According to an article at the Telegraph.co.uk, a beginner hypnotist put himself into a five hour trance using a mirror.
Circus performer Helmut Kichmeier allegedly had a zombie like appearance when found by his wife. She was was reportedly unable to bring him out of his hypnotic state and required assistance from “a voice of authority” (Kichmeier’s hypnosis instructor) to bring him out of trance.
Thoughts?
“Does hypnosis work on its own or because the volunteer made his or her mind to do as suggested simply because they agreed to be hypnotized and should just behave as suggested?”
From the language employed in the question, (”volunteer”, “agreed”, “behave”), I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that a hypnosis stage show is being described here. Please forgive me if I am wrong. A stage hypnotist will ask for volunteers. Those that raise their hands are already agreeing to be hypnotized. The hypnotist then uses a variety of tests to select the most suggestible subjects and politely asks the others to sit down. Those few left on stage are thus agreeable to being hypnotized and hopefully very suggestible.
Subjects who naturally take things very literally usually make better subjects for a stage show than those who analyze a lot. This does not, however, mean that analytical people cannot be hypnotized. They just don’t seem to make the best stage show volunteers.
Now, every once in a while a volunteer winds up passing the hypnotist’s final selection test, yet they do not perform well. When told to cluck like a chicken they instead just mumble a bit and look nervous. What went wrong? Well, any number of things could have happened. They might have analyzed the suggestion to cluck and thought, “Gosh that’s silly! Why would I cluck like a chicken?” Or, they might have not been induced into hypnosis at all, or very little. Or, they might just really hate chickens. A good stage hypnotist will go with the flow and not miss a beat, perhaps trying a different suggestion for that person or maybe trying a deepener.
If someone on the stage clucks like a chicken, but is not at all hypnotized, the hypnotist, if any good at all, will recognize this and deal with it skillfully. Often the audience never catches on. If someone clucks but thinks to themselves, “Is this what it’s like to be hypnotized? Am I really under?”, then they are not experiencing anything that abnormal. Most trance subjects retain some portion of their capacity to analyze their own thought processes while under hypnosis. Only very, very deep trances include no analysis whatsoever. So the presence of analysis does not mean that the subject is faking, or simply agreeing to go along, or is not hypnotized.
Hypnosis does not work “on it’s own”. It works because two things take place. One, a hypnotist gives suggestions, and two, a subject *accepts* those suggestions with *less* analysis or resistance than they would otherwise use. The degree of lowered analysis usually corresponds directly to the depth of trance. However, when talking about how hypnosis appears to onlookers there is another thing to be considered, and that is that everyone and every trance is different and no two situations involving hypnosis will ever be exactly the same. What appears to be very deep trance might actually be fairly light, and vice versa. Experience as hypnotist and/or subject will make it easier to determine the real deal, but the odd anomaly will slip through now and again.
Arafin
“Does hypnosis work on its own or because the volunteer made his or her mind to do as suggested simply because they agreed to be hypnotized and should just behave as suggested?”
People are more focused, more responsive to suggestions, and less critical or disbelieving when hypnotized. Even though the suggestions they accept may be things they could do without benefit of hypnosis, they are not necessarily things they ordinarily would do. As an example, hypnosis is often used to help people quit smoking. Certainly this can be accomplished without hypnosis, but quite often people find it very difficult to do. Hypnosis helps.
It’s very common for people to fret over whether or not they were hypnotized. If someone is faking, they don’t question whether or not they are – they know they are pretending. Absent this awareness, if the suggestions are accepted and subject can see results, they were hypnotized.
(To the questioner: I’m not sure if I answered your question as you meant it. If you could, it would help if you offered an example. Perhaps you were at a stage show and you wondered about what you saw? You may leave your updated response anonymously here.)
According to a recent BBC article, researchers have demonstrated that hypnosis has a “real” brain effect.
“Hypnosis has a “very real” effect that can be picked up on brain scans, say Hull University researchers.
An imaging study of hypnotised participants showed decreased activity in the parts of the brain linked with daydreaming or letting the mind wander.”
I found the study results quite interesting as I believe it adds scientific oomph to the claims that hypnosis can help with many issues including weight loss and smoking cessation, two of the most difficult goals to achieve in life. My first thought… if hypnosis can and does help with these things, it seems it would be useful in many other areas of life, including adding fun and excitement to the sex life ;)
(Grins) – Well, *I* already knew this, but I know there are a number of skeptics out there. I do appreciate that some people require more evidence that something is effective than simple first person testimony.
