One of the most common misconceptions about hypnotism is that when someone is “under”, they have been induced into a deep sleep. The reality is more or less the opposite – while the patient is indeed in what may be described as a trance, they are in fact in a heightened state of awareness and are able to focus exclusively on the suggestions their therapist is giving them.

Hypnotizing someone isn’t as hard as you might think, with a little training and the right environment it’s relatively easy to put a willing participant into the hypnotic state. The same applies to self – hypnosis. Have you ever driven to work or walked to the shops and on arriving, realized you can’t remember anything about the journey? That’s because you were in a semi-hypnotic state, and you achieved it without even trying!

So, why can a stage hypnotist apparently put people under their spell by clicking their fingers or mentioning a certain word? Well, the subjects are actually hypnotized beforehand, off camera or off stage, and the hypnotist conditions them to go under when he uses a certain signal.

The sense of smell. We are all born with it and whether you realize it or not, what passes through the nostrils effects your mood, your thinking and even your actions. The brain is a very complex organ that transmits signals to produce hormones and other neurological signals that effect your every action sometimes when the appropriate fragrances are introduced. Here is a synopsis of some of those fragrances.

CLOVE is an essential fragrance that you may think is only limited to the kitchen. However, the essential oil of clove comes from dried flower buds which has a pungent aroma and fragrant smell – which helps produce a feeling of comfort and reassurance. It can also be used as a topical analgesic useful in dentistry.

JUNIPER-based perfumes come from berries of the same name which grow in the Northern hemisphere. It has a strong, rich smell which helps cleanse and detoxify the body and the mind.

LAVENDER is another popular essential oil and if you love the sweet scent of the flower, you will definitely benefit from its relaxing and harmonizing effects to your mood.