What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is simply just a particular state of mind not unlike daydreaming. It allows the automatic processes of the brain to learn things faster. Every athlete or professional sports person uses this state of mind. It is sometimes referred to as “The Zone” or being in flow state in order to relax their thoughts so that they can concentrate on their performance. Many professionals have used Binaural, Monaural and Isochronic tones which computer generated sound waves to induce hypnosis.
What Can Hypnosis Do?
To a certain degree using hypnosis doesn’t have any limits but whatever it is in life you want to achieve hypnosis with sound waves can make it easier. This isn’t just about behavior and thought patterns. We have to remember that everything the body does is processed by the brain. If you can learn to control what the brain is doing then the sky is the limit. The most successful things we can do with hypnosis though are learning to overcome anxiety and break bad habits, that sort of thing. Even issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and bladder control you can have amazing success.
How Does It Work?
There are two processes within the brain, conscious thought and unconscious thought. The conscious thoughts are the ones we are always aware of like “Do we need bread?” or “I forgot to pay the electric bill.”
At the same time as them there are the unconscious things going on too. We don’t have to consciously think about breathing or blinking, if we did life would be very hard. We’ve evolved over hundreds of thousands of years and developed the ability to do things without thinking about them. Those are the unconscious thoughts as well as the things we learned how to do like walking, talking, driving or even smoking. Due to repetition what was once a conscious process that required a lot of effort becomes an unconscious process in order to make life easier.
Unfortunately, if what we repeated is something we don’t want to do anymore it can be very hard to get the unconscious processes of the brain to let go of what it feels is an instinct that we’re born with. That’s where hypnosis with Binaural, Monaural and Isochronic Tones comes in.
Hypnosis gives a person easier access to that part of the brain and so by imagining something in hypnosis using Binaural, Monaural and Isochronic Tones has the same effect of having done it for real a hundred times which is why there is a lot of success with issues like smoking and nail biting as well as public speaking and panic attacks. We can retrain the automatic functioning of the brain to reacting as if the old behavior is from years ago.
Is It Mind Control?
Well in a way, yes but probably not in the way that you’re thinking. You learn to take more control over what your mind is doing so I guess it can be described as better mind control.
How Does It Feel?
Hypnosis with Binaural, Monaural and Isochronic tones itself doesn’t actually feel like anything except being comfortable while listening to relaxing music. Natural Hypnosis occurs during our daily lives too. Watching television induces a very deep state of hypnosis. How many times have you been speaking to somebody as they are engrossed in something and they have not heard a word you said even though you are only two feet away from them? In a lot of cases hypnosis can be quite relaxing, it doesn’t have to but it often accompanies a physical state of relaxation and that can feel like something. It is a pleasant heaviness or a floating sort of lightness and at the same time being totally aware of what’s going on around you and in complete control.
How Much Treatment Does It Take?
It is actually quite easy. You can induce hypnosis with Binaural, Monaural Beats and Isochronic tones by yourself. They entrain your brain and are specifically designed to help eradicate bad habits such as smoking and over eating. Also issues such as stress, anxiety and sleep disorders can be relived with these techniques in just a day or two. Of course the deeper the issue the longer it will take.
Also, on a spiritual level, these tones have been known to assist with astral projection, aura viewing and even increase psychic abilities.
The following is an excerpt from
Mesmerism, Mind-Reading and Spiritualism
published 1903
CHAPTER V–Self hypnotization–How it may be done–An experience–Accountable for children’s crusade–Oriental prophets self- hypnotized
If self-hypnotism is possible (and it is true that a person can deliberately hypnotize himself when he wishes to till he has become accustomed to it and is expert in it, so to speak), it does away at a stroke with the claims of all professional hypnotists and magnetic healers that they have any peculiar power in themselves which they exert over their fellows. One of these professionals gives an account in his book of what he calls “The Wonderful Lock Method.” He says that though he is locked up in a separate room he can make the psychic power work through the walls. All that he does is to put his subjects in the way of hypnotizing themselves. He shows his inconsistency when he states that under certain circumstances the hypnotizer is in danger of becoming hypnotized himself. In this he makes no claim that the subject is using any psychic power; but, of course, if the hypnotizer looks steadily into the eyes of his subject, and the subject looks into his eyes, the steady gaze on a bright object will produce hypnotism in one quite as readily as in the other.
