How do people get hypnotised and does it work?

Although it may sound mystical, hypnosis is simply the power of suggestion given to a subject when he or she is in a relaxed and receptive state of mind. Not all people can be hypnotized. Yes, it does work with some-- those who are open to the suggestion. Hypnosis is used in solving crimes, and also in psychotherapy to help unearth hidden or forgotten events that have occurred in a patient's past, that have caused various personality disorders in said patient. I'm not sure, however, that the hypnosis used as an entertainment ploy is actually authentic. So if you see someone on a stage being hypnotized, chances are it's just an act.