hypnosis

Hypnosis, altered state of consciousness and heightened responsiveness to suggestion; it may be inducedin normal persons by a variety of methods and has been used occasionally in medical and psychiatric treatment. Most frequently hypnosis is brought about through the actions of an operator, the hypnotist, who engages the attention of a subject and assigns certain tasks to him or her while uttering monotonous, repetitive verbal commands; such tasks may include muscle relaxation, eye fixation, and arm levitation.

Hypnosis also may be self-induced, by trained relaxation, concentration on one's own breathing, or by a variety of monotonous practices and rituals that are found in many mystical, philosophical, and religious systems.

Characteristics:

Hypnosis results in the gradual assumption by the subject of a state of consciousness wholly dissimilar to either wakefulness or sleep, during which attention is withdrawn from the outside world and is concentrated on mental, sensory, and physiological experiences. When a hypnotist induces a trance, a close relationship or rapport develops between operator and subject. The responses of subjects in the trance state, and the phenomena or behaviour they manifest objectively, are the product of their motivational set; that is, behaviour reflects what is being sought from the experience.

Most people can be easily hypnotised. The depth of trance, however, will vary from a light state close to waking, to a profound state of somnambulism. A profound trance is characterised by a forgetting of trance events and by an ability to respond automatically to posthypnotic suggestions that are not too anxiety-provoking. The depth of trance achievable is a relatively fixed characteristic, dependent on the emotional condition of the subject and on the skill of the hypnotist. Only 20 percent of subjects are capable of entering somnambulistic states through the usual methods of induction. Medically, this percentage is not significant, since therapeutic effects occur even in a light trance.

Hypnosis can produce a deeper contact with one's emotional life, resulting in some lifting of repressions and exposure of buried fears and conflicts. This effect potentially lends itself to medical and educational use, but it also lends itself to misinterpretation. Thus, the revival through hypnosis of early, forgotten memories may be fused with fantasies. Research into hypnotically induced memories in recent years has in fact stressed their uncertain reliability. For this reason a number of state court systems in the U. S. have placed increasing constraints on the use of evidence hypnotically obtained from witnesses, although most states still permit its introduction in court.

Medical Uses:

Hypnosis has been used to treat a variety of physiological and behavioural problems. It can alleviate back pain and pain resulting from bums and cancer. It has been used by some obstetricians as the sole analgesia for normal childbirth. Hypnosis is sometimes also employed to treat physical problems with a possible psychological component, such as Raynaud's syndrome (a circulatory disease) and faecal 'incontinence' in children. Researchers have demonstrated that the benefit of hypnosis is greater than the effect of a placebo and probably results from changing the focus of attention. Few physicians, however, include hypnosis as part of their practice. Some behaviour difficulties, such as cigarette smoking, overeating, and insomnia, are also amenable to resolution through hypnosis.

Hypnosis F A Q

What is Hypnosis?

Unlike the television or Hollywood version, hypnosis is simply a state of deep relaxation. In this state the critical factor is set aside and the desired change is instantaneous.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Yes. In fact, most people experience hypnosis several times a day. Daydreaming is a form of hypnosis. Also, the state experienced directly on entering and leaving steep is hypnosis.

What does hypnosis feel like?

Because hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, or awareness, at no time will you be asleep or unaware of what is going on. You will, however, be likely to feel more relaxed than ever before. A feeling of peace, serenity and wellbeing generally accompany this relaxation.

Can I be made to do something against my will ?

Absolutely not! There is a safeguard in hypnosis. Anything suggested to you in hypnosis that is against your morals, beliefs, religion, ethics, wants or desires will simply be rejected by you. It is impossible for you to be made to to do anything against your will.

What about those stage shows then?

Successful stage hypnosis relies on willing volunteers. Those people have a desire to join in the show and perform. Hypnosis merely helps them to lift inhibitions that they may, ordinarily, have against performing in public.

Will I remember what is said or done, after I come out of hypnosis?

Hypnosis is not an unconscious state, so you will remember what is being said and done. If you have no apparent memory of what is said or done, this is likely to be because you were drifting and daydreaming in your own pleasant thoughts during that part. Generally, with gentle prodding, you will fully remember everything.

Am I giving up control during Hypnosis?

No! You will be in such complete control during the entire session that if anything is said or done that you disagree with, or that you feel is in bad taste, you can simply open your eyes and leave the room. No one can control your mind, except you.

Can only 'weak-minded' people be hypnotised?

On the contrary, while everybody can be hypnotised, those that respond better are people with strong and active minds capable of imagination and mental dexterity. Those that refuse to be hypnotised, generally are exhibiting either a lack of understanding of the subject entirely, or 'weakness' in the form of inflexibility.

Does Hypnosis wear off ? Yes & No. The state of hypnosis being a relaxed 'Day Dream' state leaves you when either you or the therapist ends the session, but the results of your hypnotic session, because changes brought about under hypnosis, i.e. stopping smoking, weight loss, etc., are self-rewarding the effects will become stronger, especially if reinforcement tapes are used.

Are there harmful after effects?

Again, no. There is not one case on record of anyone being harmed because of, or through, hypnosis. After the session, most people feel relaxed and mellow but in complete control of all of their faculties and able to perform any task or duty such as driving or working. Most people experience a very pleasant energy increase after the session.

Why is Hypnosis sometimes linked to witchcraft and fortune telling?

Television and Hollywood are mostly responsible for this. There is nothing magical, mystical or mysterious about hypnosis, and we actively disassociate ourselves from those that would have you believe otherwise.

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