Nobody knows how hypnosis actually works. The Institute for the Study of Healthcare Organizations and Transactions describes it as a "social interaction in which one person
responds to suggestions given by another person (the hypnotist) for imaginative experiences involving changes in
perception, memory, and the voluntary control of action."
Voluntary control of action is a comforting term. So does this mean we all have an inner need to become a chicken,
like those stage entertainers get people to do? Or does it mean we will not make an ass of ourselves if we wouldn't
do that normally?
Hypnosis and trance-inducing has been used for centuries, but it was Austrian doctor Franz Mesmer who really put
it on the map in the 18th century...you'd be familiar with the term mesmerize. Mesmer believed that there was some
sort of magnetic fluid in air that our bodies absorbed. He thought people became ill if there was a blockage in
our systems, so he used to wave magnets over them to 'unblock' the flow.
In the 1840's, a Dr James Esdaile started mesmerizing his patients during surgery to control pain.
One hundred years later the medical authorities gave hypnosis the thumbs-up for use in healing. Hypnosis has been
put to good use in treating anxiety disorders, weight problems, relieving pain in cancer patients and childbirth.
Hypnosis has not been overly successful in helping people quit smoking - possibly because they do not want to quit.
But there is evidence hypnosis can get rid of warts!
TV shows and entertainers have unfortunately cheapened the reputation of a potentially worthwhile therapy. Most
people would be too frightened to undergo hypnosis in case they lost control and did or revealed something embarrassing
to them.
But according to stage hypnotist Szeles, the mind control thing is Hollywood hype: "Your subconscious
mind protects you at all times. If a hypnotist asked you to do something you did not want to do, you simply would
not do it."
Most people are fairly easy to hypnotize. And no it doesn't involve a man with a German accent telling you you're
sleepy while watching a swinging clock! A comfortable room, a soothing voice, and an object to focus on, like a
dot on a wall, can induce hypnosis.
However the Skeptic's
Dictionary says people who have a vivid imagination
make great hypnosis subjects whereas those who think it's a crock will not go under.
You are not turned into a zombie while under hypnosis, but therapists can plant a trigger in your mind that will
make you perform a task when you hear a cue. Szeles uses the word 'sleep' during his shows to put people back under
hypnosis. But if he said that word to the same people the next day, nothing would happen.
Szeles adds: "It's sad but some hypnotists still do make people bark like a dog as part of their shows. There
are so many fun and positive things you can do that are amazing yet do not degrade the volunteers on stage that
there is no reason to embarrass the person publicly."
Can you be hypnotized without knowing about it? Like Priscilla Presley in the Naked Gun movie? "No,"
says Szeles. "Not unless you were given a trigger word. You need to concentrate on the words and images that
create the hypnotic induction to go under. Although we all experience a mild form of self hypnosis on a daily basis
and most of us are happily unaware of it- like driving somewhere, arriving at your destination and not really remembering
your trip."
When you undergo hypnosis, you are hypnotizing yourself. The therapist is really the facilitator.
The music at rave parties seems quite hypnotic. It's probably a combination of the beat, atmosphere, and drugs
that make people seem totally tranced out. I wonder
if Barry White's music has a similar effect, but in a different setting...
Szeles says television is the best way to go under hypnosis: "You watch the commercials over and over then
when you shop you start to sing the songs they use in the commercials and wind up buying them. Pretty effective
form of hypnosis!" Yikes!
There can be a dark side to hypnosis. Any form of deep relaxation brings with it a danger of making psychological
problems worse. An article in the British Medical Journal says hypnosis should be avoided in psychosis and personality
disorders.
Your brain is very good at filling in gaps, even when these gaps are left to your imagination. Many people have
had 'repressed memories' recalled, as a way of solving modern problems. The sad fact is these memories are probably
false. You must remember that people under hypnosis are highly suggestible.
According to the Skeptic's Dictionary, hypnosis is a learned social behavior where there are certain expectations.
The subject does what is expected of them during a session - both play a role.
Psychologist Nicholas Spanos said we can achieve the same things by educating ourselves or setting firm goals,
rather than use hypnosis as a means. In other words, we can do it anyway.
Hypnosis may help you, but always use a fully qualified therapist. There are a lot of hucksters in the industry,
which is not well regulated. A recommendation from your family doctor is probably a good start. |
