Hypnowords- What are these and what do they mean?
The prefix hypno comes from the Greek word hypnos, which means sleep.. Hypno, therefore, is a bit of a misnomer because the state of hypnosis does not equate to sleeping.
There are a number of terms used in the science of hypnosis (hypnology) that use the prefix hypno and it is worthwhile to have some kind of understanding of these terms and appreciation of the distinction between them...
HYPNOTISM : this refers to the collection of induction methods used to produce hypnotic phenomena.
HYPNOSIS: What is hypnosis?
In short, hypnosis is a deliberate technique to achieve the Alpha state, the phase we all experience as we enter and wake from normal sleep.
Hypnosis can also be described as the mind-body state achieved by the temporary modification of the nervous system as a result of an induction method.
HYPNOLOGY: this is the global term referring to the science of understanding the nature and application of all hypnotic states, phenomena and methods.
HYPNOTHERAPY: this refers to therapy given while a subject is in a state of hypnosis. (See below for further explanation)
HYPNOANALYSIS: this is where a hypnotherapist endeavours to uncover the unconscious, emotional cause of a subject's problem. (See below for further explanation)
What misunderstandings about hypnosis are there?
Hypnosis is not a sleep state.
Hypnosis is not brought about by the power of a hypnotist. The hypnotist is merely a facilitator of the hypnotic trance. All hypnosis is basically self-hypnosis.
Hypnosis is not a danger or a threat to your health. It is Nature’s super tranquilizer and healer.
Hypnosis cannot be used to make you do anything you don’t want to!
Hypnosis is not supernatural. It is based on solid scientific foundation.
How many methods are there to hypnotize?
Although there are over 100 methods devised, only a dozen or so of these are commonly used in everyday practice.
Is hypnosis expensive?
No, it is not. Changes brought about by hypnosis tend to be permanent changes, especially if the hypnotist is competent. Consider this: If hypnosis enables you to permanently stop smoking, eliminate a debilitating phobia, or become pain-free, what value can you place on being free from such potentially long-term problems?
Can I hypnotize myself?
Sure. If you can concentrate for 5 minutes, or even just day-dream, you’re half-way there!
Do I need to have a good imagination to be able to be hypnotized?
Well, it certainly helps, but if your imagination is poor you can improve it easily enough. Start by just studying everyday objects intently and then close your eyes and try to visualize them as exactly as possible. If you find this difficult, open your eyes and look again. It's surprising how quickly your visualization skills improve with this simple technique!
Is Hypnology a science?
Yes, Hypnology can be considered to be a science, as over the years, Hypnology has developed into a system of knowledge dealing with natural phenomena and subject to well defined laws or principles. Hypnology, as now understood, can be taught as a science, and fully deserves to be recognized as such by the public.
What is a trance?
A trance is a mind-body condition of temporary nature. It is not a state of sleep or unconsciousness and it is not a fully conscious state nor an unconscious one. It is more a state of being’off-conscious.’ Such a state results in increased suggestibility and it can be produced in many ways. eg. drugs, disease, or suggestion.
There are two basic types of hypnotic trance and these occur depending upon what sort of stimulation is employed.
The most common hypnotic trance is referred to as a positive trance and it is induced by intensification of the comforting emotions, as suggested by the hypnotist. It is this sort of trance that is used almost exclusively by hypnotherapists for beneficial purposes. This trance is deeply relaxing, bringing about tranquility, balance and harmony.
The other less common hypnotic trance is the negative trance. It is actually an intense stimulation of the nervous system to an extent where the stress syndrome is invoked. In a mild form this could feel exciting but in an extreme form it could engender panic or fright. This sort of trance can obviously be somewhat dangerous to anyone of unstable, nervous, or physically weakened condition.
All trance states, regardless of their type, are entirely temporary in nature. The human body cannot support either extreme indefinitely, and it will eventually normalize itself.
Is there any connection between hypnosis, yoga and transcendental meditation?
Some yoga practices are variations of self-hypnosis and the resulting mental state is basically the same. TM is a method of calm, undistracted attention and is analogous, if not identical, to self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis is a form of meditation and vice versa. Self-hypnosis however, will achieve the same results much more quickly.
