The History of Hypnosis|催眠知多少

The History of Hypnosis

by William Ryan

You are getting very sleepy. Now, close your eyes and relax.

　　Hypnosis is a special, temporary psychological state which slightly resembles sleeping. However, it is mainly characterized by heightened focus and concentration. _(1)_ They do this by blocking out all possible day-to-day distractions. The term hypnotherapy refers to the use of hypnosis in the treatment of various conditions by using the power of the mind to help cure various physical and mental disorders.

　　Hypnosis was once considered a form of quackery by the medical community. _(2)_ From anxiety and depression to panic attacks and phobias, sufferers of these conditions have benefited from hypnosis. Its many proponents claim that hypnosis can improve memory and concentration, release emotional trauma, and even increase self-esteem. _(3)_ Many people swear that hypnosis has even helped them quit smoking after trying every other method out there.

　　A common misconception is that a person is not in control of their mind or feelings when they are hypnotized. _(4)_ Instead, people's bodies and minds become extremely relaxed with heightened concentration. This happens through the power of suggestion by the hypnotist and can only occur with the willingness and full consent of the person being hypnotized. No one can be hypnotized involuntarily.

　　There are also self-hypnosis methods available. _(5)_ These techniques are simple and can be mastered by anyone in a short time. Although many people have reported success with self-hypnosis, professionals stress that it is often insufficient to create long-lasting changes.

(A) Hypnosis has also been used medically to treat asthma, migraines, digestive disorders, chronic pain, and other conditions.

(B) Under hypnosis, a person is able to concentrate on specific thoughts and memories.

(C) Self-hypnosis classes are offered at many colleges and universities in the US and other countries.

(D) This study showed that learning how to hypnotize people helps in their careers.

(E) Under hypnosis, mental control is not surrendered.

(F) Now, it is well-accepted, and its clinical uses are many.

 

催眠知多少

你越来越困了。现在，闭上双眼放松一下。

　　催眠是一种特别而短暂的心理状态，它有点像睡着了一样。然而，它的特征主要是提高集中力和注意力。人在接受催眠时能够专注在特定的想法和记忆。他们藉由阻绝所有日常生活中可能干扰催眠的事情来达到催眠的目标。催眠疗法一词指的是运用催眠来治疗各种病况，亦即使用心灵力量帮助治疗各种生理及心理疾病。

　　催眠曾经被医学界视为一种骗术。如今，它不仅广为接受，而且临床用途相当广泛。从焦虑症、忧郁症，到恐慌发作和各种恐惧症，饱受以上这些病情之苦的患者都从催眠中获益良多。催眠的众多支持者声称这种方法可以改善记忆力和专注力、释放情感创伤，甚至可以提升自尊心。催眠在医学上也曾被用来治疗气喘、偏头痛、消化不良、长期疼痛和其他病情。许多人更信誓旦旦地说，在试过坊间其他各种方法后，催眠帮助他们戒除了烟瘾。

　　受催眠者无法掌控他们的心志和情感是一项常见的误解。接受催眠时，心理控制其实并未屈服。相反地，人们的身体和心理都会藉由提高专注力而变得极度放松。这会在催眠师暗示的力量下发生，而且唯有在受催眠者完全同意下才能进行。没有人是在非自愿的情形下被催眠。

　　另外还有一些自我催眠的方法。在美国和其他许多国家，许多大专院校都有提供自我催眠课程。这些技巧很简单，而且任何人都能够在短时间内精通。虽然许多人都向大众分享自我催眠的成功经验，专家仍然强调若想要透过催眠而有长久的改变通常是不够的。

答案： 1.   B   2.   F    3.   A   4.   E   5.   C