What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a niche area of science which deals exclusively with mind/body interactions. It is a mental state which is induced by induction that is composed of a series of suggestions.

The word hypnosis loosely means ‘sleep’ and was coined in 1841. the popular belief that the state of hypnosis is a state of unconsciousness is actually a myth. Hypnosis is actually a state of focused attention in which the hypnotized person is fully awake. The state of hypnotism just increases the suggestibility and decreases awareness of the surroundings. Hypnotism can also be defined as a state of relaxation and increased mental concentration.

Historically, hypnosis has been around for a long time and was perceived differently by different cultures. There was also a time when the state of hypnotism was regarded as a soft slumber in which the hypnotized could speak with deities. In another culture hypnotism was seen as a condition of agitation which stemmed when the hypnotized absorbed cosmic forces.

Not capable of being easily quantified, hypnotic phenomena are intangible and cannot be easily delineated. They can only be measured to a small extent through psychology testing designed to assess suggestibility. These tests are usually administered either before or after hypnosis.

The effects of hypnosis are different on different people and are highly subjective. There are however, certain feelings that occur commonly. One thing that remains constant is that almost all people who experience hypnotism can easily tell the vast difference of their state of mind during the time they were hypnotized, as opposed to when they were not. There are however also people who do not feel anything unusual.

The suggestions planted in the subconscious during the process of hypnosis remain with the person even though they are not consciously aware of it.

The participants are usually encouraged to keep talking and expressing their experiences. For everyone who undergoes the experience of hypnosis, varying degrees of self awareness are rekindled.