Hypnosis is basically a deeply relaxed state in which brainwaves are slowed way down (alpha wave, and sometimes even slower theta wave). We are in a hypnotic state when we first wake up in the morning before we have become completely awake and conscious. Hypnosis can be used to increase the effectiveness and speed of traditional talk therapy. Studies have shown that in this deeply relaxed state, the creative and intuitive part of the brain becomes more active.
This is likely why hypnotherapy helps people imagine and then move into different and often healthier habits and patterns (such as being repulsed by cigarettes instead of craving them) over the course of hypnosis treatment.
