Title: Hypnotherapy Word Count: 514 Summary: Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis to treat patients who are in pain or who are having problems within their minds. Those who use hypnotherapy believe that patients who enter a trance are more likely to listen to suggestions which are given to them. Keywords: Hypnotherapy, hypnosis Article Body: Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis to treat patients who are in pain or who are having problems within their minds. Those who use hypnotherapy believe that patients who enter a trance are much more likely to listen to suggestions which are given to them. Some conditions which are treated by hypnotherapy are pain, stress,obesity, stress, and amnesia. While many of these conditions are related to the mind, some functional ailments can be treated as well. Hypnotherapy is a practice that was used by the Ancient Egyptians and Indians. In these societies the practice would often have a religious tone, and both music and dance was included in the practice. It wasn't until the 19th century that a number of healers begin developing the methods that would come to be known as hypnosis. Franz Anton Mesmer developed a theory which has come to be known as animal magnetism. He did extensive research on hysteria, and his studies indicated that advanced cases were similar to what is called a post-traumatic stress disorder. The work of Sigmund Freud also played an important role in the development of hypnotherapy. There are a number of criticisms which have been made against the practice. Some believe that the connection between the patient and the therapist may cause problems. The patient may want to please the therapist, or they may worry that the therapist doesn't like them. However, many of these claims are inconsistent because hypnotherapy will generally take place in a medical facility. There are a number of common techniques that are used in this practice. One of the primary techniques is age regression. The hypnotist will attempt to mentally return the patient to a previous state, and this will often be done to help the patient gain something that they have lost. The second technique that is commonly used in hypnotherapy is called revivification. In this technique, the hypnotist will help the patient remember previous experiences they've had. As an example, the hypnotist may ask a patient if they have ever been fishing, and if they have been, they will begin recalling the time that they went fishing, and there will be no need for the hynotist to create a new state. Another common method that is used in hypnotherapy is called a guided imagery. With this technique, the hypnotist will guide the patient through a pleasant experience. The hypnotist may often repeat certain ideas or concepts in order to get the patient to accept them, and this is called repetition. In general, people are more relaxed when they are in a dream state. When a person is able to visualize something they desire, research has shown that it is much more likely that they will obtain it. In this situation, the goal of the hypnotist is to help the patient achieve a desired goal. The word Hypnotherapy is based off the word "Hypnos," and this was the name of the Greek god of sleep. This technique has primarily been used to help people on a mental level, and was not well understood until the 19th century.