Hypnotism or the nervous sleep is one of the most arguing topic for more than 200 years. It is defined as
” A trance state characterized by relaxation,heightened imagination and extreme suggestibility.”
It is basically superficial sleep but the individual functions at a level of awareness other than his ordinary conscious state.
History and Research
The word hypnosis is derived from the Greek word hypnosis meaning to put to sleep. The father of modern hypnosis is Fraz Mesmer. He consider hypnosis as a mystical force flowing from hypnotist to subject. The concept was abandoned by critics but the idea continued to interest the medical practitioner. In later part of 19th century James Braid whose practice was based on Mesmer concept but used different techniques. Braid and other scientists of the era, theorized that hypnosis is not a force inflicted by the hypnotist, but a combination of psychologically mediated responses to suggestions.However it attracted the attention of many physicians who stared working on it making it further progressive.
Hypnotic State
In the hypnotic state you approach to the suggestions of hypnotist and respond in uncritical and automatic fashion without considering the effects of surroundings. A hypnotist can get you do anything you don’t want to. If hypnotist tells you something about your body you really feel it. If the hypnotist suggests you that you are drinking a chocolate milkshake, you’ll taste the milkshake and feel it cooling your mouth and throat.
Hypnotic Induction
It is the method used to put clients into hypnotic trance. Induction is generally preceded by the establishment of suitable rapport between client and hypnotist. There are many types of inductions that mainly include
- relaxation technique
- visualizations
- eyes cues
- eye fixation
- hypnotic trigger
- cold and warm reading
- swiss patterns etc
It basically involves the subconscious mind of the client.
Its Applications
This technique is used by physicians and psychiatrist to treat anxiety, depressions, sleeping disorders, eating disorders, quit smoking, promoting weight loss, compulsive gambling and post traumatic stress. Hypnotism has also been used in forensics, sports, education, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. It is used as a supplemental approach to cognitive behavioral therapy used in psychology.
Is Hypnosis Safe
Yes the technique is absolutely safe to relieve your mind and help you cope with your pain and axienty. But it may not be carried out with people with severe mental illness. Hypnosis is banned in some countries because they believe that people may not be able to come out of the trance quickly.
