Hypnosis is one of those things that falls right on the line separating science from fiction or close enough anyway. On the one hand the fact that its wide use and effectiveness is there for us to see but again its implementation in certain ways/cases has repeatedly thrown it into dispute. Some of the things people claim to have achieved using hypnosis makes it evern more tantalizing. So in order to give you some insight into this subject we have scoured the web and found these 7 Burning Hypnosis Questions that you always wanted Answers to.
1. What is it really ?
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, not a direct root access to the subject’s brain function. It is a highly relaxed state. Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention. It has been around since the 1700s. Katie Duchscherer, a psychology major at Stanford University, says, “If you’ve ever really gotten into reading a book or watching a television show and the rest of the world around you has sort-of gone away. Hypnosis is very similar to that.” And Hypnosis does not work for everyone.
2. What is it used for ?
Hypnosis is a genuine psychological phenomenon that has valid uses in clinical practice.
In the mental health area, it is used for phobias, anxiety, habit control, speech disorders, weight control, chronic pain, age regression therapy, self-esteem/ego strengthening, memory/concentration improvement and forensic work. In medicine, its uses include anesthesia and surgery, obstetrics / gynecology, control of bleeding, pain control, burn therapy, dermatology and habit control. Dentistry uses it to control fear, dental surgery, saliva control, gagging, bruxism, control of bleeding, tongue biting and general oral hygiene.
3. How do they really do it ?
Hypnosis is normally preceded by a “hypnotic induction” technique. Traditionally, this was interpreted as a method of putting the subject into a “hypnotic trance”; however, subsequent “nonstate” theorists have viewed it differently, seeing it as a means of heightening client expectation, defining their role, focusing attention, etc. There are several different induction techniques. One of the most influential methods was Braid’s “eye-fixation” technique, also known as “Braidism”. Here’s how it’s done:
Take any bright object (e.g. a lancet case) between the thumb and fore and middle fingers of the left hand; hold it from about eight to fifteen inches from the eyes, at such position above the forehead as may be necessary to produce the greatest possible strain upon the eyes and eyelids, and enable the patient to maintain a steady fixed stare at the object.
The patient must be made to understand that he is to keep the eyes steadily fixed on the object, and the mind riveted on the idea of that one object. It will be observed, that owing to the consensual adjustment of the eyes, the pupils will be at first contracted: They will shortly begin to dilate, and, after they have done so to a considerable extent, and have assumed a wavy motion, if the fore and middle fingers of the right hand, extended and a little separated, are carried from the object toward the eyes, most probably the eyelids will close involuntarily, with a vibratory motion.
If this is not the case, or the patient allows the eyeballs to move, desire him to begin anew, giving him to understand that he is to allow the eyelids to close when the fingers are again carried towards the eyes, but that the eyeballs must be kept fixed, in the same position, and the mind riveted to the one idea of the object held above the eyes. In general, it will be found, that the eyelids close with a vibratory motion, or become spasmodically closed.
4. Are there any side-effects of hypnosis ?
Hypnosis is considered to be a safe treatment when performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner. In rare cases, however, a patient may have unwanted side effects such as dizziness, headache, feelings of anxiety, stomach upset and false memories. And hypnosis does not always bring about good results because it works differently from individual to individual. Therefore getting a certified expert to do it is the best way to avoid any complication.
5. What is self-hypnosis ?
Self-hypnosis or autohypnosis is a form, process or result of hypnosis which is self-induced, and normally makes use of self-suggestion. Self-hypnosis can make a person more yielding than normal
It can also reduce chronic pain, improve sleep, or alleviate some symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Self-Hypnosis requires four distinct steps and they are motivation, relaxation, concentration and directing.
6. How do the ‘magicians’ do mass hypnosis ?
They mostly do it through suggestion and focused attention. They use some heavy terms like telepathy or animal magnetism but the causes of behaviour exhibited by volunteers in stage hypnosis shows is an area of dispute. Some claim it illustrates altered states of consciousness (i.e., “hypnotic trance”). Others maintain that it can be explained by a combination of psychological factors observed in group settings such as disorientation, compliance, peer pressure, and ordinary suggestion. Others yet allege that deception plays a part.
7. What if I don’t wake up ?
You will not become unconscious and you will be aware of everything at all times. Your will is not weakened in any way. You are in control and cannot be made to do anything against your will. You will not begin to reveal information you wish to keep secret. Hypnosis is not sleep.
Sources:
http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/01/hypnosis.aspx
http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2013/06/24/the-science-of-hypnosis/
http://www.asch.net/public/generalinfoonhypnosis/faqsabouthypnosis.aspx
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hypnosis
wikipedia.org