Hypnosis and the Power of Suggestion

We are all susceptible to the power of suggestion.  Suggestion might be overt, “I’d like you to turn down the TV volume.”   It might.  But it might be subtle by calling up an idea in your mind by associating it with something else.  We can even respond physically without conscious intention to verbal or visual suggestion.  If you see someone bite into a lemon, you salivate more.  Even reading about someone biting a lemon may increase salivation.  If you see someone yawn, you yawn.

Hypnosis is often described as a state of relaxation marked by focused attention and greater responsiveness to suggestion.  As a therapeutic tool it has been used to treat anxiety, compulsions and addictions among other problems.  In sports psychology, it is used to overcome barriers or focus more strongly on a desired action.  In pain management, the selective focused attention may lessen awareness of pain and suggestions may elicit the body’s own endorphins.  Stage hypnosis involves some of the same elements, but also brings in factors like role playing, peer pressure and even occasionally some cheating. 

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