Hypnosis :: essays papers

Hypnosis Over the years, hypnosis has overcome a lot of skepticism. This research paper will explore the art, use, and questions about hypnosis both in recreation and in therapy. In this paper, you will learn what hypnosis is, different types of it, and different techniques for using it. Hypnosis, as defined by Roy Hunter, is "a natural state of mind, induced in everyday living much more than it is induced artificially". Another definition by Hunter is "guided meditation". Many people do not realize this, but you can be hypnotized by many things. Anytime you become engrossed in a book or a movie, you may enter a sort of meditative trance. There are different techniques for induction into a hypnotic trance. One is eye fixation. This simply uses a fixed gaze, and was very popular in the 1800's and is most commonly used by Hollywood. Another is progressive relaxation or imagery. You have someone imagine being in a safe or peaceful place, and then awaken to full consciousness. Another induction method is the mental confusion method which confuse the conscious mind to the point where it just lets go and becomes relaxed. Another one is shock to nervous system. This technique is commonly used by stage hypnotists and it is employing a sudden exited command in a surprising way. The participant will experience a "moment of passivity"(Hunter)where they'll either resist the trance or "let go" into hypnosis. Hypnosis also has some useful situations. One would be in the area of memory. When you are entranced in the hypnotic state, your sense of memory is enhanced. Although this is true, the things which are remembered can not be regarded a truth. Sometimes when a person is entranced, they will 'remember' things that never actually happened, but have great personal significance. One area that has caused tremendous controversy is in the area of hypnotizability. The question has been raised many times if there are certain people who can be hypnotized and certain people who cannot be hypnotized. There are indeed people who can and cannot. The only thing it depends on is how well you can focus. People who have better focus generally have better results with hypnotizability, and people who have a harder time focusing generally tend to be less susceptible, as a general rule. Although hypnosis is totally safe as long as your hypnotist is competent and trustworthy, some skeptical people still have fears and