Whatever the case, it is important to know that hypnosis is not like this at all. Hypnosis is rarely used as a part of an evil plot—in fact, it is normally done for self-improvement or relaxation reasons. Also, the hypnosis spiral is not an essential part of the process, believe it or not. In fact, many professional hypnotists don’t even use a hypnosis spiral or a pendulum. Let’s proceed to debunk some of the classic hypnosis stereotypes.

Motives for Hypnosis

Despite what you see in the movies, it is rare that hypnosis is used for evil or to harm someone. In fact, most of the time the intent behind hypnosis is to improve destructive behaviors or to be used as a part of a healing process. For example, hypnosis is commonly used to prevent someone from feeling pain, like after a surgery. Many people use hypnosis to help them to drop a bad habit, such as smoking, drinking, or overeating. Why else would somebody use hypnosis? Well, many people use hypnosis simply as a way to relax!

The Hypnosis Spiral and the Pendulum

When somebody mentions hypnosis, most people automatically picture the hypnosis spiral. Oftentimes it is a constantly moving red and white spiral that appears in most classic horror films involving hypnosis. This is not off base—many hypnotists do use a hypnosis spiral to hypnotize their clients. Also, many hypnosis spirals can be found online for self-hypnosis purposes.

However, what most people don’t know is that the hypnosis spiral is not an essential part of hypnosis—in fact, it is not even necessary! Why use devices such as a hypnosis spiral or a pendulum then? Well, an important part of hypnosis is the focus on one object that will allow one’s brain to enter the alpha or beta state of mind. The hypnosis spiral and the pendulum are two objects commonly used for these purposes; however, many hypnotists use other items as well.