By Lainey Ebright

 

Did you know that in 1958 the A.M.A. approved the use of hypnosis for medical purposes?  And, an outstanding professional organization for hypnotists is the International Medical and Dental Hypnosis Association (IMDHA).

 

As it turns out, this 1958 endorsement was a wise development since many patients have benefited from hypnotic sessions for problems that range from a dangerous smoking habit to fear of needles.  Indeed, the areas for which hypnosis is appropriate are many and varied.  This is because during the process the subconscious mind’s detrimental fears and habits are replaced with newer, healthier, more accurate ideas. As you may know, the subconscious mind is robotic and computer-like and stores memories, habits, and thousands of bits of information, among other things. 

 

Hypnosis is unusual in that it bypasses the usual filters of the conscious mind.  A person trained in medical hypnotism, therefore, (not usually the entertainer variety) can assist a patient reach his/her goal, and make beneficial changes using hypnotic relaxation coupled with visualization, appropriate suggestions to the subconscious mind and other related techniques.  In the process, the patient also learns self-hypnosis and valuable breathing techniques, skills that can benefit them in their medical treatments and their lives.

 

A doctor/patient relationship can be enhanced by the doctor’s encouragement of the patient to seek hypnosis for situations that typically respond favorably to this modality.  Examples would be MRI claustrophobia, smoking cessation, pain management, weight control, stress reduction, fear of the dentist, fear of public speaking, and on and on.  You get the idea!

 

How to Eliminate a Deadly Smoking Habit

By Lainey Ebright

With some of our habits, we can make desired changes ourselves, as in deciding what time we will ordinarily get up in the morning.  We can make easy alterations in daily routines, allowing them to become habits that we like.  However, some established habits are not only more challenging, but more difficult to overcome alone, like fingernail biting, stuttering, or chewing tobacco. 

In the case of smoking, it is much easier, more comfortable, and more efficient to seek assistance from a qualified hypnotist, who can communicate with your subconscious mind.  The practitioner knows the words the mind will respond to and has experience in helping the subconscious mind (where habits are stored) to support the process of making a change.   With proper guidance, you also discover your in-dwelling ability to regain control and eliminate this dangerous habit. 

Have you noticed how some former smokers return to smoking, often for an unknown reason?  Sadly, this is because an important part of any smoking cessation program, relapse prevention training, is usually overlooked.  It is essential for the new non-smoker’s continued success, and it involves creating a system in the mind to prevent returning to smoking for any reason.

Although people seek out a hypnotist for many reasons, from test anxiety to fear of flying, the reason smoking cessation is hypnosis’ most famous success story is this:  smoking is a black and white issue.  A person either smokes or does not smoke.  And someone who has successfully used hypnosis to put that habit in the past is proud of it and gladly talks about their experience.