What is the effect called when you get hypnotized?

Answer 1

Experiences of hypnosis vary considerably, but most feel very relaxed, detached, and have little desire to move major muscle groups unless told to do so. The hypnotic state is often described along the lines of "dreamlike"; "floating", or like being slightly drunk, but without the negatives. Some experience a general "heaviness" of the body and limbs, but others feel the opposite - a real sense of "lightness".

Frequently sense of time is distorted (it may seem accelerated or delayed), and it's not uncommon for the hypnotist's voice to sound either very distant, or as if it's "right inside the head". Although most people remain fully aware in hypnosis, focus is usually very narrow, and although background sounds etc will still be heard, generally peripheral awareness is much reduced.

Twitching of small muscles is common, asis watering of the eyes, and vision may be distorted - eg a "tunnel" effect, or sometimes a general "blurring". It is not uncommon for deeply hypnotized people to experience spontaneous erection of the genitalia, which will probably be embarrassing, but is a normal physiological response to being in a REM state.

A few people become somnambulistic - they can open their eyes, stand, walk around, perform tasks etc whilst remaining in deep trance, and it is not unusual for such individuals to experience partial or total amnesia about what what exactly took place whilst hypnotized. These are, however, the minority (10% or less), and most people simply experience a hypnotic trance as an episode of profound relaxation during which they were fully aware of everything.

Generally, hypnotized people are very "literal minded", accepting ideas and suggestions at face value, and they are often quite "playful", and happy to do things without inhibition - unless, of course, what's suggested is offensive to them!

To summarize, most hypnotized people feel calm, happy, and relaxed, and for most it's a positive experience during which they're less inhibited than they might usually be.