What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is actually a natural state of mind that we experience many times a day. People, whether they know it or not drift in and out of a trance like state frequently. For example: have you ever caught yourself daydreaming while driving your car, and wonder how did I arrive at my destination so quickly? You have been in a state of hypnosis. You are not asleep while in hypnosis. Sleep is a state of rest. Hypnosis is a state of mindfulness.
A. There are many misconceptions about hypnosis. Most importantly, hypnosis is not mind-control. In fact, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. As hypnotists, our job is to be a guide to help people find this state and to accomplish more than they can on their own. Hypnosis has been given many different definitions. In its essence it is a state of heightened suggestibility, and may or may not have an accompanying state of relaxation.
It is not sleep, but a natural, normal, relaxed and focused state of attention characterized by: Feelings of well-being Increased muscle relaxation Increased pain threshold Predominating Alpha Brain Waves Diminished ability to vocalize Flashback access of stressful memories Literal, childlike understanding of ideas Ability to accept new ideas about yourself if they are emotionalized and not in conflict with your values. Simply put, hypnosis is either interactive guided imagery or applied meditation toward a specific goal while in various levels of a trance state.
