What Is Hypnosis Essay Example

Additionally, he found that various substances like paper, glass, and water could be magnetized by him to conduct the magnetic fluid effectively for therapeutic purposes (Hidden Depths, Robin Waterfield, Pg 71).

James Braid (1795 – 1860), known as the "Father of hypnosis," believed that illness occurred due to a blockage of magnetic fluid. To cure the illness, he emphasized the need to release this blockage. Braid's significant contribution to the history of hypnosis was shifting its focus from mesmerism to trance. He also coined the term "hypnosis," inspired by Greek mythology where hypno represented sleep. Importantly, Braid was recognized as the first "hypnotherapist" for effectively treating different conditions using hypnotism.

In its modern form, hypnosis is no longer associated with mystical concepts like magnets. It is now seen as a psycho-physiological theory and the terms hypnotism, hypnotise, and hypnotist were originally coined by him. In the medical field, hypnosis is highly valued for its genuine aspects as it is understood to be a non-mysterious practice. With scientific progress, we can now comprehend the brain's electrical activity during hypnosis.

The technique called electroencephalography (EEG) was initially documented in 1929 for the purpose of measuring the electrical activity of the brain, commonly known as brain waves. There are four categories of brain waves; Beta Waves have the highest frequency, typically ranging from 15 to 40 cycles per second, and are linked to active mental engagement and frequently observed in modern life. On the other hand, Alpha Waves have a slower frequency that falls between approximately 9 and 14 cycles per second. These waves occur after completing a task or when experiencing a calm and

relaxed state of mind.

Theta Waves occur during meditation and daydreaming, vibrating at approximately 4 to 8 cycles per second. They are associated with deep tranquility and peace, allowing us to access our intuition and enhance learning abilities. It is important to mention that while driving on a familiar route, we might enter Theta waves; however, if faced with a dangerous situation such as an approaching car, we quickly shift into Beta Waves to ensure safe driving.

Participating in activities we are familiar with enables us to mentally disconnect and nurture our creativity. Delta Waves, which have the slowest frequency range of 1-4, signify complete relaxation and a detached state of consciousness. This state closely resembles a deeply hypnotic sleep. It is important to recognize that our brain activity can never reach zero as that would indicate brain death. When we transition into sleep, our brain waves progress from beta to alpha, then theta, and finally delta. Similarly, when we wake up, the reverse occurs as abrupt shifts between phases are not possible.

To effectively perform hypnosis, it is necessary to access the subconscious mind. The psychological aspects of hypnotherapy are related to human behavior. Renowned psychologists Stanley Milgram and Soloman Asch have made significant progress in this field. Asch conducted studies on conformity and obedience, investigating how individuals often adhere to the unspoken rules and behaviors of their social group (www.psychology.about.com).

To illustrate the power of conformity, Asch carried out a study in 1951 known as the 'vision test'. He enlisted the help of one true participant and seven other individuals referred to as stooges, who were aware of the

experiment. The task involved judging the length of line segments. Initially, the confederates (stooges) answered correctly, but over time, they started giving wrong answers. This caused the true participant to feel uneasy and eventually agree with the group in order to conform.

However, when asked privately, the participants would give the correct answer, making incorrect answers rare. Stanley Milgram shocked the world by uncovering disturbing truths about human nature through his experiments. These experiments aimed to test obedience to authority and to determine how far humans would go when ordered to hurt others by an authority figure. Milgram's findings revealed that ordinary individuals were coerced into carrying out cruel and gruesome acts.

In 1961, the Milgram experiment was conducted using a shock generator. The generator had shock levels that began at 30 volts and increased in increments of 15 volts up to 450 volts. The experiment involved a "teacher" who was instructed to administer a shock to a "learner" each time they answered a question incorrectly. The "learners" were skilled actors and did not actually receive electric shocks. However, the "teachers" were unaware of this and the majority of them continued to administer shocks up to the highest level of 450 volts.

Milgram’s research demonstrated the unexpected level of obedience among humans, significantly influencing our comprehension of human nature. Furthermore, hypnosis has exhibited remarkable impacts on both mental and physical aspects. Within the field of psychology, hypnosis has been discovered to reduce desires and addictive actions in individuals, rendering it a valuable technique for addressing various conditions including stomach pain as well as severe illnesses like cancer, arthritis, strokes, and multiple sclerosis.

By employing hypnosis, people can effectively control their pain by inducing anesthesia internally.

The use of self-administered numbing or anesthesia before dental procedures and surgery has been established for patients. Hypnosis, as defined by www.medicalhypnotherapy.co.uk, is a state of physical and mental relaxation that alters consciousness. This allows individuals to receive beneficial suggestions directly to their subconscious mind. Another physical effect of hypnosis is the hypnotist's ability to induce complete rigidity in all muscle groups, causing the body to become motionless like a piece of wood.

According to the book "Hypnotherapy – a practical handbook" (pg 7), catalepsy is a psychological process that activates the left hemisphere of the brain through positive thoughts and feelings. This activation then stimulates the parasympathic system, leading to muscle relaxation and reduced bodily functions. This state allows individuals to enter a calm emotional state, resulting in improved mood and heightened emotions. Furthermore, it enhances resistance against illnesses, ultimately improving overall well-being.

Furthermore, athletes frequently employ hypnosis to improve their focus and performance, thus increasing their physical endurance. The importance of relaxation in hypnotherapy is crucial as it encompasses both the physical and psychological aspects. Hypnosis and relaxation are closely connected, with experts agreeing that relaxation in hypnotherapy involves achieving a deep state of relaxation that enhances mental clarity and strengthens the connection between emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

Most literature suggests that hypnosis goes beyond sleep and offers a distinct relaxation experience. Unlike sleep, which involves physical movement and unconsciousness, hypnosis or self-hypnosis induces a more profound state of relaxation. This deep relaxation achieved through hypnosis greatly affects individuals' lives.

The importance of relaxation in

hypnotherapy lies in its ability to facilitate the body's entry into a trance-like state. In this state, the unconscious mind can process suggestions and modify goals. Achieving deep relaxation is possible through self-hypnosis at home. This practice deactivates the stress system, reduces anxiety, and improves the parasympathetic stress response.

Strengthening is the body's capability to effectively handle stressful situations. PMR Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a practice that involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups, activating the parasympathetic nervous system. There are two main approaches to achieving deep muscle relaxation: the Jacobson method and the Benson method.

Hypnosis involves inducing deep relaxation to directly communicate with the subconscious mind, benefiting the conscious mind. Explaining historical and current psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis has been challenging. However, it is now evident that both these elements are essential to hypnosis. Utilizing relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is critical in accessing the subconscious mind during Hypnotherapy.