Indeed, I was so impressed by Mr. Heise's approach, understanding, and excellent and ethical presentation that I offered to add a few introductory words written from the point of view of a physician specializing in psychiatry. As you read into the book, you will realize that the author is teaching you to use some of the techniques of hypnosis and self-hypnosis to change deep-rooted habit patterns. He will tell you that this method is painless.?? He will tell you that it is safe. Some readers will wonder whether this is true, and may hesitate to apply the author's suggestions. And so I would like to add this word of reassurance. There is no danger in self-hypnosis. The techniques you will learn in the pages that follow are safe and they are sound. I will return to this matter, because I want to discuss certain unethical uses of hypnosis; but so far as the material you will read in this book is concerned, be at ease.?? The method is standard and orthodox; it offers an excellent way for you to achieve your goal. Physicians are often asked whether it is harmful to smoke three cigarettes a day, or five, or fourteen, or a pack; people seem to seek a standard measurement. If they exceed it, that would be bad; if they smoked fewer than the standard, that would be all right.?