The entire article was quite interesting and well worth the read.
You’ve just been hypnotized. Or.. maybe you haven’t. While the hypnotist did his/her part and you listened, you just don’t *feel* hypnotized. In fact, you feel pretty much like you did when the session began. Was it all just a waste of time?
To determine the answer, one must begin with a good understanding of the basics of hypnosis. Once you grasp the basics, then you will be able to more accurately evaluate the session.
There’s no one way to “feel” when being hypnotized. Often people describe feeling very relaxed and a little drowsy during a session, however this is a result of their acceptance of the suggestions they’ve been given. For example, “Sit back, relax, close your eyes, and begin to allow your body to relax”.
Some profess to be so deeply hypnotized that they do not remember anything that happened. Quite often when people express concerns about whether or not they have been hypnotized, it is because they expect to feel something similar. This type of feeling can happen, but it is just one way that people feel when hypnotized. The subconscious mind accepts or rejects suggestions regardless of the depth of trance.
To determine if you have been hypnotized, ask yourself:’
If yes, then you were hypnotized.
For example, if you received suggestions that are erotic in nature, were you aroused either physically or mentally? If so, you were hypnotized.
Look to the results.
Some of us need to hear a session a few times before we fully embrace some suggestions. This is especially true of when striving to change a habit. If over a period of time you note a change in behavior, you were hypnotized.
Perhaps instead of worrying about whether or not you were hypnotized, it might prove helpful to let go and just enjoy the process. Your subconscious mind is on the job :)
If this describes you, don’t despair. Remember that hypnosis is a perfectly natural state of mind. We slip in and out of trance several times a day – when we are daydreaming, when we are watching a program and everything else seems to fade into the background, when we are reading, etc.
There are a few easy steps that can make all the difference, especially when you are being hypnotized via MP3:
1. Only listen to someone you have determined you can trust.
2. Place yourself in a familiar, relaxing environment – wherever you usually relax (as long as it is safe and private enough for you to be hypnotized there).
3. Listen to the session as you would if you were listening to the hypnotist chatting with you on the phone. Don’t expect anything to happen or try to make anything happen. Pay attention to what is being said like you would during a conversation that truly interested you. Instead of focusing on how you feel, focus on the words, the sound of her voice, etc.
4. When you are done, don’t over-analyze. If you responded to the suggestions, great, but if you think you didn’t, let it go. Listen again the next time you have a chance (perhaps alternating MP3s if you get bored with one). If you keep doing it this way, quite soon you will find yourself responding.
I’m thinking of doing a few playful things with you in the future. Does that hold any interest for you? ;) Before I proceed, I need to gather some information from you.
Please post the answers to the following in the comments section. You may identify yourself as “Anonymous” if you wish.
Please do not identify any hypnotist by name nor mention their website.
Thanks for the info :) I’ll be sure and put it to good use sometime in the hear future.
Hypnosis has many wonderful uses – relaxation, pain control, help with changing unwanted habits, and so much more. While some scoff at the efficacy of this ancient technique, there are many well-documented cases in which hypnosis has changed people’s lives for the better.*
Imagine what would happen if the effects of hypnosis could be directed to pleasurable things ;) Our minds are very powerful – some would say “what we think, we are”. When our thoughts are guided by a skilled hypnotist, our imaginations are heightened, we’re suggestible, our inhibitions are lowered, and we experience suspension of disbelief. Our sexual fantasies can seem so very real and our body can experience the excitement that would accompany those sensations.
That’s erotic hypnosis in a nutshell.
For several years now I’ve used this wonderful technique to enrich my sexual life. It’s such a delight both in person and when used during times I was separated from my partner. If you’re not sure this would appeal to you, consider a few examples of its uses.
Perhaps you would like to feel more confident – confident enough to do a slow sensual strip and dance for your partner. After accepting a few suggestions that you are sexy, beautiful/handsome, desired, and a wonderful dancer, your partner would be watching an extraordinarily exciting you.
A bit mischievious? Suggestions that sensations felt by his/her nipple are shared with their clit/penis may offer some very interesting results ;) (Of course, the hypnotist should carefully limit this so that the sensations occur only when the subject desires to experience them.)
Always wanted to have sex on a tropical island? A bit of creative description and there you are.. the waves, the sun, and warm hands caressing your body. The better painted the picture the more exciting it can be.
