Using Hypnosis For Health And Relaxation

Seriously, there is something that can help you achieve your goals, its called hypnotism. Of course the moment we hear the word "hypnotism" we get visions of the stereotypical magician, waving a pocket watch in front of a subject and then telling the poor, unsuspecting soul to act like a chicken while the subject's friends die of laughter in the audience.

What exactly is hypnotism? Hypnotism is a natural state of mind created by relaxing the body and mind. This state of relaxation opens up the brain and heightens the senses, making the subject receptive to suggestions. This state of mind is perfectly natural and similar to the one we are in when we are in right before we hit deep sleep. This is called the "alpha state".

Many of us experience the alpha state when we are daydreaming, or so involved in a good book that we totally block out anything else going on around us. Hypnotism can be a very effective tool and is more than a novelty at parties or in shows on the Vegas Strip. Athletes use it to increase their performance in competition, people also use it to overcome bad habits such as overeating or smoking. With hypnotism you are reaching the sub-conscious and speaking directly to it.

Each and every day our sub-conscious is hard at work collecting a vast amount of information from the world around us. The sub-conscious never sleeps, it keeps going through our whole lives picking up on things we usually don't consciously think twice about.

The only difference between hypnotism and self-hypnosis is whether we choose to have someone hypnotize us or do it ourselves. The truth is that either way, we are the captains of our own ships; it is the individual who decides whether they will be hypnotized. People who can relax easily and are open to the experience have a better chance of being hypnotized than someone who is tense. A common misconception is that a hypnotist can make you do anything they say. The truth is that the conscious mind is always present and you cannot be made to do anything against your will.

Traditional Healing in Modern Medicine

You've heard that it's takes a village to raise a child, but Dr. Mehl-Madrona believes that it often takes a community to heal someone who is ill. The indigenous ways have much to teach us. In his books and this interview he tells us stories that he's told to his patients to help in their healing process. These stories give us universal wisdom and strength.

• Discover how to use the community to help your friends and family heal
• See how to integrate contemporary medicine with traditional healing
• Learn the traditional meaning of the Four Directions
• See how you can use stories to enhance the healing process
• Discover the hidden meaning of the Native American Medicine Wheel
• Be Inspired to live in harmony with the seasons and nature
• Learn about the real meaning of “success” in healing
• Explore how to use our ancestors’ spirits in healing and story
• Find out what the benefits of ceremony can be in your life
• Learn to create your own ceremonies for daily living
• See how the Ravens Beak story relates to modern health issues

Lewis Mehl-Madrona holds an M.D. from Stanford University and has been a practicing doctor for over 20 years. An experienced healer who has led many Native American healing ceremonies, Dr. Mehl-Madrona has also headed traditional medical clinics, helping AIDS and cancer patients as well as researching the benefits of relaxation techniques to aid in the natural correction of breech positioned babies. He is currently an Associate Professor of Family Practice at the University Of Hawaii School Of Medicine. He has been studying and working in the field of Native American and indigenous healing for many years.