Hypnosis, like meditation, has a bad reputation. Many people over many years have made their living by overlaying this practical and useful technique with religious, mystical and magical rituals that are not warranted.

Hypnosis is merely a state of mind in which:

* You are very relaxed
* You are paying complete attention to the suggestions you want to implant
* You do not criticise the suggestions made, and accept them at face value.

Self-hypnosis is used to directly program your unconscious with affirmations and suggestions that would otherwise have to run through critical processes in your mind. You can use this programming as an effective method to reduce stress and induce relaxation.

Normal hypnosis is often ineffective in stress reduction as it requires the presence of a hypnotist. Self-hypnosis, however, is just as easy and has the additional benefit that you can completely control the inputs to your mind when you are in a suggestible state.