For those who are a bit more kinky, imagine hypnotic bonds. You gaze down at your hands resting on your lap and find you are unable to move them until you are given permission to do so.
The possibilities are as great as our imaginations.
If you have an interest in erotic hypnosis, it is very advisable to attend a basic hypnosis course. While this is all very fun and exciting, it’s important to learn how to conduct sessions safely.
*A Few Sources Demonstrating the Power of Hypnosis
WebMd: Anxiety Disorders and More
Science Daily: Smoking Cessation
ABC News: Weight Loss
Timesonline: Bedwetting
Virginia Tech: Pain Control
by Hypnoboth
Lady Julia has asked me to chime in about myths concerning hypnosis, which I am happy to do. I warn you, some of my myths and realities will be controversial.
Myth: Hypnosis is sleep.
Fact: Hypnosis is very different from sleep, and if you look at an EEG of the same person when that person is in trance and is asleep, the differences are clear.
Myth: Hypnosis is associated with “alpha” or “theta” waves; the slower the primary wave, the deeper the trance.
Fact: Hypnosis can occur with virtually any EEG profile. “Hyper-alert” trances occur in high beta states.
Myth: Hypnosis is something that a powerful person can inflict on a weaker one.
Fact: Hypnosis requires interaction between the hypnotist and the client. It is not inflicted, but entered into together. The best metaphor for a hypnotic trance is communication on multiple levels, many on a subconscious level.
Myth: Hypnosis can’t make you do anything that you would not normally do.
Fact: True as a technical statement, this is extremely misleading. The range of behavior that is “normal” for the unconscious mind is much broader than that of the conscious mind, and broader than most people suspect. However, this is not limited to hypnosis. A large majority of people will torture and kill a stranger upon a simple (insistent) request from someone in authority.
Myth: Hypnosis happens to weak minded people.
Fact: trance happens to everyone, every day. Hypnosis just lets you enter into trance when you wish to.
Myth: Hypnosis means losing control.
Fact: Trance is an everyday event. Hypnosis gives you *more* control, as it allows you enter and leave trance when you choose. You may experience the feeling of being controlled, but in fact your subconscious is in control.
I may post some more of these later. Questions and comments are welcome.
“Hypnosis is voo-doo.”
“Hypnosis is evil.”
“Hypnosis is a portal that will allow Satan to possess you.”
“Hypnosis is mind control.”
When I was in my teens I heard each of these statements and while even then I knew the first three were not true, I wasn’t so sure about the whole “mind control” thing. Everything I knew about hypnosis stemmed from movies and TV shows, especially cartoons. They all made hypnosis appear to be something that at a minimum could make someone look and act silly while at its worst could make one do something truly heinous.
A few years ago I found myself very intrigued with the subject so I began to actively study the information that was so easily available via the internet. I learned that most reputable sources seem to agree on some basic facts.
Hypnosis is often referred to as a trance-like state where subjects find:
Almost everyone can achieve a trance-like state. Consider those moments you’ve been so lost in a book or TV program that you were completely unaware of your surroundings, or perhaps those times when you have arrived at a destination only to wonder if you’ve obeyed all the traffic lights along the way. Perhaps you recall being so lost in a thought that you were startled when the person standing next to you spoke. These are all trance-like states. Moments like these are not at all uncommon. In fact, we slip into this type of state several times throughout the day.
It’s this trance-like state along with suggestions given for relaxation that typically make the subject appear to be sleeping when hypnotized even though he/she is actually very much awake. During hypnosis external stimuli fades away and the words and actions of the hypnotist become the focus.
Even though hypnosis is trance-like, it is not some sort of mystical powerful control over the individual. While there are many fantasies (and fears) surrounding hypnotic control in which the subject is “forced” to do things against their will, most experts agree this type of control doesn’t happen. During hypnosis the subject maintains the ability to accept or reject suggestions. That ability does not mean that control cannot be surrendered, nor does it mean that a subject’s subconscious mind cannot be conditioned and/or tricked.
(See this article and this one for more on hypnotic safety.)
While there is no clear scientific explanation as to how hypnosis works, we know that it does work. It is being used quite effectively in the realm of traditional medicine for:
If hypnosis is so powerful that it can control the body and mind with regard to pain, nausea, anxiety and more, how much fun can one have if it is used in an erotic or sensual nature?
(to be continued)
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