What Is Hypnosis?

What exactly is hypnosis? While definitions can vary, the American Psychological Association (APA) describes hypnosis as a cooperative interaction in which the participants responds to the suggestions of the hypnotist. While hypnosis has become well-known thanks to popular acts where people are prompted to performs unusual or ridiculous actions, the technique has also been clinically proven to provide medical and therapeutic benefits, most notably in the reduction of pain and anxiety.

Some of the potential uses for hypnosis:

• A treatment for chronic pain.
• The reduction and management of stress.
• As an aid in smoking cessation.
• Pain management during chilbirth.
• A treatment for relief of symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Learn more about hypnosis applications, effects and myths.

More Information:

• Hypnosis and IBD: Frequently Asked Questions - From About.com's Guide to IBS, Amber J. Tresca
• Eating Disorders and Hypnosis - From About.com's Guide to Eating Disorders, Matthew Tiemeyer