Hypnosis is a mental state which is induced in a person through the process of hypnotic induction which generally involves a series of preliminary instructions or suggestions. The process of hypnotic induction is supposed to result in putting a person into a trance state during which they are extremely susceptible to suggestions. These suggestions can be used to influence the thoughts and actions of the hypnotized person for a variety of purposes. For example, there are many medical applications of hypnosis techniques which can help a person to be freed from an addiction. It is also frequently used as a form of entertainment in stage performances but these are only two of the many forms of hypnosis.

Hypnotherapy

This type of hypnosis involves the use of techniques for therapeutic purposes, often to modify the subject's behavior or attitudes. Hypnotherapy can be used to dissuade an individual from pursuing dysfunctional habits like smoking or excessive drinking and it can also be used to decrease anxiety and stress. Hypnotherapy has also been successful as a means of pain management, especially in cancer patients.

Medical

Hypnosis has been used in studies to determine its effectiveness as a treatment for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. Studies have also shown that hypnosis can be an effective alternative to chemical anesthesia and that it can help to reduce pain during childbirth, burn-wound debridement, and bone marrow aspirations.

Psychotherapy

This is often performed by licensed psychologists and physicians to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and posttraumatic stress. Studies have also shown that hypnosis may be an effective treatment for smoking and weight management.

Self-Hypnosis

It is possible for individuals to hypnotize themselves, most commonly through the use of autosuggestion. Self-hypnosis is frequently used to increase an individual's motivation to stick to a diet or to quit smoking, even to reduce stress. Videos and hypnotic recordings can be used to aid this process.

Stage

As a form of entertainment, stage hypnosis is rather popular. By performing a series of preliminary suggestion tests, the hypnotist can determine which members of the audience are most susceptible to suggestion and, after inducing them into a hypnotic state, they can influence these members of the audience members in amusing ways. For example, hypnotized individuals can be made to believe that they have been turned into a dog or that their bodies have suddenly been turned into rubber.

Erotic

This type of hypnosis is used to reduce inhibitions and to increase arousal in couples or individuals. Often used within dominance/submission-type relationships, erotic hypnosis can intensify the emotional bond between two individuals and increase their pleasure during sexual activity.