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Techniques to Undergo Hypnosis

Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
Hypnosis is a trance-like state, and is achieved through several approach-based techniques. Some of the techniques to undergo hypnosis are suggested here.
Hypnosis refers to a mental condition that resembles a trance-like or a hyper-attentive state of mind. When an individual is in a hypnotic state, his/her state of mind is characterized by relaxation, increased imagination, and suggestibility. Under this state, the person is more open to accept suggestions with less criticism.
The term, 'hypnosis' is derived from neuro-hypnotism, meaning, nervous sleep. It is a common misconception that hypnosis is a state of unconsciousness, as the subject (hypnotized individual) remains alert throughout the procedure. The subject remains a topic of skepticism and controversy among many experts.

An Introduction

  • As explained, hypnosis is a state of trance.
  • At times, hypnosis occurs in our day-to-day life without hypnotic induction. For example, an experience of complete absorption in a movie or book, wherein you do not pay attention to anything that happens around you.
  • Therapeutically, it is used to manage several health conditions, like chronic pain, asthma symptoms, weight gain, and drugs or cigarette smoking addiction.
  • If hypnosis is used for the treatment of various medical problems, then it is referred to as hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestions.
  • Self hypnosis is a technique that refers to hypnotize oneself on their own, in the absence of a hypnotherapist.
  • However, it is to be noted that hypnotherapy and everyday experience are totally different from each other. Hypnotherapy can be practiced independently or in combination with other treatment options.

Hypnosis Techniques

Hypnotherapist

  • In general, hypnosis is achieved with the help of a qualified hypnotherapist or hypnotist.
  • It encompasses delivering hypnotic suggestions by the hypnotist, which helps in calming mind and blocking other distractions.
  • This in turn, allows deep concentration on feelings, emotions, or suggestions.
  • The therapist may suggest different options to archive personal goals and ways to cope up with a situation.

Mental Imagery

  • Another hypnosis technique is delivered by using mental imagery.
  • Over here, the hypnotherapist stimulates the mental imagination of the subject by suggesting vivid mental images.
  • It is a method of visualizing things that the subject wants to achieve in real life. For example, a sports person visualizing images of winning trophies, prior to participating the game physically.

Self-Hypnosis

  • The third technique is self-hypnosis, in which the therapist teaches on how to induce hypnosis on your own.
  • For self-hypnosis, the therapist may recommend using positive affirmations or imageries that will help in boosting confidence, while ruling out unpleasant thoughts.
  • The main aim behind self-hypnosis is to help the subject in achieving control over habits, behavior, emotions, perceptions, or physical wellness.

Performing Self-hypnosis

Points to Remember

  • During the self-hypnosis procedure, ensure that you are not disturbed in between.
  • Prior to the procedure, you must decide only one objective that you want to accomplish.
  • If you have more worries, deal with them in the next session.
  • While deciding the objective, never introduce a negative word or suggestion.

The Actual Procedure

  • For performing self-hypnosis, first focus your attention on an object situated above the eye level.
  • Then, take deep breaths and try to relax your mind and body.
  • Gently close your eyes, and focus on the sounds, like the wind or wall clock.
  • Following this in your subconscious mind, imagine climbing a staircase, on the top of which lies your destination (like a beautiful heavenly garden).
  • With each step, you will be leaving your worries.
  • As soon as you reach the last step, start repeating the objective that you have decided.
  • After completing the repetition phenomenon, imagine stepping on the final destination.
  • Slowly open your eyes; your self-hypnosis session is over.
Self hypnosis is most commonly used to manage stress. It helps in subsiding the stress hormones and other worrying thoughts. When an individual is under a self-hypnotized state, he/she has full control over the mind.
One major advantage of self-hypnosis is that you can achieve trans-state on your own, in the absence of a hypnotherapist. Whatever be the type, one basic principle applies for all techniques or approaches; the higher the depth of hypnosis achieved, the more is the effect of hypnotic suggestions in reality.
Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.