How does hypnosis work?

We, as human beings, remember and learn specific behaviors in response to our life experiences. Every time a similar experience occurs, our physical and emotional responses connected to that memory are repeated. In many situations, the reactions are unhealthy. In some instances, the hypnosis practitioner can assist a person to remember an event that led to the first reaction, separate the memory from the learned behavior, and substitute the unhealthy behavior with another healthier one. During hypnosis, relaxation is experienced and thought processes become more focused. Hypnosis lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and changes brainwave activity. In the state of relaxation, an individual experiences feelings of being physically at ease, while fully awake mentally and responsive to suggestion. The conscious mind becomes less alert whereas the subconscious mind becomes more focused.