Is it really possible to be someone else, or act a certain way, just because of a suggestion. Is the mind and your control of it, so weak that a total stranger could infiltrate your consciousness. It sounds so unbelievable, but then again, the whole basis of hypnosis is your willingness to believe. If you open the door to your mind, there's no telling who might come in.

Is hypnosis just another word for mind control? Hypnosis is stated as a psychological condition, in which an individual is put into an unconscious state, also called a trance. Once in the trance, suggestions are given to the individual and the person is supposed to act on the suggestions, after he or she is released from the trance. Apparently, being put in a trance is not a requirement, because some people can receive their suggestions without being in an unconscious state.

So who are these people with the power to control your mind? Are their powers genetic, or just some special gift that very few people have? The people mostly associated with hypnosis, are called hypnotists and frankly, anyone can learn to be a hypnotist, it doesn't require a degree. There are sites, all over the internet, with people trying to sell their "how to be a hypnotist" information. But there is a more professional version of the hypnotist and they're called hypnotherapists. Hypnotherapists attend classes and are trained and certified in the use of hypnosis.

What is happening when someone is in a trance, are they sleeping, dreaming or is it an act? The person under hypnosis, is called the subject. When the subjects are under, they are more concentrated and focused than they've ever been. The focus is so enhanced, that the subjects can temporarily forget certain aspects of their lives. Being under hypnosis, can bring about feelings of heaviness, lightness and numbness. Some subjects feel like, they're just observing what is happening, without actually being a part of it.

Many benefits can be achieved, by using hypnosis. Hypnosis can be used as a way to help people better understand themselves. It's also used to terminate bad habits, recover past memories and to reduce anxiety. On the health side, hypnosis can also be used to help reduce pain associated with medical procedures, such as childbirth and burn treatments. It's also helpful in surgery, when anesthesia is not appropriate.

Hypnosis has been around for many years but no one really knows how to classify it, as it's not a medicine, drug, or even a cure. Most people have to see something, before they can believe it, but with hypnosis, there's nothing to see, because everything is happening in the mind. Hypnosis may have a long history, but it's not accepted by everyone. Many people will never see hypnosis, for being anything more than a cheap form of entertainment. But hypnosis has created a loyal following, who believe that the process works. Ironically, the only people that can give a true assessment of hypnosis, are the subjects, but they're in a trance.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Hypnosis