Hypnosis

714 Words2 Pages

Hypnosis

Over the years, hypnosis has overcome a lot of skepticism. This

research paper will explore the art, use, and questions about hypnosis

both in recreation and in therapy. In this paper, you will learn what

hypnosis is, different types of it, and different techniques for using it.

Hypnosis, as defined by Roy Hunter, is "a natural state of mind,

induced in everyday living much more than it is induced artificially".

Another definition by Hunter is "guided meditation". Many people do not

realize this, but you can be hypnotized by many things. Anytime you

become engrossed in a book or a movie, you may enter a sort of meditative

trance. There are different techniques for induction into a hypnotic

trance. One is eye fixation. This simply uses a fixed gaze, and was very

popular in the 1800's and is most commonly used by Hollywood. Another is

progressive relaxation or imagery. You have someone imagine being in a

safe or peaceful place, and then awaken to full consciousness. Another

induction method is the mental confusion method which confuse the

conscious mind to the point where it just lets go and becomes relaxed.

Another one is shock to nervous system. This technique is commonly used

by stage hypnotists and it is employing a sudden exited command in a

surprising way. The participant will experience a "moment of

passivity"(Hunter)where they'll either resist the trance or "let go" into

hypnosis.

Hypnosis also has some useful situations. One would be in the area

of memory. When you are entranced in the hypnotic state, your sense of

memory is enhanced. Although this is true, the things which are

remembered can not be regarded a truth. Sometimes when a person is

entranced, they will 'remember' things that never actually happened, but

have great personal significance.

One area that has caused tremendous controversy is in the area of

hypnotizability. The question has been raised many times if there are

certain people who can be hypnotized and certain people who cannot be

hypnotized. There are indeed people who can and cannot. The only thing

it depends on is how well you can focus. People who have better focus

generally have better results with hypnotizability, and people who have a

harder time focusing generally tend to be less susceptible, as a general

rule.

Although hypnosis is totally safe as long as your hypnotist is

competent and trustworthy, some skeptical people still have fears and

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