Learn More About Hypnosis

What does Hypnosis feel like?  Many  people say it feels like that wonderful time period just between being asleep and awake.

 

How does Hypnosis work? It has now been proven that Hypnosis can affect virtually every system in the body.  When one is in the hypnotic state and accepts certain images, the body and mind can work together to make changes.... changes that are sometimes called the Psychoneuroimmunologic responses.  This response is due to the activation of an area of the brain called the Hypothalamus.  The hypnotic state seems to be a physiological condition of the Vagus Nerve and the Parasympathetic Nervous System.

 

When a your mind focuses and accepts certain suggested images of a physical, energetic, emotional or spiritual nature, the desired changes can take effect.  It is only those images you choose to accept that will work.... so acually you are in charge all the time!  The person doing hypnosis is a trained guide to help you in this process.

 In the 1960's many people explored the possibilities of expanding the mind through drugs (legal and otherwise), meditation and biofeedback. Some sought to accomplish this by experimenting with hypnosis.  During this era I saw hypnosis as a way to extend the mind’s power to make changes in the body - quickly and efficiently.  Almost everyone, under the right circumstances, can be hypnotized to some degree.  It is a matter of the utilizing the right combination of hypnotic techniques and wording.  There are hundreds of ways this can be done using direct or indirect, permissive, authoritative approaches, with or without mechanical aids, as well as selecting a sense or combination of senses to create various responses. 

  In my nearly four decades of practice I have witnessed the growth of hypnosis as a therapeutic modality as it evolved from a very limited group of practitioners to its being embraced and practiced by a large number of professionals who span many disciplines.  In its truest sense, it is an approach that can heal body, mind and spirit. No ailment affects just one aspect of the human makeup.  We are always dealing with body, mind and spirit.

 

     The induction of the Hypnosic State is an art.  Though the science behind its application is an essential and should not be overlooked, the art of its application is extremely important.  This statement holds true for surgery, dentistry, physical manipulation and many other fields in the mainstream of the healing professions.  This may explain why a therapy may work better for one practitioner than another. The quality of the art is often reflected in the outcome. 

 

I have lectured and performed demonstrations for members of various medical professions showing them how to incorporate and take advantage of this tool.

Hypnosis is not a panacea but, in general, it has applications for some cardiovascular and circulatory conditions, musculoskeletal problems, gastro-intestinal disorders, neurological conditions, autoimmune conditions.  It can be used for pain or symptom management and it can also be used to enhance performance, memory and response to other mainstream therapeutic programs.

Hypnosis Vocabulary:

 

anxiolysis  - the reduction of anxiety, tension or agitation.

hypnagogic -the transition of entering a hypnoidal state.

hypnagogue -something that produces hypnosis.

hypnalgia -the subjective experience of pain while in hypnosis.

hypnalgesia -the lessening of pain or  a sensation while in hypnosis.

hypnapagogic -the transition out of a hypnotic state.

Hypnesic - hypnosis inducing. Hypnic.

hypnesthesia -tiredness, drowsiness.

hypnic  -hypnosis inducing.

hypnocatharsis - the discharge of tension and anxiety via hypnotherapy .

hypnodontics -hypnosis as used in the field of dentistry.

hypnogenesis - the induction of hypnosis.

hypnoidal -a state similar to or near hypnosis. Hypnotoid.

hypnophobia -fear of being hypnotized .

hypnopompic  -a dream produced while under hypnosis.

hypnotism -a classical/historical term for hypnosis.

hypnotist -a term for a person who induces hypnosis.

hypnotherapist  -a professional who uses hypnosis as a therapy, either by itself, or as an adjunct.

hypnotoid  -hypnoidal.

lay hypnotist - a nonprofessional person or amateur who uses hypnotism.

somnipathy -hypnosis.

somnolesence -inclined to hypnosis.

somnolism  - hypnosis.

 

GENERAL LEVELS OF HYPNOSIS:  There are many scales.  This is but one.

 

LIGHT STAGE:

     This is what most people can easily achieve. People unconsciously slip in and out of it in their normal daily lives.  Perhaps 20% cannot go farther than this in a clinical setting.  This stage is all that is usually necessary for most general work. This is where the individual is completely physically relaxed, speaks more slowly but without effort and responds without effort.  There is complete focus.  Many do not realize this is an hypnotic state.

 

MEDIUM STAGE:

     The individual is very receptive to suggestions. One can produce post-hypnotic responses.  Most people can be brought to this level.  It is often associated with alpha brainwave production.  This individual can recall forgotten events, and is very receptive to useful suggestions.  Analgesia is possible as well as very localized anesthesia. 

 

DEEP STAGE:

     The individual seems to have “melted” into the chair or table. Often associated with theta brainwave production. Local anesthesia is possible.

 

VERY DEEP STAGES:  SOMNAMBULISTIC STATE

     This includes many other names of levels or states according to the technique system of the therapist.  Here one can produce complete anesthesia, to the level of being able to perform surgery.  Also often associated with delta brainwave production.  Perhaps 20% of the population can get this deep.