What_Is_Hypnosis

Introduction This essay will explore in some detail the phenomenon that is hypnosis. The main body of the essay will illustrate my understanding of hypnosis; firstly by way of describing what hypnosis is, by examining the history and background of hypnosis to enlighten where it originated and how it was first practised, and then by explaining what actually happens in hypnosis, including detailing the techniques used and the physical and psychological changes that take place during hypnosis. Finally I will discuss the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy, and will touch on some of the reasons why people undergo hypnosis and the benefits it can have. A conclusion will form the final part of the essay summing up the findings. What is Hypnosis My understanding of hypnosis is that it is a natural phenomenon. Hypnosis or entering into a hypnotic state or trance is a regular occurrence for many people and is very much like daydreaming. Hypnosis involves, more than anything else, changes in a person's attention and concentration. It is a form of dissociation in which the mind becomes so focused on one thing that it ignores everything else. An example of this could be a car journey when you realise you have reached your destination but do not recall passing certain places on the way. This is made possible by the work of your subconscious mind. Everything that has ever been learned is stored in the subconscious mind; it is the storage place of everything that is currently not in the conscious mind. It stores all previous life experiences, belief systems, memories and skills, and it is the part of the brain that is responsible for everything that is done automatically (Hadley & Staudacher 1996). Driving is a learnt skill that is stored in the subconscious mind so when the car journey becomes familiar the conscious mind drifts off allowing your subconscious mind to take over. Hypnosis in practice is an interaction between two people, the hypnotist or therapist and the client or subject, whereby a natural state of mind is brought about by the use of a set of techniques (Heap & Dryden 1991). When successful, hypnosis enables a person to be so totally relaxed that the subconscious mind is revealed, during which time suggestions can then be made forming part of the therapy. Hypnosis can therefore be described as a tool to enable the therapist to open a person’s subconscious mind. All that the hypnotist does is to call up this natural state when required instead of waiting for it to happen at random. Before moving on to describe what actually happens in hypnosis lets first explore where it was believed to have all began. History of Hypnosis Hypnotic or suggestive therapy is the oldest of all healing techniques. From the Sleep Temples of Egypt through the histories of ancient Greece and Rome some form of hypnosis has always been an intimate part of all cultures. The first documented practice of hypnosis was in the 18th Century when an Austrian physician named Franz Anton Mesmer (1734–1815) described a phenomenon which he called animal magnetism, also sometimes referred to as mesmerism. Mesmer believed that the health of the body was dependant on the even distribution of ‘universal fluids’ and that disease occurred when their flow was blocked. He believed that the use of magnets redirected the flow of the fluid so restoring energy and regaining health. Mesmer subsequently found that other non-magnetic objects seemed to have a similar effect, and later believed that he himself could transmit the magnetic healing force needed to cure the sick of their illnesses (Waterfield 2004). Similar work by one of Mesmer’s followers, the Marquis of Puysegur (1751-1825) found that within the healing process patients were experiencing a deeply relaxed state as a result of being mesmerized. Within this deep sleep like state patients were still able to communicate and respond to suggestions. This was later identified as the hypnotic trance that is known today. When James Braid (1795-1860) re-examined mesmerism in the 19th Century he discovered that simple suggestion was just as effective as mesmerism or any other method to induce trance-like states. It was Braid who came up with the phrase ‘Hypnosis’. The hypnotic trance was widely used as an effective anaesthetic and pain relief; patients were induced into a state of trance whereby suggestions were then made to disconnect from any pain (Hadley & Staudacher 1996). Hypnosis continued to evoke interest from other scientists to re-examine its phenomenon until such time that its practice was accepted and regarded as a normal experience. What Happens in Hypnosis In order to induce hypnosis for purposes of treatment or therapy, techniques are required to enable the trance state to develop; these techniques are called the ‘induction’. There are many different styles of induction but the end result is to achieve relaxation of the body and mind, a narrowed