What is Hypnosis?

by Clifford Mee

When you think of hypnosis, a variety of thoughts may come to your mind. But none of them probably really paints the correct picture. Hypnosis is a natural state that occurs within the mind that offers many different levels to explore. When one experiences a hypnotic journey, they will have entered what is called an altered consciousness. With connections to the mind and sleep, the meaning of the word actually comes from a Greek term meaning sleep.

In order to understand how hypnosis works, one will have to pay attention to some of the components that make up an episode. To make things a little easier, it is suggested to take a look at the Hypnotic Formula, which involves four different aspects. Often referred to as BICE, it is thought that combining belief, imagination, conviction and expectation will lead to results. When it comes to the formula, individuals should know that the magic takes place within the mind of the person who is coming to a hypnotic experience. It is not something that occurs in the mind of the hypnotist.

If one were to define the language of the subconscious, it would most likely be the imagination. It is through the imagination that the perfect environment for hypnosis is created. When an individual is able to imagine themselves becoming hypnotized, they will experience an easier journey toward entering the state in which hypnosis takes place. Belief serves as another influential chunk of hypnosis, as anything that a person believes will occur is bound to happen if they have any say through their actions.

The final two aspects of hypnotism include expectation and conviction. If a subject is convinced that they can be hypnotized, then they will most likely fall into the deep state needed to benefit from hypnosis. Through expectation, whatever they believe or imagine will happen has a higher chance of occurring regardless of whether it is the real outcome or one that is perceived.

Just as there are four pieces of the hypnosis formula pie, there are four main patterns of brain activity in sessions of hypnotism. These various states of the mind are often accurately measured through the analysis of beta, alpha, theta and delta. For example, the alpha state of mind is one of the most talked about parts of hypnosis, while theta brain waves are prominent during stretches of a dream state.

Hypnosis is actually a rather intriguing puzzle that has many different pieces connected to it. In most cases, you may view the actions of a person while they are under hypnosis, but don't have the slightest clue why they do the things they do while under. Since the mind is such a complicated machine to understand, we may never fully grasp the beauty and mystery that hypnosis brings. While there are many gray areas associated with hypnosis, there is still a variety of basic characteristics to consider.

To best give an example of hypnosis, it can be described as a trance state in which extreme levels of suggestibility, relaxation and a heightened sense of imagination are tapped into. Some liken it to sleep, but in actuality, the subject is aware throughout the entire process. So, a better comparison would include daydreaming because you are fully conscious, but surrounding distractions are non-existent to your senses.

There are many different forms of trances, but many researchers feel that they are all forms of self-hypnosis. Milton Erickson, a leader in conducting studies regarding the subject during the 20th century, believed that all people hypnotized themselves as part of a daily routine. Many dismiss these examples and rather focus on the trance states that occur through extreme relaxation and focusing exercises.

Common Techniques

Throughout history, a wide range of hypnosis techniques has been created, highlighting the many years of hard and ingenious work regarding pioneering individuals in the field.

Fixed-Gaze Induction: If you've ever seen a movie that utilizes hypnosis, you more than likely witnessed the fixed-gaze induction or eye fixation. It is often characterized by the swinging of a pocket watch or other object in front of the person being hypnotized. Hypnosis occurs through this method when one focuses so intently on an object to the point that he or she is able to tune out any other distractions. Once focus has been achieved, the hypnotist will speak to the subject in a relaxing tone of voice.

Rapid: When the mind is bombarded with a variety of abrupt, solid commands, rapid hypnosis takes place. This form of hypnosis works because the subject eventually surrenders the control of their immediate conscious. This is one of the more common approaches that stage hypnotists will turn to for the sake of audience interest.

Progressive Relaxation: When a psychiatrist performs hypnosis, it is often through this technique, which involves speaking to a patient in a slow, relaxing tone of voice. Gradually, the hypnotist will encourage complete relaxation and focus for the subject until a state of full hypnosis is achieved. When it comes to self-hypnosis, this is the method that is employed by meditation tapes.

Loss of Balance: When one loses their sense of balance through a slow, rocking movement, a form of hypnosis is achieved. This technique is comparable to the feeling one gets as they are lulled to sleep when swaying in a hammock. Parents have unintentionally relied on this method for many years when putting put their babies to sleep.

About the Author:
Clifford Mee is an author, hypnotist and wilderness explorer. You Can Learn Hypnosis with the latest Hypnosis Training & Hypnosis Cds at Conversational Hypnosis

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