subject: Seeing A Professional Hypnotist Live Is Entertaining, Fascinating And A Magnificent Evenings Enterta [print this page] The use of hypnosis for entertainment and on the stage has been around for a very long time. It has at times been frowned upon by both doctors and politicians but is now accepted as a safe, funny and entertaining part of life. Millions of people watch on TV and theatres are sold out.
The Austrian Anton Mesmer was responsible for bring hypnotism to Europe in the 1700's although it was recognised and used in India and China centuries before that The term he used, with great modesty was mesmerism and it is still a valid term over 200 years later. Needless to say doctors were not in favour and published papers and held commissions to rubbish it.
Despite that it has remained popular and slowly gained a recognised role in medicine for problems such as pain relief, weight loss, anxiety and stopping smoking. In spite of this the main exposure of the majority of people to hypnosis is through television.
Thanks to the efforts of Paul McKenna and Derren Brown hypnosis as part of an entertainment show is very popular. They are often very funny and fascinating but can raise questions in peoples minds as to how safe it is. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.
I'll be in a trance won't I?
No, being hypnotised is just like being in a deeply relaxed state. You are aware of everything going on around you
Without me knowing can I be hypnotised
Most definitely not. Forget what you've seen on television and the big screen. You will not be in a hypnotic state unless you want to be.
Can't I be made to do things I wouldn't normally do?
Again no. Hypnosis can be thought of as slightly lowering your inhibitions in a similar way to alcohol. In the hypnotic state you may be calm and relaxed but you won't do anything against your will.
Will I be asleep on stage?
It may look that way to the audience but hypnosis is not the same as sleep. You are relaxed however for dramatic effect the hypnotist often tells you to sleep and you close your eyes.
Am I still hypnotised after the show?
Most definitely not. Away from the pages of books and films this won't happen. YOur hypnotist will ensure you are fully recovered and back to your normal self before leaving the stage.
There are many highly professional stage hypnotists who provide great entertainment. They are exciting entertainment and quite safe. If you want to take part on stage you won't regret it although not everyone who wants to be hypnotised is used. But even if you are not simply relax and experience a entirely pleasurable couple of hours