focus of attention, reduced awareness of the surroundings, a greater awareness of inner feelings and a trance state (Hadley & Staudacher1996). The induction process works by communicating a set of spoken instructions and suggestions to encourage the client to enter into the trance state, physical relaxation is one of the most common suggestions (Karle & Boys 1987). The body becomes physically more and more relaxed as it is guided by the calm and confident voice of the hypnotist. In response to the feelings of relaxation the body slows down, physical changes that may be seen include a decrease in heart and metabolic rates and a slower pace and depth of breathing. It is often believed that a hypnotic trance is a state of deep sleep; in fact a person undergoing hypnosis remains fully conscious, alert and responsive and is able to speak at all times (Karle & Boys 1987). Even though the body is fully relaxed the mind is actually in an enhanced state of awareness. The mind has shut out all the external influences and is concentrating entirely on the voice of the hypnotist. It is in this state that the conscious mind is supressed and the subconscious mind is revealed. In this hypnotic state the subconscious mind is highly responsive to suggestion. The theory is that hypnosis works because your mind automatically and unconsciously processes the hypnotic suggestions and the normal process of critical evaluation is absent. This is because your mind believes that the suggestions come from inside your own subconscious mind, rather than coming from outside (Mason 2008). Patterns of behaviour that have been learnt can therefore be reprogrammed, enabling irrational fears, phobias, negative thoughts and suppressed emotions to be overcome. There are other known physical and psychological changes that occur during hypnosis. As the body relaxes the mind experiences altered states of consciousness; physical changes in the activity of the brain encourage calmness, relaxed states of well-being and bursts of emotions. This change in the activity of the brain can be measured, the patterns of which are known as brain waves. There are four main brain wave patterns, beta, alpha, theta and delta waves, but it is the alpha waves which are present at times of relaxation and meditation; and the theta waves that are produced when the mind is entered into deeper states of relaxation that are more commonly seen in hypnotised clients. Theta waves are known to be present during dreaming and are associated with the subconscious mind. Various changes in perception are also common under hypnosis. Some people feel great heaviness coming over their bodies, others feel very light, numb or even disembodied. Subjective floating, sinking, spinning, and tingling sensations have all been reported. Role of Relaxation in Hypnotherapy Relaxation in some form or another may be something that most people achieve in their day-to-day lives, many people may feel that they are relaxing when sitting in a comfortable chair, or perhaps when watching television, listening to music or reading a book. During these times the body may well be relaxed, however the mind is not switched off completely and may still be dealing with various thoughts. The state of relaxation achieved within hypnosis differs from the above forms of relaxation because an intentional and conscious effort has been made to allow access to the subconscious mind in order to achieve a change for the better. Relaxation is absolutely critical to health and wellbeing, but it is constantly undervalued. For many people the nature of their busy lives can make every day circumstances very stressful. If relaxation is not achieved effectively it can have devastating effects on our health and quality of life. In response to stress the body relays messages via the network of nerves connecting the brain to the rest of the body. There are two main nervous systems which supply the same organs but complement each other by causing opposite effects, these are known as the ‘Sympathetic’ and ‘Parasympathetic’ Nervous Systems. The sympathetic nervous system often referred to as the ‘fight or flight’ system prepares the body for emergencies. It increases the blood pressure, heart rate and breathing, enabling the body to cope with stressful situations. The parasympathetic nervous system maintains and restores energy, it directs blood flow to the digestive tract making sure food is digested properly; it also maintains blood pressure, heart rate and breathing at lower levels (BBC 2010). The sympathetic nervous system may be functioning several times a day within the body at times of stress, and as a consequence the body may not get the chance to fully recover. It is only when we go to bed at night that the body is able to effectively relax. The effects of stress on the body can be frightening. When the sympathetic nervous system is triggered blood is drawn away from the less important functions such as digestion