I have practised both TM and self hypnosis myself for many years and have found that, as mentioned, the outcomes are quite similar. However, to be done properly (ie for maximum benefits), TM should be carried out twice a day, for 20 minutes at a time and in a fairly prescibed manner. The results of doing TM in this way are undoubtedly excellent. For example I always feel re-energised, totally de-stressed and more alert after a TM session. TM experts tell us there are many other positive spin-offs, both mental and physical, going on as well.
Self hypnosis, on the other hand, has the advantage in that it can be done in much less time (less than 5 minutes is sufficient!) and you can also structure your own suggestions to give yourself immediate and targetted benefits. For example, I may only have 10 minutes or so to spare before I have to give a speech but I can mentally prepare myself easily in that time by using self hypnosis.
Can you fake hypnosis?
It’s easy for someone to pretend they are hypnotized and fool most people into thinking that this is the case. However, it is impossible to deceive a skilled hypnotist. This is because there are certain signs and indications of the trance state that cannot be faked. When the nervous system is stimulated, involuntary results occur and a trained hypnotist can spot these just by observation. Some of these involuntary results that can readily be identified include dilation of the pupils, increased lachrymation (watering of the eyes), compulsive swallowing, increased body warmth and decreased heart rate.
Can you be hypnotized from a distance?
Yes, but only in the form of a post-hypnotic suggestion and this would have to have been one which you have willingly gone along with. ie you clearly heard, understood and accepted the suggestion whilst in a state of hypnosis.
Can you seduce someone hypnotically? - erotic hypnosis
Yes, but only if the seductee is a willing participant! He/she would need to give the hypnotist their full and undivided attention and cooperation. It should also be understood that even in a state of hypnosis no-one will do anything that contravenes their own moral or ethical codes. Nevertheless, through hypnosis it is possible to enhance, improve or expand your sexual understanding or fantasies either alone or with your partner. 
Hypnotherapy – What is it?
In simple terms, hypnotherapy is the treatment you can expect to receive when you go to a hypnotist with a problem you want resolved.
In other words, hypnotherapy is basically therapy given while you are in a state of hypnosis.
Hypnotherapy is often used in conjunction with hypnoanalysis, which is where the hypnotherapist tries to uncover the cause of your problem and make it conscious to you. Complete hypnotherapy includes both hypnoanalysis and direct suggestion and can best be understood as a process involving 5 phases.
The 5 phases all begin with the letter ’R’:
- Relaxation
- Realisation
- Re-education
- Rehabilitation
- Reinforcement
Relaxation refers to the hypnosis stage. It is the important first stage of hypnotherapy because relaxation causes you to become more responsive to suggestion.
Realisation is the stage where you are brought to realize the underlying cause of your problem. It is important that this realization be on an emotional level, rather than just on an intellectual level. You must realize the problem completely, intellectually and emotionally.
Re-education is where the hypnotherapist interprets and helps you to interpret, the cause and effect relationship between the underlying cause of the problem and the subsequent development of your symptom. It is the explanation of the true cause instead of your excuse for your symptoms.
The last two stages, Rehabilitation and Reinforcement, refer to the direct suggestion phase of hypnotherapy.
(It should be pointed out here that not all problems require hypnoanalysis, as some can be treated just with direct suggestion alone. In such cases realization and re-education are not required. However, Rehabilitation and Reinforcement may still be needed.)
Rehabilitation, as it name suggests, means old habit patterns connected with the problem are changed into new, positive habit patterns and this is done by suggestions which, when followed, will result in a habit pattern that is inconsistent with the old habit pattern.
Reinforcement refers to the phase where positive suggestions are reinforced by repetition over a series of sessions. This is necessary to make the suggestions given in the rehabilitation phase more permanent.
The 5 stages outlined above are not always all followed, nor are they always followed in the given order. However, the 5 stages all need to be given due consideration by the hypnotherapist because they provide a kind of check-list of what may be required.
Hypnoanalysis – What is it?
Hypnoanalysis is a body of theory and practice that is probably most easily understood as being hypnosis with a dash of psychoanalysis. It should be noted though, that there is still a fair bit of difference between Psychoanalysis and Hypnoanalysis (apart from the spelling!).
Psychoanalysis tends to be non-directive, makes no prior assumptions and usually takes a mighty long time.
Hypnoanalysis has a specific goal, makes definite prior assumptions and takes a relatively short time. It is a directed form of therapy, the goal being to discover the cause of a problem, remove it, ensure it doesn’t return and that no other problem will arise as a consequence.
 
 
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