How Is Hypnosis Done?

What Is Hypnosis?

When most people think of hypnosis, they picture an unwitting volunteer made to cluck like a chicken or carry out some other such foul instruction. Despite the stereotype perpetuated by stage performers, however, the reality of hypnosis is far more subtle, its foundation far more secure, and its potential for healing virtually limitless.

Hypnosis occurs naturally everyday without any use of gold pocket watches or magic words, because hypnosis is a mental state, not an act. Anyone who has focused on something so intently they lost touch with the world around them has experienced hypnosis to some degree. The fascinating thing about those altered states of hyper-awareness is they're also usually associated with heightened suggestibility.

Applications

Using hypnosis as a medical alternative has come a long way since the days of Franz Mesmer and his work with animal magnetism. States of hypnosis have been documented as successful treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and, amazingly, as an alternative to chemical anesthesia during otherwise painful surgical operations. Numerous other ailments have been treated in the hypnotic state, from allergies and smoking cessation, to phobias and deep psychological trauma. Hypnosis is commonly used to address overeating, insomnia, nail biting, stress and lack of confidence. It's also used to instill positive, resourceful feelings, motivation, and the ability to learn.

Hypnotic Induction

Numerous schools exist to teach various forms of hypnotherapy, and some states, such as California, are more receptive to the practice. While hypnosis may be induced in any number of ways, there are two main approaches. The Ellman induction is similar to what most would expect from a stage hypnotist: soothing tones that speak of relaxation and suggest a descent deeper and deeper into hypnosis. Many practitioners read from or memorize a script at first, but with a little practice this technique can be improvised to be effective on most subjects. The Ericksonian approach, named after famed hypnotist Milton Erickson, is more challenging because it relies on metaphor and seeming non sequitur to access the powerful drives in the subconscious mind.

Some people will say they can't be hypnotized, and it's true that through conscious effort most people can resist hypnosis. Everyone, however, will enter some level of hypnosis naturally, and will be receptive to suggestion once they abandon resistance. Even self-hypnosis can be achieved with relative ease when you're open to the idea.