and immune systems to be redeployed where needed – within the major muscles and organs. If this is happening regularly and the body is not allowed to relax properly, parasympathetic systems become weakened and as a result the body’s immune and digestive systems are affected (Ross & Wilson 1990). When stress goes untreated a whole range of physical and emotional symptoms can develop as a result. These may include: anger, depression, anxiety, food cravings or lack of appetite, difficulty in sleeping, chest pains, muscle spasms or cramps, and problems with digestion to name but a few. The role of relaxation in hypnotherapy can be an effective tool in alleviating some of the above mentioned symptoms. When entered into a state of hypnosis the body and mind are completely relaxed, therefore the sympathetic nervous system is switched off and the parasympathetic nervous system can be strengthened. Total relaxation can be achieved through hypnosis and therefore in hypnotherapy by way of actively relaxing down all the muscles of the body. As mentioned above the body’s response to stress and other heightened situations manifests itself in various ways and tension of the muscles is a very common symptom. One of the most popular ways of inducing this total relaxed state of the muscles is to use a technique known as the Progressive Muscle Relaxation technique or PMR. This systematic technique was developed by Dr Edmund Jacobson more than 80 years ago. It works by firstly tensing then releasing various muscle groups throughout the body to produce a deep state of relaxation, it is especially effective in self-hypnosis and with clients who find it difficult to relax and it is a popular relaxation tool for use in stress management (Hadley & Staudacher 1996). Hypnosis can be used in the treatment of pain, depression, anxiety and phobias, stress, habit disorders, sporting performance, business enhancement and many other instances. Just some benefits for using hypnosis for the purpose of relaxation include more energy, better sleep, enhanced immunity, increased concentration, better problem-solving abilities, greater efficiency, more stable moods (less anger, crying, anxiety, frustration), less headaches and pain. Conclusion This essay has looked at the practice of hypnosis from past to present. The beginning of the essay demonstrates my understanding of hypnosis, giving a clear description of what hypnosis is. An account of where hypnosis was thought to have originated forms the next part of the essay, including in brief how it was practised and why it was thought to have been effective. A more detailed description is given for the explanation of what actually happens in hypnosis, the techniques used to form the practice and the associated physical and psychological features. The final part of the essay describes the role of relaxation in hypnotherapy, it includes an account of how the body responds to stress and the effects this can have, emphasizing the importance of relaxation. Within this final part some consideration has also been given to the reasons why people engage in hypnosis and hypnotherapy and some of the benefits it can have. To sum up, this essay has highlighted what was initially thought to be a complex and misunderstood phenomenon to be a totally natural and rational practice.  References BBC. (2010) Science: Human Body Nervous System – Peripheral Nervous System http://www.bbc.co.uk Accessed on: 16.11.10 Hadley, J. Staudacher, C. (1996) Hypnosis for Change. USA: New Harbinger Publications. Heap, M. Dryden, W. (1991) Hypnotherapy: a Handbook. Berkshire: Open University Press. Karle, H. Boys, J. (1987) Hypnotherapy a Practical Handbook. London: Free Association Books. Mason, D. (2008) A Client’s Guide to Hypnosis. http://www.key-hypnosis.com Accessed on: 10.11.10 Ross, J. Wilson, K. (1990) Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness. London: Churchill Livingstone. Waterfield, R. (2004) Hidden Depths The Story of Hypnosis. London: Pan Books. Bibliography Electroencephalography. (2010, November 16). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved: November 22, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org History of Hypnosis. (2010, November 17). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved: November 22, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org How to Hypnotise - Beginners Hypnosis Dictionary. (2010). http://www.hypknowsis.com Accessed on: 1.11.10 Murphy, Dr J. (2006) The power of your subconscious mind. London: Pocket Books. Parasympathetic Nervous System. (2010, November 21). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved: November 22, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org Sympathetic Nervous System. (2010, November 18). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved: November 22, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org What is Hypnosis. (2010). http://www.hypnosis.me.uk Accessed on 1.11.10