What Is Hypnosis? A Complete Guide for Beginners

Hypnosis is often misunderstood. Some people imagine stage shows, swinging watches, or losing control of the mind. In reality, hypnosis is a natural, scientifically recognized state of focused awareness that millions of people experience every day — often without realizing it.

More than 14,000 people search for “what is hypnosis real ” every month, which shows how much curiosity and confusion still exists around this topic. This guide will clearly explain what hypnosis is, how it works, whether it’s real, and how it can help with weight loss, sleep, anxiety, and more.

If you’re curious about hypnosis — or considering hypnotherapy for personal transformation — this complete beginner’s guide will answer all your questions.

👉 Ready to experience hypnosis yourself?
Book a free discovery call and explore how it can support your goals.


What Is Hypnosis? (Definition & History)

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused relaxation in which the mind becomes calm, attentive, and more receptive to positive suggestions. During hypnosis, awareness turns inward, allowing access to the subconscious mind — the part responsible for habits, emotions, beliefs, and automatic behaviors.

Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not sleep and does not involve losing control. You remain aware, present, and able to make choices at all times.

What Does Hypnosis Mean?

The word hypnosis comes from the Greek word “hypnos”, meaning sleep. However, modern psychology recognizes hypnosis as a distinct mental state, not unconsciousness.

In hypnosis:

  • The body is deeply relaxed

  • The mind is alert and focused

  • Distractions fade

  • Inner awareness increases

What Is Hypnosis Therapy (Hypnotherapy)?

Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic use of hypnosis, guided by a trained professional, to help people change patterns, heal emotional blocks, and improve well-being.

👉 Hypnosis = the state
👉 Hypnotherapy = the therapeutic process using that state

Read more

hypnosis therapy vs regular therapy

A Brief History of Hypnosis

Hypnosis has been used for thousands of years:

  • Ancient Egypt and Greece used trance states for healing

  • In the 18th century, Franz Mesmer explored “animal magnetism”

  • In modern times, hypnosis is recognized by psychological and medical associations worldwide

Today, hypnosis is used in therapy, coaching, medicine, and personal development.


Is Hypnosis Real?

Yes — hypnosis is real, and it is supported by decades of scientific research.

Why People Think Hypnosis Isn’t Real

Most skepticism comes from:

  • Stage hypnosis shows

  • Movies exaggerating mind control

  • Fear of losing awareness

These portrayals are entertainment — not clinical hypnosis.

Scientific Evidence for Hypnosis

Brain imaging studies (fMRI, EEG) show clear changes during hypnosis:

  • Reduced activity in the default mode network (mental chatter)

  • Increased focus and emotional regulation

  • Altered perception of pain, time, and sensation

Organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognize hypnosis as a legitimate psychological state.

Hypnosis vs Sleep vs Meditation

StateAwarenessControlBrain Activity
SleepUnconsciousNoneDelta
MeditationRelaxed & awareFullAlpha
HypnosisFocused & awareFullAlpha/Theta
DaydreamingSemi-awarePartialAlpha

👉 Conclusion: Hypnosis is real, measurable, and natural.


How Does Hypnosis Work?

Understanding how hypnosis works helps remove fear and confusion.

The Step-by-Step Hypnosis Process

  1. Induction – relaxation and focus

  2. Deepening – attention turns inward

  3. Suggestion – positive ideas are introduced

  4. Awakening – return to normal awareness

Throughout the process, you remain in control.

The Role of the Subconscious Mind

The subconscious mind controls:

  • Habits

  • Emotional reactions

  • Beliefs

  • Automatic behaviors

In everyday life, the conscious mind filters information. Hypnosis gently bypasses this critical filter, allowing positive change at a deeper level.

How the Brain Responds

During hypnosis:

  • Brain waves shift from beta to alpha and theta

  • The prefrontal cortex relaxes

  • Emotional learning becomes easier

👉 For a deeper scientific explanation, read:
How Does Hypnosis Work on the Brain?


Hypnosis for Weight Loss – Does It Really Work?

One of the most searched topics is hypnosis for weight loss — and for good reason.

