The proof of how powerful hypnosis can be, comes in many forms. So much so that certain practices have long since been discontinued on the basis ethics and professionalism.

Some years ago, a fairly common practice in stage hypnosis was to induce a state called the full body catalepsy. In this state, the "subject" experiences a complete rigidity of all the muscle groups in his body. He/she becomes completely stiff, like a piece of wood. As a demonstration, stage hypnotists would often position the subject's head and feet on opposing chairs, without support through the torso and legs. This created a sort of human bridge, upon which the hypnotist would sit or stand. 

The full body catalepsy contains no therapeutic use whatsoever. It serves merely for theatrics, and it's obviously quite frowned upon today. It is unlikely to be seen very much these days for ethical reasons. Despite the fact that you're unlikely to see such a stunt, it remains a strong example of how powerful hypnosis can be. The act of turning a person's body into a rod of iron with mere suggestion is quite simply an amazing feat. 

To a greatly lessened extent, catalepsy is still used today, but only on isolated body parts like an arm or a leg. This is done to deepen the state of hypnosis, and bears no risk of injury to the subject unlike the full body catalepsy. In fact, they don't even feel any discomfort. For instance, I can induce hypnosis on someone, and bring about arm catalepsy, and they can remain in this position for an extended period of time, even an hour, without feeling a thing. Try this at home, and within a few short moments, you will feel extremely uncomfortable.

Hypnosis is its own form of pain control. A technique called glove anesthesia can be induced where the hand can be made to feel numb, and experience a total loss of sensation. The anesthesia can then be transferred to other parts of the body by putting the anesthetized hand on another body part, such as the stomach. This is a very powerful technique which I have used many times with great success. 

A more subtle example of the power of hypnosis is witnessed regularly if you watch competitive athletes, like runners, as they mentally prepare for a race. There extreme focus and concentration takes them to a place where everything else is tuned out, and they are literally running every inch of that race in their mind, before it even begins, mentally planning every step.

Fortunately, we needn't go to severe extremes anymore to prove the power of hypnosis. The theatrical impact of hypnosis has of course dropped in popularity over the past decade or so anyway, and practices such as the full body catalepsy are a thing of the past. There is no longer the need for hypnotists to demonstrate the amazing power the mind has over the physical body. The general public is much more aware of the power and effects of hypnosis these days, even if there are still many myths that still remain.

When it comes to defining what hypnosis can and cannot do, I can only share with you what I know as fact, first hand, based on my own experience. In my opinion, if hypnosis has any limitations, they will be a direct result of unrealistic expectations.  

I have seen hypnosis work in conjunction with traditional medicine. I have seen significantly reduced impact of side effects to certain treatments like chemotherapy. I have seen a reduction in pain, and increased tolerance to chemo and other treatments. I have witnessed a greatly improved ability to cope with the emotional strain of terminal illness with the help of hypnosis. But I have never seen hypnosis cure cancer. And I wouldn't state that it can. Maybe others have made such claims, and if in fact they have achieved such heights of success with hypnosis, they can and should attest to it. But ethically, I cannot speak to speculation or risk imposing any false hopes upon my clients.

Other questionable benefits of hypnosis include actual physical changes in the body like enlarged breasts, or increased height. Perhaps if I were to follow the pursuit of one such benefit for an extended period of time, by specializing in breast enlargement for instance, I might be able to report back to you that it does in fact work, and that I did achieve the desired result. But again, I can only attest to what I know with certainty.  

In my personal and professional opinion, an ethical hypnotherapist will promise only what he knows he can deliver. There are enormous benefits from listening to self hypnosis CDs and downloads. Yet there is no need to resort to falsifying facts. I've seen therapists selling hypnosis products for a wide range of issues. An unfortunate risk in making unrealistic promises is that people will lose faith in hypnosis altogether and deny themselves the benefits of this incredible tool because of the poor ethics of one or a few persons.