Hypnotism is an established scientific fact; but the claim that the hypnotizer has any mysterious psychic power is the invariable mark of the charlatan. Probably no scientific phenomenon was ever so grossly prostituted to base ends as that of hypnotism. Later we shall see some of the outrageous forms this charlatanism assumes, and how it extends to the professional subjects as well as to the professional operators, till those subjects even impose upon scientific men who ought to be proof against such deception. Moreover, the possibility of self-hypnotization, carefully concealed and called by another name, opens another great field of humbug and charlatanism, of which the advertising columns of the newspapers are constantly filled–namely, that of the clairvoyant and medium. We may conceive how such a profession might become perfectly legitimate and highly useful; but at present it seems as if any person who went into it, however honest he might be at the start, soon began to deceive himself as well as others, until he lost his power entirely to distinguish between fact and imagination.
Before discussing the matter further, let us quote Dr. Cocke’s experiment in hypnotizing himself. It will be remembered that a professional hypnotizer or magnetizer had hypnotized him by telling him to fix his mind on the number twenty-six and holding up his hand. Says the doctor:
“In my room that evening it occurred to me to try the same experiment. I did so. I kept the number twenty-six in my mind. In a few minutes I felt the sensation of terror, but in a different way. I was intensely cold. My heart seemed to stand still. I had ringing in my ears. My hair seemed to rise upon my scalp. I persisted in the effort, and the previously mentioned noise in my ears grew louder and louder. The roar became deafening. It crackled like a mighty fire. I was fearfully conscious of myself. Having read vivid accounts of dreams, visions, etc., it occurred to me that I would experience them. I felt in a vague way that there were beings all about me but could not hear their voices. I felt as though every muscle in my body was fixed and rigid. The roar in my ears grew louder still, and I heard, above the roar, reports which sounded like artillery and musketry. Then above the din of the noise a musical chord. I seemed to be absorbed in this chord. I knew nothing else. The world existed for me only in the tones of the mighty chord. Then I had a sensation as though I were expanding. The sound in my ears died away, and yet I was not conscious of silence. Then all consciousness was lost. The next thing I experienced was a sensation of intense cold, and of someone roughly shaking me. Then I heard the voice of my jolly landlord calling me by name.”
The landlord had found the doctor “as white as a ghost and as limp as a rag,” and thought he was dead. He says it took him ten minutes to arouse the sleeper. During the time a physician had been summoned.
As to the causes of this condition as produced Dr. Cocke says: “I firmly believed that something would happen when the attempt was made to hypnotize me. Secondly, I wished to be hypnotized. These, together with a vivid imagination and strained attention, brought on the states which occurred.”
It is interesting to compare the effects of hypnotization with those of opium or other narcotic. Dr. Cocke asserts that there is a difference. His descriptions of dreams bear a wonderful likeness to De Quincey’s dreams, such as those described in “The English Mail-Coach,” “De Profundis,” and “The Confessions of an English Opium Eater,” all of which were presumably due to opium.
The causes which Dr. Cocke thinks produced the hypnotic condition in his case, namely, belief, desire to be hypnotized, and strained attention, united with a vivid imagination, are causes which are often found in conjunction and produce effects which we may reasonably explain on the theory of self-hypnotization.
For instance, the effects of an exciting religious revival are very like those produced by Mesmer’s operations in Paris. The subjects become hysterical, and are ready to believe anything or do anything. By prolonging the operation, a whole community becomes more or less hypnotized. In all such cases, however, unusual excitement is commonly followed by unusual lethargy. It is much like a wild spree of intoxication–in fact, it is a sort of intoxication.
The same phenomena are probably accountable for many of the strange records of history. The wonderful cures at Lourdes (of which we have read in Zola’s novel of that name) are no doubt the effect of hypnotization by the priests. Some of the strange movements of whole communities during the Crusades are to be explained either on the theory of hypnotization or of contagion, and possibly these two things will turn out to be much the same in fact. On no other ground can we explain the so-called “Children’s Crusade,” in which over thirty thousand children from Germany, from all classes of the community, tried to cross the Alps in winter, and in their struggles were all lost or sold into slavery without even reaching the Holy Land.
Again, hypnotism is accountable for many of the poet’s dreams. Gazing steadily at a bed of bright coals or a stream of running water will invariably throw a sensitive subject into a hypnotic sleep that will last sometimes for several hours. Dr. Cocke says that he has experimented in this direction with patients of his. Says he: “They have the ability to resist the state or to bring it at will. Many of them describe beautiful scenes from nature, or some mighty cathedral with its lofty dome, or the faces of imaginary beings, beautiful or demoniacal, according to the will and temper of the subject.”
Perhaps the most wonderful example of self-hypnotism which we have in history is that of the mystic Swedenborg, who saw, such strange things in his visions, and at last came to believe in them as real.
