There is no denying the truly interesting phenomena associated with hypnosis, which has long since proved itself as more than just a parlor trick. Hypnosis is real and through a wide-range of mental powers, the most amazing results may blossom. This power is often seen in the curing of cigarette-addicted individuals to an unexplainable boost in self-esteem.

There are also many different occurrences that are attached to the concept of hypnosis. As more and more people venture towards the potential that hypnosis possesses, an interest in these sorts of phenomena is created. While the American Heritage Dictionary defines hypnosis as ?an artificially induced altered state of consciousness, characterized by heightened suggestibility and receptivity to direction,? many who have experienced a session will note the realness of this technique, which holds the extraordinary command to change lives.

Anesthesia/Analgesia

With a history that has touched the likes of Benjamin Franklin, hypnosis has found a place throughout the years as an effective alternative for surgical anesthesia. It is through anesthesia that we lose the ability to feel sensations in various parts of the body. This is what makes cutting into the skin and fixing the insides of the body a bearable process. Not only does the use of hypnosis remarkably reduce preoperative jitters for those facing major surgery, but also decreases the need for chemical intervention both during and after procedures. If it wasn't for the work of Franz Anton Mesmer, this medical use of hypnosis may have never become a choice for patients looking for a break from chemical influences.

Amnesia

When tragic events or experiences have drastically affected lives to the point that everyday coping seems impossible, post-hypnotic amnesia has been used to influence a loss of memory or time. Through a hypnotic session, patients respond to suggestions that the barriers or obstacles in their lives never occurred. Once they are revived from the session, they may experience relief and a change in attitude. Research between amnesia and hypnosis suggests that those who are the most susceptible to hypnotism are perfect candidates to experience a related amnesia episode.

Through posthypnotic amnesia, subjects are unable to remember what transpired during a session, which is the beauty of using this phenomenon to treat cases of rape victims, car accident survivors, and abused children.

Hypermnesia

Sometimes it is important to remember a past experience. Through a vivid recollection of life experiences, hypermnesia has been noted in medical and scientific journals to possess a poor correlation to hypnosis and might even provide tainted results through a heightened state of suggestibility. Hypermnesia is a shaky subject in the world of medical interpretation, as it is believed that false memories and enhanced remembrance may influence one to create illusions. Sifting through what is real and what is not may prove mind-boggling. For some, this approach helps shed light on experiences in the past that may affect the future.

False Memory Syndrome

As stated before, the creation of illusionary experiences and false memories are known to arise during sessions of hypnosis. This is why the approach towards hypnosis should be one that is blanketed with heavy caution. Through slips of suggestion, a false memory could be created, which may possess detrimental consequences. This is why the wording of questions during a session of hypnosis is very important. Using short who, what, where, and why questions without leading a subject on is vital. Improper hypnosis techniques regarding sexual and/or child abuse can seriously damage helping those involved.

Automatic Motion

Sometimes actions become so repetitive that you may enter a state of automatic motion. This occurs when you are used to doing something over and over again, until one day someone retells a scenario involving yourself that you do not remember. Automatic motion is a hypnotic state that creates a programmed response through clockwork actions and anticipated reactions. For example, let's say you have a habit of drinking a glass of milk in the middle of the night. Despite an exhausting day at work or being heavily intoxicated, you may still visit the kitchen in the middle of the night in a ?trance like? state, having little to no recall of the action.

Automatic Writing

Whether you believe the ability to write within a hypnotic state is from the help of a spiritual guide or simply dismiss it as a demonic possession, there has been many studies on this rather controversial topic. Automatic writing deals with placing pen to pad without a conscious knowledge of what you are stating. The process is viewed as a way to channel the more analytical side of yourself, as well as tap into a meditative state that allows ideas to flow freely. Authors suffering from writer's block have used this type of hypnosis to get the creative juices flowing.

Hallucinations

The results that come from hypnosis are real and during any one session, the potential of experiencing both positive and negative hallucination is a possibility. While not everyone is able to enter the particular state of deepness during his or her first hypnosis encounter that conjures hallucination, this does not make it a possible occurrence. It is important to know that through proper hypnotic techniques, positive hallucinations (seeing or hearing what does not exist) are possible, just as much as a negative one, which deals with not perceiving the things that really do exist.