But if you find anything-suggested doing against your moral code of behavior by the therapist, you can immediately snap out of hypnosis and stop the session. However a therapist will always allow the person accompanying you to be in the room as long as the treatment is on.

Origin: The word "hypnosis" is derived from the Greek Hypnos meaning, "sleep.” Though a person is not asleep when hypnotised they are in a trancelike state of restful alertness. . This is accompanied by an extreme openness and receptivity to suggestion. The origin of hypnosis however date back to the ancient Chinese and Egyptians, who used it in religious rituals and as a medical treatment. But until the late 18th century there are no modern records. Since 1958 hypnotherapy was approved and started growing as a traditional medicine.

How does it Work:

Hypnotherapist explains that the mind is divided into 2 parts, the conscious and the subconscious mind. The hypnotherapist helps the person to reach the subconscious mind by entering into a trance like state.

This trancelike state is divided into three distinct stages.

• The superficial trance stage
• The alpha stage
• The deeper still stage

The superficial trance stage: This superficial stage makes a person accept suggestions. Though they are asleep with their eyes closed they are very much aware of the surroundings. This is a light stage and the suggestions a person will always be given is like giving up smoking, drinking alcohol, eating less, over reacting to stress etc.

The alpha stage--is significantly little deeper than the first stage. The person's heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration slow down a bit while the therapist controls his response to pain or allergies, or even alter the immune system .

Suggestions are given to the patients to ease out pain and make them feel comfortable.

The deeper still stage: This makes a person to be directed mentally back in time, remembering events from their past with extreme clarity. This technique, termed "age regression," can be helpful for revealing painful memories that may be responsible for emotional or physical problems. Many patients will remember actual events and previous incarnations.

The main goal of hypnosis is for the subject to gain control--over behavior, emotions, or physiological processes. In order for hypnotherapy to be truly successful, the subject must learn to master self-hypnosis in order to employ the technique whenever needed.

Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis for self-improvement and/or healing. All hypnotherapy employs hypnosis, but not all hypnosis is hypnotherapy. After a session a patient normally feels more relaxed and alert.

The training sessions will go on for few days or weeks and then the patient should personally try to focus their attention practicing self-hypnosis. Audio and videotapes can also enhance the process.

Hypnotic trance can be induced in a number of ways. Probably, in a sitting position or lying down position. A comfortable environment without distractions is required. Also there should be good rapport between you and the hypnotist, and a willingness on your part to be hypnotized. Explain to your therapist your problems and what help you seek. A session may last from 60 to 90 minutes or even less as the case maybe. At this session, you and the therapist may concentrate on refining your ability to use your hypnotic capability.

Hypnotherapy and medical conditions:

Medical conditions that respond 80 % to hypnotherapy include arthritis, fibromyalgia, cancer, back pain, allergies, asthma, skin rashes, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, depression, dental pains, and even reduce pain during childbirth. Psychiatrists may also recommend hypnotherapy for controlling phobias or panic attacks.

Many unwanted behaviors, such as smoking, overeating, nail-biting, thumb-sucking, hair-pulling, bed-wetting, etc.); Phobias, (such as: heights, open spaces, spiders, fear of flying, etc.); Addictions (such as: drugs, alcohol, gambling, foods, etc.); Personal, business and sports motivation; relationship enhancement; Self-esteem; sex therapy; confidence; sleep problems; Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCDs); weight loss & control; irritable bowel syndrome; stress; depression; pain management; concentration & focus etc.

Although hypnosis is a safe practice, it may not work for all, so there is a change that it may work for you or not. Moreover if a person is suffering from pain or undiagnosed illness, it' is always important that you seek medical attention rather then going for a hypnotherapy. If you are among those that hypnotherapy is working on remember to choose the right practitioner, and also slowly practice on your own. Check with a friend or someone from the medical field who can help you get a best practitioner. Remember that Hypnosis is a safe and effective way to make good positive changes in your life.