Often times I’ll see popular websites/sources of health information as displaying somewhat misleading information about some of the alternative therapies I’ve used with great success. I was browsing the internet today and found myself at Mayoclinic’s website. I must say, I was impressed with their characterization of hypnosis.
I really liked their section called "Myths about hypnosis" as I felt that they addressed some of the most common, and thus restricting, misunderstandings about hypnosis and what it can be used for.
Myths about hypnosis
If you’ve ever seen hypnotism used as entertainment in a stage act, you’ve probably witnessed several of the myths about hypnosis in action. Legitimate clinical hypnotherapy practiced by a qualified professional is not the same process as that performed on stage.
Myth: When you’re under hypnosis, you surrender your free will.
Reality: Hypnosis is a heightened state of concentration and focused attention. When you’re under hypnosis, you don’t lose your personality, your free will or your personal strength.Myth: When you’re under hypnosis, the hypnotherapist controls you.
Reality: You do hypnosis voluntarily for yourself. A hypnotherapist only serves as a knowledgeable guide or facilitator.Myth: Under hypnosis, you lose consciousness and have amnesia.
Reality: A small number of people who go into a very deep hypnotic state experience spontaneous amnesia. However, most people remember everything that occurred under hypnosis.Myth: You can be put under hypnosis without your consent.
Reality: Successful hypnosis depends on your willingness to experience it. Even with voluntary participation, not everyone can be led into a hypnotic state.
You can find the entire article here.
How do you feel about how popular sources of health information characterize certain alternative or "once alternative" practices?
Do you think that progress has been made, in the sense of medical communities being more willing to accept (culturally/historically) unfashionable therapeutic methods?
Lastly, do you think that the above article was effective in dispelling some of the common myths, or did it leave something out?