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According to the American Psychological Association, hypnosis is a technique in which a professional makes suggestions and provides instructions to individuals to focus their minds. Despite being a controversial topic, most professionals now believe that it is an extremely powerful and effective therapeutic technique with a wide range of applications in the field of medical science.
Hypnosis Techniques
The major hypnosis techniques include the following:
- Ericksonian hypnotherapy – This hypnosis technique uses indirect suggestions because it may not work for everyone. It is usually used as a story or metaphor to hint at the possibility of the other person’s eyes closing. Rather than picking up a direct command, the hypnotist tries to initiate change through the technique to allow the subconscious to be helped without registering the conscious mind.
- Self-hypnosis – As the name suggests, self-hypnosis is when a person becomes highly focused and immersed in the experience through self suggestions.
- Traditional technique – It is one of the most common and easiest forms of hypnosis that involve simple solutions and commands. It uses common instructions to persuade the person’s thoughts and behaviours in the hypnotic state.
Impact of Hypnosis on Memory
Hypnosis is a technique that can significantly help in the interpretation of a person’s memory and their response to it. By using the process of hypnosis, the emotional impact of a person’s memory can be altered by giving rise to a sense of detachment. Memory is also a molecular component in the body, rather than just a thought in the mind.
It is scientifically proven that hypnosis cannot erase a person’s memory in any shape or form. However, it is still possible to change the physical form of memory so that a person does not feel stuck or overwhelmed with it.
The Hypnotic Hypermnesia Effect
“Hypermnesia” is a term that refers to the abnormally complete memory of a person. According to this concept, hypnosis is a process that can significantly enhance the accurate memory of events of a person who is initially unable to recall anything related to it. Although there is little evidence to support the fact and effect of hypermnesia, there are still possibilities for improvements in the process. Therefore, hypnotically inflicted memories are likely to stay abnormally vivid or complete.
Role of Imagination in Hypnosis
Although suggesting to people what to do while being in hypnosis is a common practice by professionals, imagination-based suggestions have also proven to be effective. One of the earliest attempts to prove the role of imagination in hypnosis dates back to 1784 when the Benjamin Franklin Commission investigated the link between imagination in the process of hypnosis. One of the major achievements and output of this investigation was the invention of the term “Imaginative involvement”, which showed the link between two concepts.
The Law of Reversed Effect
To understand what hypnosis is and how it relates to the concept of imagination, the law of reverse effect is important to consider. According to this law, the harder a person tries to do or achieve something, the fewer chances that they will succeed. For instance, it would be next to impossible for any person with insomnia to fall asleep, no matter how hard they try. A comparatively more effective suggestion would be to integrate the imagery of increased sleeping hours, better skin, and a healthy state of mind in such a situation.
Imagination can be used voluntarily or involuntarily during hypnosis. However, note that both hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis can use voluntary or involuntary, or a combination of both.
Differences Between Hypnosis and Meditation
|
Basis of distinction |
Hypnosis |
Meditation |
|---|---|---|
|
Meaning |
Hypnosis is a two-way process between a hypnotist and the participant, where the latter responds to the instruction of the former. |
It is usually done by oneself to achieve an alternate state of mind. |
|
State of mind achieved |
Extreme suggestibility, fully attentive and hyper-awareness. |
Intense focus increased awareness and attention. |
|
Means of achieving |
Hypnosis is achieved through hypnotic induction |
Meditation is achieved by concentrating focus and increasing awareness. |
|
Evolution |
The earliest practice of hypnosis traces back to the 18th century, performed by Franz Mesmer. |
Began early in India, around 5000 -3500 BC. Further developments were discovered in China during the 16th and 17th centuries. |
|
Techniques |
Ericksonian hypnotherapy, self-hypnosis, and traditional technique. |
Concentrative meditation, mindful meditation, transcendental meditation, Vipassana. |
|
Use cases |
Managing and treating phobias, pain management, sleep disorders, and insomnia, smoking, and drug addiction. |
Treatment or management of severe mental disorders including multi-personality disorder, clinical depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic disorder; pain management. |
Conclusion
In a nutshell, hypnosis is a powerful technique that uses therapeutic methods to perform hypnotic procedures on an individual under medical supervision. With a wide range of applications and techniques available, it is now an extremely common therapeutic technique to treat a person with mental disorders and other mild illnesses.
