Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state of mind that can be used to

treat depression, anxiety, weight problems, embarrassment, smoking and

some mental problems. Many people are interested in hypnosis as an

alternative therapy, but are turned away by the fact that a

hypnotherapist may charge up to 70 dollars per hour for a session.

Here's a quick guide to self-hypnosis that can offer you the benefits

without the cost.

Find a comfortable chair or couch in an area where you're unlikely to

be disturbed. You may lie down on your bed if you wish, but if you

think you might fall asleep, it's best to sit up or choose a chair.
Close your eyes and try to empty your mind. When you begin, you will

find it difficult not to think. You may find that thoughts keep

intruding. When this happens, don't try to force the thoughts out.

Observe them impartially, and then let them slip away.

Observe the tension in your toes. Imagine that tension as something

tangible, a specific color or shape. Then envision it lifting away from

your body and drifting away. If you like, you can envision a cool

liquid or white fog replacing the tension. Work your way up your body,

relaxing each part individually. Visualize then relax your feet,

calves, thighs, hips, stomach and so on, until you've relaxed each

portion of your face and head.

Take slow, deep breaths. When you exhale, see the tension and

negativity leaving in a dark cloud. As you inhale, see the air

returning as a bright force filled with life and energy.

Appreciate the fact that you are now extremely relaxed. Tell yourself

that you are going to count down from 10. Picture each number in your

mind in detail. They can be huge block numbers, intricate golden

figures, or whatever comes to mind. After each number, you will feel

yourself drifting further and further into your subconscious mind. If

you like instead, you can imagine yourself descending a staircase or

ladder, as long as you imbue it with as much detail as possible. You

may experiment and see which technique works better for you.

You are now in a deeply impressionable state. At this point, you should

begin to address the issue you're concerned about. Speak in the present

tense. Your subconcious mind does not understand negatives in speech -

avoid using statements with negative connotation such as "I don't want

to be tired and irritable.” Instead, say, "I am calm and relaxed.”
Examples of positive statements for a variety of issues include: "I am

stronger than smoking," "I am healthy and smoke free," "I am happy

about my life," "I am no longer depressed," and "I am human and have no

need to be embarrassed about [situation]."

Repeat your statement(s) to yourself as many times as you wish.

When you are satisfied, say to yourself that you will now count upwards

from zero, and when you reach the number ten, you will slowly rise back

to normal consciousness and remain calm and relaxed. Proceed to count

upwards, again picturing the numbers in detail, or ascending your

mental staircase.

Once you have ascended, give yourself a few moments before opening your

eyes, and take your time getting up.

Try different techniques to see what works best for you.

Another way to relax your muscles is to physically tense and hold for

ten seconds before releasing; you would feel as well as imagine the

tension leaving.

Some find that imagining yourself in a peaceful natural setting will

relax your mind sufficiently before counting down. For instance, you

may imagine yourself wandering through a forest, smelling the trees and

hearing the wind. Alternatively, you could imagine yourself walking

along the ocean shore and feel the grit of the sand beneath your feet,

the cool water washing against your ankles and sounds of the surf.

If you can't sleep, after you count down from ten (or go down your

staircase), allow your mind to remain in the partial subconscious state

and keep your eyes closed while you are lying down and you will sleep

much easier.

For those of you who like to meditate but can't sit still long enough,

just use this as a form of meditation but insert a period of time in

between counting down from ten and counting back up to one.
If you cannot hypnotize yourself, try to Use Sound for Therapy. Several

sound programs that you can download can assist in altering brain

state.

 
Self hypnosis will not work for everyone.

Be careful when rising if you've been lying down. Getting up too

quickly could cause your blood pressure to plummet, and you could

easily become dizzy or pass out.

As always, if you have a condition that requires medical attention,

speak with your doctor or therapist before starting anything new.

Self-hypnosis is not an alternative to your doctor's advice.

If you find that this therapy has helped you enough where you feel you

no longer need medication, do not stop taking your medication without

speaking to your doctor.