Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a state of human consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness and an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion. The term "hypnosis" comes from the Greek word "hypnos" (ὕπνος), meaning "sleep". In Hebrew, hypnosis is known as "היפנוזה" (hipnoza). Other relevant translations include "Hypnose" in French, German, and Dutch, "ipnosi" in Italian, and "hipnosis" in Spanish. Hypnosis typically begins with a pre-talk and induction aid. The induction is usually an extended period of fixation on an object, (often called a fixer), accompanied by a monologue related to the fixer object, which is intended to help the subject relax. Hypnosis is used in a variety of therapeutic contexts, including the treatment of anxiety, pain management, and as an aid to psychotherapy. It is also used in entertainment, where participants are often selected for their ability to be hypnotized, or apparent ability according to some critics. While hypnosis has been controversial throughout its history, it is now widely accepted within the scientific and medical communities as a valid therapeutic technique.