The question is often asked- Does hypnosis work? Before that can be determined, hypnosis must be understood. Hypnosis is a practice that takes a person out of their conscious mind and moves them into their subconscious mind. Hypnosis works, "by bringing a subject into a peculiar state of consciousness with reduced peripheral awareness accompanied by strictly focused attention."

The word hypnosis was coined by James Braid and means "nervous sleep." However it must be noted that hypnosis is not really sleep at all. What separates the two are alpha brain waves. These brain waves are very high during hypnosis but are extremely low during sleep. In the same way, a person who is asleep cannot hear, until they begin to awake whereas a person undergoing hypnosis is able to hear very well.

Hypnosis differs from sleep, and it also differs from relaxation and mediation. Meditation has an inner focus whereas hypnosis is geared at the subject focusing on something outside of himself. Hypnosis is a very real practice that is used to help people combat any number of problems including obesity, depression, phobias, and nicotine addiction.

Other problems it has been known to help include stomach disorders, skin conditions, recovery from surgery, childbirth, nausea, impotence and migraine headaches. Delving into the subconscious mind helps peel back the layers to get to the root of many problems. Once that is uncovered, a solution for the problem can then be found.

How does hypnosis work? The subject is awake but is placed into a daydreamlike state and is sitting in a comfortable position. The patient's mind becomes approximately 10 times as concentrated and focused as it would be in a conscious state. At the same time, the body becomes 10 times as calm and relaxed. The two elements need to come together to allow the patient to be in their subconscious mind.

Does hypnosis work? According to the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association the answer to this is a resounding yes. Both associations have seen a number of cases where hypnosis has helped patients to recover from a number of physical and mental problems. The National Institute of Health points to the fact that pregnant women who have been hypnotized or who have learned to hypnotize themselves have less painful deliveries and tend to be in labor for shorter periods of time than do other women.

Hypnosis is not a formula for success for everyone as some people are believed to be able to be hypnotized easier than others. However for those searching for a way to rid them of a bad habit or get rid of a phobia, it is certainly a safe and reasonable method of treatment to try.