How does hypnotism work?

Answer 1

The hypnotist's technique aims to narrow the subject's attention to the extent s/he is aware of nothing but the operator's voice. Often the technique is purely verbal, but may also involve touch (eg gentle circular massage of the forehead), or the use of a "fascination" (eg pendulum, swirling pattern, light etc) to narrow visual focus & tire the eyes. Generally, basic induction of hypnosis involves progressive relaxation, & much repetition of basic instructions. If successful, after a time (may be only seconds, but often 10 or more minutes) the subject will enter a physically relaxed/ immobile but hyperattentive state in which they're totally absorbed in what the hypnotist tells them. Thereafter, to varying degrees, they'll follow suggestions made by the hypnotist.

Some argue this is no more than a form of social compliance - subjects follow instructions & become hypnotised because it's what they expect to happen. In effect, they're role playing. There is, however, evidence that hypnosis induction activates a "right brain state" in which the brain hemisphere responsible for emotion, imagination, intuition etc predominates over the left half which deals with logic, analysis, critical functions etc.. Thus the subject becomes highly susceptible to suggestion; has reduced critical faculties, and is generally very open to ideas/ notions of which they'd normally be more dismissive. Generally, hypnotised people are quite playful.

People in deep hypnosis also typically manifest many of the characteristics of the REM sleep phase: eg degrees of physical paralysis; rapid eye movements, & eye inversion (eyes rolled up in head); a "dreamlike" state (they can often experience vivid hallucinations suggested to them); spontaneous erections; somnambulistic capabilities etc.. So, some theories hold that hypnotism is, in effect, artificial induction of a REM state in an otherwise conscious person. This might explain why, for example, in some cases the use of the "classic" swinging watch/ pendulum is so effective in inducing hypnosis in some subjects: the side to side movement of the eyes as they focus on a swinging pendulum mimics exactly the side to side eye movements so typical of the early stage of REM sleep.

Exactly how hypnotism works is unclear: there are numerous theories, some more scientifically rigorous than others, and there's much debate between psychologists & neuroscientists. All that can be stated with any certainty is that hypnosis is a real altered state of mind; most people can attain it (and most do spontaneously enter hypnotic states on a daily basis - eg "day dreaming"), but degrees of hypnotic suggestibility/ capacity to be formally hypnotised vary considerably between individuals, and indeed from time to time. Most people can be hypnotised if they are willing, but much depends on the individual's frame of mind & situation.

Answer 2

1) Slow Trick of the Mind Hypnosis: You do the basic version where you describe a setting, in such a way, that it sounds amazing, beautiful, and the best thing there ever is- thus, the effect on you partner (who you're hypnotising) feels as you describe. So, if in a freezer, if describing of a hot summer's beach perfectly, you're partner will think it's hot, due to the mind THINKING it's hot.

2) Hypnosis as you see on T.V.: The hypnosis on T.V. is all a pre-staged trance. Yes, they really are hypnotised, but no, they aren't hypnotised on the spot... The trick is, the person was pre-hypnotised with a willing intention to be hypnotised.

Start by telling you're partner to relax.

Then, say a word such as "Blue", then repeat the first stage of getting them to relax.

As you carry on repeating stages one and two, it will come to a point where your partner will be in a deep trance of utter relaxation.

Now, your partners mind has linked the word you chose, in this case, "Blue", with the feeling of that utter relaxing trance, and so every time that word is said, the mind reverts straight back to what it links it with - Relaxation to the max.

3) Instant Hypnotic Induction: It's commonly assumed to be a myth.

There is relaxed, voluntary hypnosis for improving the mind, getting rid of bad habits, etc. and there is also covert hypnosis.

Hypnosis, a trance-like state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject or any of various conditions that resemble sleep. This can be brought about by many means, depending on how deep you want the person or persons to go into this sleep state. Hypnosis works on the subconscious part of the brain, more precisely, the Ed, the primal area. You can reach this in people in various ways using a sound, a pulsating light or image or thing or a monotonic, soft, droning voice directing the persons attention inward until all they hear is what you want them to hear. This then puts them into an involuntary subconscious state that can be manipulated by the hypnotist. All other sounds, voices or distractions are blocked out & they hear only the suggestions that they are given. Their minds follow the suggestions as if they, themselves were telling themselves to do it. You can make a person do just about anything they are capable of doing, up to a point. Without drugs, preconditioning or special electrical devices, they will not do anything that goes against there primal, spiritual or moral conviction. This would be like killing themselves or another, raping someone or committing act of violence. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS ON ANYONE UNLESS YOU ARE TRAINED BY SOMEONE WHO IS A PRO AT IT! It can go bad, very bad if you don't.

Answer 3

Hypnotism works by inducing a trance-like state in which the individual becomes highly focused and open to suggestions. During this state, the hypnotist can guide the individual to make changes in thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. It is believed to work by influencing the subconscious mind and tapping into the power of suggestion.

Answer 4

well you really cant hypnotise people (as well as I know) but I would think to make them relaxed or tired and maybe something will happen.