” in the current circumstances or events, and the hypnotist can suggest the mind to recall old memories or events in the subconscious mind. Brain is like a computer and every minor or major memory and event is stored in it. However, as the years pass or mind gets occupied with other activities, the older memories are forgotten or they get subsided. But with hypnosis, these memories can be revived with complete details and even chronological order (Ellis 2011). Hypnotherapy is defined as treating a medical disease with the practice of hypnosis for instance for relieving pain or any psychiatric disorder. Clinical hypnosis is a modern term which is given to a therapeutic strategy applied for the treatment of any psychological or physical medical disease. Using treatment protocol of clinical hypnosis, the patient is suggested to focus his concentrations towards positive experiences or events. Thus, experiencing the positive changes makes the patient hopeful for change and this has an indirect or direct effect on his medical state of illness. Automatic activities like driving or riding a bicycle are some activities which our body and mind are familiar with and the brain does not have to think while performing these events. Thus, the body is busy in performing the activity but the mind is not focused on that specific activity. Patients are asked to focus on such low-concentration events and this leads them to a state of hypnosis. Self-hypnosis is also helpful in teaching the patients to manage circumstances of stress through distraction techniques and personal enhancement tools (James 2010). Hypnosis is used in the treatment of weight management for obese and overweight patients. Many clinics in United States follow hypnotherapy and claim 90% success rates. Habitual smokers, who find themselves resistant to other therapies, rely on hypnotism as their rehabilitative strategy. In one form of hypnotherapy, the patients are suggested to visualize their lungs now and then the state of their lungs after some years. This leads to dreadful hallucinations in many patients causing them to leave smoking for good. Tension headaches and migraines are also treated with hypnotism through relaxation techniques and stress management. Insomnia and diaphragmatic myoclonus are two other disorders treatment with hypnotism (Weitzenhoffer 2000). Apart from clinical uses, hypnotism has been applied in other areas of life for various objectives. Hypnotism has been used by police investigators and forensic scientists to solve various criminal cases. Hypnosis is used on victims who are unable to recall the assailant due to stress and mental trauma. Conversely, in many states hypnotism is not considered a reliable source of getting information. Although poorly documented, hypnotism has been tremendously used in the field of sports. Visualized practice, building confidence, relaxation training and stress management is taught to players through the practice of hypnosis. Use of hypnotism in the field of education has also been reported. Some cases of this practice for general education have been documented in Soviet Union and other satellite countries (Weitzenhoffer 2000). Hypnotism is an extremely interesting field of study and practice which raises many questions and queries in everyone’s minds. Many myths have been associated with this practice and these myths are based on false rationale and misconceptions. For instance, some think that under a hypnotic spell an individual might reveal all his private matters and secrets. However, as mentioned earlier the mind is more aware in hypnosis and will not reveal any information that will turn out to be destructive. Some consider it interlinked to black magic or evil activities because of the false impressions given by the movies and media (Sharma 1998). The clinical and non-clinical applications of hypnotism have been recorded and documented in various clinical settings and countries. Though, much research and scientific study is required to establish a more authentic and genuine use of clinical hypnosis. References Ellis, S. (2011). Explaining the unexplained. S.l.: Iuniverse Inc. Retrieved from: http://books.google.com.pk/books?id=yaHhaSmAh4IC&pg=PA116&dq=what+is+hypnotism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=29FoT9rnOM2UOqSs8LQK&ved=0CEcQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=what%20is%20hypnotism&f=false James, U. (2010). Clinical hypnosis textbook: A guide for practical intervention. Oxford: New York: Radcliffe Publishing. Retrieved from: http://books.google.com.pk/books?id=VE0LocP3qVgC&pg=PA1&dq=what+is+hypnotism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=29FoT9rnOM2UOqSs8LQK&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=what%20is%20hypnotism&f=false Sharma, S.. (1998). Reiki and Hypnosis: For Success and Self-Realization. Sterling Publishers (P) Ltd, New Delhi. Retrieved from: http://books.google.com.pk/books?id=fPTivCXg0c8C&pg=PA58&dq=what+is+hypnotism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=29FoT9rnOM2UOqSs8LQK&ved=0CGMQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=what%20is%20hypnotism&f=false Weitzenhoffer, A.M. (2000). The Practice of Hypnotism. New York, N.Y.: Wiley. Retrieved from: http://books.google.com.pk/books?id=oeE64K1_SRUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Hypnotism&as_brr=3&cd=7#v=onepage&q=Hypnotism&f=false Read More