Hypnotism has long been shrouded in mystery.
Understanding it or even getting consistent information
about it has been
elusive at best.
The word hypnotism comes from a Greek root
meaning “putting to sleep.” A hypnotist
is said to be able to induce an altered
state of consciousness characterized by deep relaxation and heightened
suggestibility. The term was originally coined by James Braid in 1842 to
describe a phenomenon previously known as animal magnetism or mesmerism (see Mesmer,
Friedrich Anton). Superficially resembling sleep, it is generally induced by
the monotonous repetition of words and gestures while the subject is completely
relaxed. Although almost everyone can be hypnotized, individuals vary greatly
in susceptibility.
The hypnotic state is characterized by heightened
suggestibility and represents an altered state of consciousness as recent
research has shown electrical changes occur in brain activity when a person is
hypnotized. Ernest Hilgard's neodissociation theory (1977) has been influential
in the explanation of hypnosis. Hilgard's theory asserts that several distinct
states of consciousness can be present during hypnosis, such that certain
actions may become dissociated from the conscious mind.
In the late 19th cent.,
it was used by a number of medical practitioners, who found that individuals
susceptible to hysteria
are highly suggestible and can be put into deep hypnosis, sometimes leading to
a cure. Sigmund Freud used the method in psychoanalysis. In recent years,
hypnosis has been widely used by practitioners as an aid in medical practice
and psychotherapy and pain management. Hypnosis is also used in some criminal
investigations, to help defendants to recall events they might otherwise not
remember.
However in light of the work of Dr. Bruce Lipton, hypnosis
finally begins to make some sense. Lipton writes that the subconscious mind has
about a million times the data processing power of the conscious mind and is in
charge almost all of the time. He describes the subconscious as being like a
powerful tape recorder or computer program that governs almost all of human
behavior. He further says that DNA is
only a blueprint for cells to use for a pattern of growth. But it is a signal
from the subconscious actually switches on stem cells and determines whether
they will become skin, hair, teeth, nerve tissue or whatever is needed for
normal growth and maintenance of the body.
But if there is too much data, or trauma, the whole system goes into a protection mode and prepares to fight or flee. And the chemicals normally used for growth and maintenance are converted to those necessary for physical strength and healing wounds. In ancient times these stressors were more likely to be short-lived. Running away or directly engaging a hostile treat likely brought relatively swift resolution of conflicts.
However modern life involves a greater variety of sustained stress.
Machines and pollution of all sorts, together with greater competition, often leaves us with inadequate means to cope. Most people seem unaware of even the need to even develop a strategy to deal with sustained stress levels, and are falling victim to various stress related illnesses.
The best tools for this are apparently more down time, sleep and relaxation, recreation. Meditation, and guided imagery, and the like are very successful because they deal directly with the subconscious. All forms of meditation involve some level of hypnosis. Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) are examples of fairly recently developed healing practices that engage the subconscious.
Attempting to change bad habits using only the conscious
mind has a much lower success rate than a more subliminal approach. The brain
has a reward center or circuitry that reinforces addiction of any kind. Impulsiveness, promiscuity, smoking
or eating/drinking too much are examples of someone with a flawed self-image (I
am not good enough). Deep seated shame or guilt expects punishment on some
level. And whatever the subconscious expects is what the cells will deliver.
Marisa Peer teaches you self-hypnosis on YouTube in just a few minutes with some simple techniques.
Links
- Hypnosis technique on YouTube
- Drugs and the Brain
- Brain Response Similar for Reward and Stress
- Placebo Effect's Brain's Reward Center
- Depression Causes Malfunctions in Brain's Pleasure Center
- How to Release the Power of the Subconcious Mind
- The Chemistry of Well-Being
- Recovery
- Morality has biological roots
