Many people have a wrong preconceived notion about hypnosis. Try mentioning the word to someone on the street in an informal poll and most will define it as some kind of magic act. You really can’t blame them for thinking that, considering how hypnotism has been portrayed in the media over the years. But first impressions are not always correct. In fact, hypnosis has been used in the areas of personal growth and personal development, and as an alternative rehabilitation technique in various medical facilities throughout the world, with great success.

Many people who are desperate for change and self-improvement have turned to self-hypnosis methods to jump-start their life-changing experiences. While it may be true that most have been lucky enough to achieve success, the truth is that self-hypnosis can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken.

The concept of hypnosis is undoubtedly complex, but the general idea is this: Basically, when someone undergoes a hypnotic suggestion, they are put into a very deep state of relaxation that transcends even the conscious state. They drift into a subconscious state of mind between the waking world and unconsciousness, and are therefore highly susceptible to any suggestion made to them in that state. While in this dissociated state, direct communications with the subconscious are quite possible.

Now do you see why self-hypnosis can be potentially dangerous? Imagine walking out of your house and giving the key to a complete stranger. You could do that? So why would you leave your mind in such a vulnerable state for others to slip in some hint from time to time? Worse yet, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you may well leave your mind open to suggestions even after you think you’ve secured your mind once the self-hypnosis session is over.

Imagine it; you hypnotize yourself thinking about changing the way you think or feel. He unlocks the inaccessible corners of his mind and delves into them to work out the problems he needs to solve in his brain, then once he feels the job is done, he returns to the waking world. But wait! How could you be sure that you have secured the door to the deepest parts of your mind? Could someone induce a hypnotic state within you just by saying a trigger word?

Having someone else control your mind is one thing, but there are other dangers associated with self-hypnosis that you should be aware of. Dangers such as unexpected unwanted thoughts, sudden mood swings, strange behaviors or feelings that contradict the goal you have set for yourself during the hypnotic state, etc.

In short, you can become vulnerable to all sorts of unbalanced emotional states once you have unlocked the deeper parts of your mind. The irony of all this is that you may have wanted to try self-hypnosis for transcendental peace of mind.

Don’t risk it, avoid self-hypnosis or any form of hypnosis if you are looking for self-improvement. There are several other ways that you can use in your self-improvement efforts. In this day and age where technological advances move at such a rapid pace, you should consider other much safer alternatives such as brain wave entrainment.