Hypnosis Myths and Realities

Dr.Bernard C.Gindes, once wrote: "We have been much too prone to lump hypnosis in the same category in which we file our ideas on witches, warlocks and wizards; even orthodox science is inclined to approach the subject with very much the attitude of an average man investigating a haunted house: he doesn't believe in ghosts, but he definitely hopes he won't meet one!"

How true! Most people have a wrong impression about hypnosis from the stage shows and popular cartoon characters like Mandrake the magician. Consequently, many myths about hypnosis are prevalent even amongst the educated. Let us examine some of these myths and sort out the facts and realities about hypnosis.

Myth # 1: Hypnosis is an unnatural phenomenon.
The Reality: Hypnosis is a perfectly normal phenomenon of the subconscious mind. Here are a few examples of spontaneous, natural hypnosis in our day to day life:
- The calming effect during prayer.
- Supermarket Hypnosis: Yes, their flashy advertisements and offers do hypnotize us from buying something that is absolutely not necessary.
- Absorbed in an interesting book.
- Day dreaming: a type of self hypnosis.
- Highway hypnosis while driving: tend to cause accidents due to the subconscious mind thinking that the car will go on by it even if the driver nods off!

Myth # 2: Hypnosis is dangerous.
The Reality: Hypnosis is absolutely safe in trained hands. No one can be forced into doing things that he does not want to do. Used unethically and unprofessionally, the danger of negative suggestions being implanted does exist, though.

Myth # 3: Under hypnosis, the individual losses his consciousness.
The Reality: The (hypnotized) subject is aware of the surroundings at all times, unless he falls asleep during the induction.

Myth # 4: Hypnosis will weaken one's mind.
The Reality: On the contrary, positive suggestions given during the induction bolster confidence and self esteem in the hypnotized individual.

Myth # 5: Hypnosis is addictive.
The Reality: Hypnosis is not a drug or a habit forming process, but a natural response of the mind.