What is hypnosis? It is an induced mental state, which occurs as a result of a lengthy or repetitive sequence of phrases or instructions, or by fixating one’s gaze and concentration on a particular object for a period of time. It is also possible to be hypnotized by the use of suggestion, much like planting a seed or an idea in the mind of the subject, which will then grow into a belief over time, thus prompting a particular action or reaction as a result of the initial suggestion. Hypnosis can be done by one person (the hypnotist) on another (the subject). Alternatively, it is very possible to hypnotize oneself through the use of autosuggestion. The Coue method of autosuggestion is named after Emile Coue, a nineteenth century apothecary.
Hypnosis is often believed to be a state of unconsciousness, similar to that when one is asleep. However, extensive studies reveal that it does not render the subject unconscious at all; rather, he or she is very much present and coherent, but with a diminished awareness of his or her immediate surroundings. In other words, the subject, or patient, becomes less focused on the environment around them and more focused on the hypnotic process, increasing their responses and reactions to the ideas being suggested or instructions being given to them. In this manner, the practice works on two levels, with the subject in absolute concentration on the task at hand, yet lacking concentration or focus on any other thought or action taking place around him.
There are a number of ways in which to hypnotize someone. Many will be familiar with the classic cliche of stage hypnosis – used for entertainment purposes in magic shows and the like – whereby the magician or hypnotist chooses a member from the audience and puts them in a trance-like state by waving a pendulum or medallion back and forth and telling them to focus on the object. During this time phrases such as ‘You are getting very sleepy’ have often been used to put the subject into a state of relaxation that will bring about hypnosis even more quickly. It must be noted that there is often an element of deception involved in these types of performances in order to trick the audience into believing in the hypnotic process or result.
The use of suggestion for hypnotic purposes can be direct or indirect, verbal or non-verbal, and also includes factors such as the intonation, or rise and fall, of the voice. Depending on the hypnotic practice at play, results can be immediate or they can be seen over a period of time, sometimes with lasting effects on an individual’s behavior, due to repetitive sessions of hypnosis. This is known as hypnotherapy.
There are discrepancies as to whether the hypnotic practice involves communication with the conscious mind or if it reaches further into the psyche to communicate with the subconscious state of being, with relevant information for both sides of the argument available. A prime example of tapping into the subconsciousness would be the use of subliminal suggestion, images or messages, of which the person being hypnotized would be unaware on a conscious level.
The implantation of an idea or suggestion during a hypnotic session that triggers a certain response, action or reaction on the patient’s behalf once they have come out of the trance is known as post-hypnotic suggestion. This can supposedly be triggered after a long period, even years.
Studies show that around ten percent of individuals are highly susceptible to being hypnotized, with eighty percent being of medium susceptibility and the remainder only slightly or not at all. These susceptible types are either great daydreamers, with vivid imagination or even imaginary companions as children, or they could be victims of trauma such as childhood abuse, having learnt to protect themselves by withdrawing from the world around them as a result of wanting to escape reality.
Hypnosis has a number of uses which can be helpful to individuals.In its therapeutic form, hypnosis can be used to help curb or stop dangerous habits or behaviors such as smoking, depression or phobia, and is also used in cases of amnesia, where a patient can be induced to recall events or details on a specific topic that the conscious mind may have blocked. Some athletes may practice self-hypnosis via meditation techniques or repetitive affirmations to improve the quality of their performance during a game by altering their way of thinking and behavioral patterns. In order for autosuggestion to be ultimately successful, the individual needs to surrender all judgment, opinion and willpower which have been noted as major obstacles in achieving satisfactory results.
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