I certainly want people to try self hypnosis, and I wholehearted believe that everyone can benefit from it to some degree, but I also care to be able to live with myself, and respect the face in the mirror, and I would not go to unlimited lengths to get people to try it or purchase my product.  

Those who have tried self hypnosis will need no further convincing, and those who haven't should not have to fear false promises.

Chances are you have heard about someone who has used hypnosis for weight loss with great success. Since the number of people using hypnosis for this area is growing, we hear more and more success stories of people who have battled weight gain over the years who are now enjoying a slimmer and healthier body through hypnosis.

Okay, you might be asking how hypnosis can help. First, one of the causes of weight gain is too much sugar intake. Hypnosis suggestions can educate the subconscious mind that sugar is not that exciting. The result of reducing sugar intake based off the retrained mind is not only weight loss but also better sleep, better concentration, and overall quality of life.

Another common cause of weight gain is what we call "comfort eating".

How many times have you sat down, frustrated, mad, irritated, depressed, or lonely, finding yourself reaching for a bag of potato chips, a handful of cookies, that half-gallon of ice cream, or some other food to help ease the problem.

Comfort eating is a huge problem for many people and although you might tell yourself repeatedly that you will never turn to food for comfort, it becomes a repetitious problem. Again, hypnosis can be used to teach the subconscious mind ways of relaxing and gain power, and control over the situation so you do not have to turn to food.

With this, you will find that you lose weight and/or keep it off.

Just as you can use hypnosis to stop smoking or other unwanted behaviors, you can use hypnosis to lose weight. The goal is to teach the mind how to shift from one thought process to another.

Take fast food as a perfect example. Most fast foods are loaded with fat and high carbohydrates, which mean excessive calories and unwanted pounds. However, driving past the Taco Bell, Burger King, or McDonald's is impossible.

Now, what if you could use hypnosis to turn the fast food desires off? Well, you can and interestingly, it is not that difficult. With hypnosis, you can actually gain control over fast food impulses, choosing healthy and delicious food instead.

Probably one of the hardest foods to get over is chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. As mentioned earlier, some chocolate does not automatically mean weight gain. However, if you consume chocolate often, then you will likely have to battle the pounds.

Hypnosis can provide a much-needed boost to your subconscious mind that you have no interest in eating chocolate. Keep in mind that for some people chocolate is an addiction that comes with a strong desire. Again, hypnosis can help break that desire so you are not consumed by chocolate.

Now, just as you can use the benefits of hypnosis to curb food addictions and desires, you can also couple this with the benefit to exercise. Obviously, the key to losing exercise is not just cutting back on the amount and kinds of foods eaten but also exercise.

With exercise, you will lose weight, tone the body, and improve overall health. Exercise motivation is something commonly suggested with hypnosis, allowing you to get excited about running, walking, swimming, biking, and playing tennis, or whatever activity you enjoy.

Through hypnosis, you will find yourself looking forward every day to spending some time doing something good for your body. Soon, time at the gym will be the highlight of your day.

Hypnosis will boost your subconscious mind, giving it drive so that exercise becomes a favorite pastime. Very quickly, your entire outlook on life will change as you begin to eat healthier and exercise, watching the pounds melt away.

We can all do things to make life better. If you have goals and want to give yourself that special boost to accomplish them, then you should consider hypnosis. With this, you have a choice of working with a reputable and licensed hypnotherapist or hypnotist, or if you prefer, you can take a step to learn self- hypnosis.

The benefit of self-hypnosis is that you can use this tool anytime you want or need. Just remember, all the silly antics you might have seen associated with hypnosis are nothing but hype.

True hypnosis is a valuable tool, one that can help people with illnesses such as asthma, Fibromyalgia, and arthritis, encourage people to reach outside their comfort zone with public speeches, job promotions, or sports performance, or to overcome difficult obstacles that would include things like weight gain, smoking, nail biting, stuttering, and the list goes on.

You can take charge of your life today and make a difference by utilizing hypnosis