The same explanation may be given of the manifestations of Oriental prophets–for in the Orient hypnotism is much easier and more systematically developed than with us of the West. The performances of the dervishes, and also of the fakirs, who wound themselves and perform many wonderful feats which would be difficult for an ordinary person, are no doubt in part feats of hypnotism.
While in a condition of auto-hypnotization a person may imagine that he is some other personality. Says Dr. Cocke: “A curious thing about those self-hypnotized subjects is that they carry out perfectly their own ideals of the personality with whom they believe themselves to be possessed. If their own ideals of the part they are playing are imperfect, their impersonations are ridiculous in the extreme. One man I remember believed himself to be controlled by the spirit of Charles Sumner. Being uneducated, he used the most wretched English, and his language was utterly devoid of sense. While, on the other hand, a very intelligent lady who believed herself to be controlled by the spirit of Charlotte Cushman personated the part very well.”
Dr. Cooke says of himself: “I can hypnotize myself to such an extent that I will become wholly unconscious of events taking place around me, and a long interval of time, say from one-half to two hours, will be a complete blank. During this condition of auto-hypnotization I will obey suggestions made to me by another, talking rationally, and not knowing any event that has occurred after the condition has passed off.”
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Does my article make sense to anyone? Here it is:
The enemy to learning, health, and other human transformation is an inelastic and fixed sense of ego. Hypnosis is a primary tool designed to promote change through the seeking to dissolve the prison in which many subjects have incased their egos. The sense of self that is indoctrinated into most of humanity is also related to the maintenance of disharmonious states, which can also be termed as pathologies and illnesses.
Any cursory review of human history will disclose a ubiquitous effort to establish a firm, unchanging sense of self. Writers and thinkers such as Joseph Campbell have even implied that mythology and even the “invention” of religion may serve to satisfy this need. While this article will not question the validity of spirituality or cosmological beliefs, I will recognize that there has always been an urge for individuals to “find themselves.” Likewise, communities and organizations also display a tendency to rapidly develop a culture and identity – to which they jealously cling.
The development of a strong ego is related to a firm belief system. This could be found in one’s identification with a specific religious creed, a professional culture, political philosophy, or even something as mundane as an affiliation with a particular sports franchise. These beliefs are universally related to cultural indoctrination, to include programming by the media, parents, friends, teachers, and ministers. The illusion of choice is prevalent, as many such indoctrinated individuals will quickly argue that their beliefs are rational and based upon some type of cognitive-level logic. Yet when challenged, their blood pressure changes, their speaking gets louder and more animated, and they resort to programmed responses and gestures. I am positive that, should a SPECT scan occur during their defense of their beliefs, their neurological activity would be seen to have shifted to the more emotional, limbic centers of their brain. Please note that this observation does not imply that their beliefs are incorrect. Merely, I am stating that their defensiveness most likely involves indoctrination rather than a cognitive understanding and acceptance of their beliefs.
The problem with such ego/belief systems occurs when a dysfunctionality is detected and there is resistance to finding an acceptable resolution. For instance, should a person’s desire for immediate satiation conflict with the law or the welfare of others – or conflict with competing concerns such as their short-term or long-term health – then a such a situation exists. This may result in a mental or physical pathology, an adverse consequence for a relationship, or even a legal conviction. Therefore, the need for a person to reframe their belief system may be in order. However, should they display cognitive rigidity in the form of an inability to consider anything other than their indoctrinated beliefs, then I would also classify this as an inelasticity (to use a term from the time when I taught economics).
In my various courses I teach clinical students several techniques that are helpful for them or their patients and clients when it comes to having a less rigid approach to their self-identification. Some of these come from my experience as a Neuro Linguistic Programming trainer. However, hypnosis and hypnotherapy are inherently powerful in this area as well. As such, I agree with the definition of hypnosis offered by Alfred A. Barrious, PhD, He says that hypnosis involves the suspension of a belief system. My definition phrases this somewhat differently. I say that it helps bypass pattern resistance (i.e. inertia to change) and facilities more efficient selective thinking. Both of us agree that hypnosis is an excellent tool that can be easily used to help a person break out of the prison of their inelastic concept of a rigidly defined ego.
The first obstacle that the hypnotherapist has is getting the person to realize the rigidity of their belief-system. (Please note that they will most likely have the misconception that their ego is a “thought-system.” This illusion reinforces their pathology.) The presumption here is that the client or patient has come in because they perceive a symptom or condition is causing unhappiness, ill health, or prevents them reaching their potential. When their discomfort gets to a certain point, they will seek professional help. (This does not deny that many people function quite comfortably within a rigidly defined and indoctrinated system. In fact, this may even lead to having what would seem to be a well-adjusted personality – although it often is contrary to a learning and evolving mind.)
