The brain operates in four general states determined by the frequency of the electricity generated by the exchange of chemicals in the neural pathways. The four states include Full Conscious Awareness, the Hypnotic State, the Dream State and the Sleep State. The Hypnotic state occurs when brain activity is in the alpha range (8-13 Hz).
In the Hypnotic State, the doorway between the conscious and the subconscious is opened, memories become easily accessible and new information is stored. In the Hypnotic State, the person is not really “thinking” in the traditional sense. One is “experiencing” without questioning, without critical judgment or analysis, like when one watch a movie, and the therapist can make suggestions that are likely to “stick” – precisely because one’s conscious mind is not getting in the way. One is not “judging” or being “ critical ” of the suggestions.
Hypnosis therapy is like aspirin – it is a technique which many people believe in, but a technique that is not fully understood. Many people view hyponsis therapy with suspicion and distrust.
Hundred years ago, Hypnosis was seen as a state that imposed upon individuals by a charlatan or “Sevengali” type seeking to harm or control the subject. It was believed that the hypnotist could force a subject to do something against his/her will, to be exploited. Fiffty years ago, hypnosis was re-defined by the general public as a performance, magic to be enacted on a stage. The hypnotist might cause a member of the audience to laugh hysterically or quack like a duck. People have reported that once a hypnotist has established a rapport with an individual, that individual may be induced to see clairvoyantly or possess and demonstrate other, “supernatural” abilities. The person might be able to read the past, take “spiritual” excursions to distant places or make a correct medical diagnosis without examining a patient.
Hypnosis therapies are often used to control bedwetting, in hypnosurgery, to enhance weight loss, reduce addictions and control behaviour. Contemporary techniques also include Relaxation Response, mediation, acupuncture, bio-feedback, “faith healing” EST, visualization methods,are some times associated with hypnosis therapy.
Author:- Ms. Nitika Shekhar