A lot of people have the wrong preconceived notion about hypnosis. Try mentioning the word to someone on the street in an informal survey, and most will define it as some sort of magic act. You can't really blame them for thinking that, considering how hypnotism has been portrayed in the mass media over the years. But first impressions are not always right. Hypnosis has in fact been used in the areas of personal growth and self development, and as an alternative rehabilitation technique in a number of medical facilities throughout the world, with much success.
A lot of people who are desperate for change and self-improvement have turned to self-hypnosis methods to kick-start their life-changing experiences. While it may be true that most have been fortunate enough to achieve success with it, the truth of the matter is that self-hypnosis can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken.
The concept of hypnosis is undoubtedly complex, but the general idea is this: Basically, when someone is subjected to a hypnotic suggestion, they are put into a very deep state of relaxation which transcends even the conscious state. They delve into a subconscious state of mind between the waking world and unconsciousness, and thus are highly susceptible to any suggestions made to them in such a state. While in this state of dissociation, direct communications with the subconscious is quite possible.
Do you see now why self-hypnosis can be potentially dangerous? Imagine leaving your house and giving your key to a total stranger. Would you do that? Why then would you leave your mind in such a vulnerable state for others to slip in the odd suggestion every now and then? Worse still, if you don't know what you're doing, you may very well leave your mind open to suggestions even after you think you've secured your mind once the self-hypnosis session is over.
Imagine it; you hypnotize yourself thinking to change the way you think or feel. You unlock the inaccessible recesses of your mind and delve deep into it to work out whatever kinks you need to work out in your cerebrum, then once you feel the work is done, you come back to the waking world. But wait! How would you know for sure you've secured the door to the deepest parts of your mind? Could it be possible for someone to induce a hypnotic state within you just by speaking a trigger word?
Having someone else control your mind is one thing, but there are other dangers associated with self-hypnosis that you should be aware of. Dangers such as unexpected unwanted thoughts, sudden mood swings, awkward behaviour or feelings that contradict with the goal you've set for yourself during the hypnotic state, etc.
In short, you may leave yourself vulnerable to all sorts of unbalanced emotional states once you've unlocked the deepest parts of your mind. The irony of it all is that you might have wanted to give self-hypnosis a try to achieve a transcendental peace of mind.
Don't take the risk, avoid self-hypnosis or any form of hypnosis if you're seeking self-betterment. There are various other ways that you can utilize in your self-improvement efforts. In this day and age when technological advances move at such rapid paces, you should consider other, much safer alternatives, like brainwave entrainment.
Source by Greg Frost