When a person seeks change for whatever reason, the clinician should assess the flexibility of their thinking ability. A firm conviction that a certain set of values and beliefs are correct does not necessarily signify pathological rigidity. Essentially, I would not be concerned with any belief system unless it represents a causal factor in a pathology or prevents a desired movement toward increased self-actualization. If they are happy and fully functional with their current ego, there is no need to “enlighten” them to your ideas. However, if that is not the case and you agree with the need to help them, it would be very appropriate to share your extensive array of skills and techniques.
Please understand that the existence of an elastic or inelastic ego is not a binary, yes-no situation. Rather a person may be very rigid regarding certain values and yet display considerable flexibility in others. For example, I tend to demonstrate considerable rigidity where cruelty and compassion are involved and then show more understanding and acceptance when someone questions my religious, professional, or philosophical beliefs. Over the years I have come to recognize and embrace my faults and inabilities – a reason that I surround myself with a competent staff – while others have considerable time admitting even the smallest flaw. This attitude is something that has taken me – and continues to take – considerable effort.
When I use Neuro Linguistic Programming, hypnosis, and other clinical interventions, I always consider the impact that I am having bypassing the subject’s tendency to myopically hold on to rigid self-identity concepts. Richard Yates, LPC, a friend and talented hypnotherapist locally, has an excellent reframing concept that he uses to challenges limiting concepts of self. He simply asks a client how many roles, possessions, or body parts they could lose before they stopped being themselves. He has shared with me some amazing results – even with the most narrowly-minded individuals. So essentially using our plethora of skills to bypass rigid egos and encourage flexible thinking may be the most potent tool we have in our efforts to transform others.
The emergence of a more flexible and elastic sense of self – one that may require a re-evaluation of behavior, identity, and belief – may be the answer for most people who desire changing their heath and reaching self-actualization. Once this situation is determined, the clinician should be well trained to employ appropriate interventions designed to help their subject dissolve the walls that imprison their ego and lead them to an existence where they can selectively choose to pursue their potential.
Tim Brunson, PhD
Hypnosis trance is not that hard and this article will go through process of hypnotizing someone in details. The correct course of hypnotizing should have the following procedure:
- interview,
- choosing the right position by the subject of hypnosis,
- introduction to the basic trance,
- deepening the trance,
- exit from the trance.
The conversation is very important initial step in hypnosis, and despite this, it is very often ignored (mostly because of laziness and excessive faith in the hypnotist forces). Introductory talk allows hypnotherapist to have a overlook of the ideas they have about putting certain person under hypnosis. This knowledge is usually a great help for hypnotherapist to proceeding with this person. The initial conversation goal is to learn what subject thinks and knows about hypnosis. If hypnosis subject considers hypnosis as something mysterious it is not always best idea to explain how it really is, since such a belief may facilitate entry into hypnosis. In this phase hypnotist can also work on overcoming any fears about hypnosis that client may have. Most people are afraid that they will not be able to wake up from trance. As a hypnotist you need to explain that this is not possible and that in worst scenario they may fall asleep and wake up naturally.
Subject of hypnosis can lie down or sit. It is important that they decide for themselves and get in a comfortable position. In a seated position subject sits slightly tilted to one side. His head is based on the headrest, and the arms are freely seat backs. The legs should be almost straight and uncrossed as this produce tension. Hypnotist in this case would be sitting next to the subject. If subject decide to lay down then be sure that there is a small pillow under the head and the hands are kept straight. It should be noted that if the person is lying there is often a feeling of dependence or sexual association – it can facilitate or hinder the process of hypnotizing. During the initial conversation we feel that these feelings must be overcome, or actually used.
The right approach to subject of hypnosis is half of the battle. In fact, there are three basic approaches, based on which various modifications are created. Here they are:
- Parent – the hypnotist is an authority, give instructions that aren’t subject to discussion or changes. Subject usually equates it with the figure of his father. This method is most frequently used by stage hypnotists.
- Emotional and maternal – hypnotist creates a very close and warm contact with hypnotized person and thanks to that is associated with the figure of the mother.
- Passive – the hypnotist creates the impression that subjects directs him. This method is used when dealing with subject which suggestions from other people and can only accept myself.
Chosen methods depends on the nature of the person and its actual mood combined with emotional state. Therefore, it is extremely important to initially interview people. Thanks to that you can refer to the nature of subject and his current wellbeing along with sense of humor. Choosing the wrong approach to the person can prevent you completely from putting subject into a trance.