How Hypnosis Supports Weight Loss

Hypnosis does not force weight loss. Instead, it helps by:

  • Rewiring emotional eating patterns

  • Reducing cravings

  • Increasing motivation

  • Strengthening self-control

  • Improving body awareness

Does Hypnosis Really Help You Lose Weight?

Studies show that people using hypnosis alongside diet and exercise experience:

  • Higher long-term success rates

  • Better habit consistency

  • Improved self-image

Some research indicates 70–90% improved outcomes when hypnosis is included as a support tool.

👉 Want to try hypnosis for weight loss?
Book a free consultation and explore your options.


Hypnosis for Sleep and Relaxation

Hypnosis is highly effective for sleep, stress, and nervous system regulation.

How Hypnosis Improves Sleep

Hypnosis helps by:

  • Calming racing thoughts

  • Reducing anxiety before bed

  • Training the brain to enter deep relaxation

  • Improving sleep quality and duration

Many people report falling asleep faster and waking more refreshed after hypnosis sessions.


Other Common Uses of Hypnosis

Hypnosis can support a wide range of challenges, including:

  • Hypnosis for anxiety

  • Hypnosis for stress relief

  • Hypnosis for quitting smoking

  • Hypnosis for pain management

  • Hypnosis for confidence and performance

  • Hypnosis for trauma and emotional healing

Hypnosis does not replace medical care but works as a powerful complementary approach.


Is Hypnosis Safe? (Myths vs Facts)

Common Myths

  • “You can get stuck in hypnosis”

  • “You lose control”

  • “Hypnosis is mind control”

Facts

  • You are always aware

  • You can exit hypnosis anytime

  • You cannot be forced to do anything against your values

Hypnosis is considered safe when practiced by trained professionals. People with severe psychiatric conditions should consult a qualified healthcare provider.


How to Experience Hypnosis Yourself

Free Options

  • Guided self-hypnosis audios

  • Online relaxation sessions

  • YouTube hypnosis recordings

Professional Hypnotherapy

In a session, you can expect:

  • A calm, guided experience

  • Personalized goals

  • Deep relaxation

  • Practical integration

Online vs In-Person Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy works just as effectively online, making it accessible worldwide.

👉 Ready to try hypnosis?
Book your free 20-minute discovery call today.

Conclusion: Is Hypnosis Right for You?

Hypnosis is real, safe, and powerful. It works with the brain’s natural learning states to support change at the subconscious level — where true transformation happens.

Whether your goal is weight loss, better sleep, emotional healing, or personal growth, hypnosis can be a supportive and effective tool.

👉 If you’re ready to unlock your potential, reduce stress, or create meaningful change:
Book your free discovery call today and begin your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis

What is hypnosis?

A natural state of focused awareness that allows access to the subconscious mind.

Yes, when guided responsibly.

 

It varies by individual and goal. Some notice changes quickly, others prefer ongoing work.

Yes, especially when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.

Resistance, lack of readiness, or unrealistic expectations can limit results.

Deeply relaxed, calm, focused, and aware.

Emotional clarity, habit change, confidence, stress reduction, and long-term transformation.

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top

newsletter

Best Version of Yourself

Remember within you that is that power.

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them” – Walt Disney.

With hypnotherapy, you can reprogramme your subconscious mind into an alignment  to your best possible life for the best possible version of yourself. 

BĄDŹ NAJLEPSZĄ WERSJĄ SIEBIE

Potencjał tego, co jest możliwe i zawarte w produktach Aura-Soma, ma na celu umożliwienie ci bycia bardziej tym, kim i czym jesteś. Kiedy się z tym utożsamiasz, jesteś w stanie uzyskać dostęp do bardzo głębokiego poziomu samoświadomości. Ten nowo odkryty zasób może być kierowany do każdej sytuacji, która się pojawia. Gdy stajesz się bardziej pewny siebie w tym sposobie bycia, zaczynasz mu bardziej ufać i rozumiesz różnicę, jaką możesz zrobić dla siebie, swoich przyjaciół, rodziny, szerszej społeczności i środowiska.