Psychological And Physical Aspects Of Hypnotherapy

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“What is Hypnosis?” Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discuss the role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis is a concept that is complex. For thousands of years, different forms of hypnosis has existed, however, we have a more historical account of the definition occurring largely from the 18th century onwards giving an insight into the development and practise of modern hypnosis. This essay will initially give a few brief historical accounts of hypnosis and how this has influenced current theory and practise. It will then move on to describing various different psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis, highlighting different techniques, then look at the…show more content…
Both doctors were frowned upon and in fact Dr Elliotson was hounded until his death in 1868. The next stage of historical events of hypnosis lays with Liebeault, a French doctor. Liebeault cured a client of sciatica and provided treatments free of charge for the poor. The sciatic patient was originally being treated by Dr Bernheim for 6 months before Liebeault cured him. Bernheim had branded Liebeault as a “quack” and decided to visit Liebeault’s clinic in an attempt to discredit him. Upon visiting the clinic, Bernheim formed the opinion that Liebeault was in fact a genius and decided to work with him. Bernheim is responsible for the development of the soothing screeds we often use in today’s modern era. Sigmund Freud studied with Liebeault and Bernheim. Freud was convinced that people have powerful hidden mental processes which lead to the foundation of his work later in life. By the mid 1890’s Freud had almost given up hypnosis as he was never considered a great…show more content…
There are four types of brain wave which vary in frequency from 1-40 cycles per second; these are known as alpha, beta, theta and delta. Now that EEG’s are becoming more sensitive, there is in fact a new discovery brain waved called ‘gamma’, however in this essay I will be describing the main four waves. Beta Waves (15 – 40 cycles per second) This is the state of our normal waking consciousness. Nearly all forms of action, thinking and problem solving are done with beta brain wave. Most people spend most of their waking lives in a beta state. Active conversations would be a general beta rhythm whereas an argument or debate would be in the higher range. Alpha Waves (9 – 14 cycles per second) This is the brain state of relaxation and meditation. The alpha state is associated with creativity and super learning, where the brain learns at a faster and deeper level than it does in beta. Most light hypnosis and meditation techniques cultivate and utilise an alpha brain wave for relaxing and healing. These waves are not always there and can come and go. Alpha waves are present in a person from the age of

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