Hypnosis could legitimately be described as the original psychological therapy.
We all know brief states of hypnosis as daydreaming, staring into space, or drifting off into our own world of thoughts. We are aware of what is going on around us but we are focussing on something much more important inside.
Hypnosis has been defined as ‘an altered state of consciousness which by-passes the critical faculties.’
The feeling is similar to waking from a deep sleep, when we are aware but too comfortable to be bothered to stir! We all experience light trance when we are deeply engrossed in a book; or fully immersed in a film and this state of absolute absorption is perfectly natural and comfortable.
Hypnosis is a state of mind enhanced by mental and physical relaxation.
EEG measurements reveal that brain activity slows down from ‘Beta Waves’ (14-40 Hz.) – full waking alertness – to ‘Alpha Waves’ – (8-13Hz.). ‘Alpha Waves’ are associated with peaceful meditative states during which there are heightened levels of suggestibility.