Brain Effect of Hypnosis

Psychologists and researchers continue to conduct interesting tests to assess what happens in the brain when a person is in a state of hypnosis.

A just published study conducted by Hull University in the United Kingdom found that hypnosis "primes the brain to be open to suggestion.”

Take a read of this BBC article entitled Hypnosis has a Real Brain Effect for more on this new research.

Deep Trance for a "Super Achiever"

I am often asked if everyone can be hypnotized.

Yes is the straightforward answer.  The practice of hypnosis simply requires an open mind, the ability to focus, and a bit of creativity and imagination.

Of course, there are varying levels of susceptibility to hypnosis, as well as different scales used by practitioners to measure it.

Recently, I met with a young woman who I suspect scores high in hypnotic susceptibility.  An induction using a basic eye fixation technique called magnetic hands with a few calming visualizations brought her to deep level of trance.

From there, she was incredibly open to the self-hypnosis process as she easily integrated her own voice and thoughts, returning seamlessly to the trance state.

Her desired outcomes from the use of self-hypnosis are to achieve a more consistent sleep pattern and maintain a high level of energy throughout the day.

That’s because she is one of those “super achievers,” who is a leader and actively engaged in school, work and a mix of altruistic endeavors.  I will be interested to hear how her practice of self-hypnosis facilitates success in these areas.

Of course, nearly every time I meet with a person to share self-hypnosis I come away learning something new as well.  That was certainly the case with her.

Interestingly, she failed to respond to a convincer I often use to measure the depth of trance.  In this case, the visual suggestion connected with an activity she had participated in when attending a talk by a prominent motivational speaker. 

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Please keep your browser pointed to this blog as I will soon announce a couple of new events in March and April that will focus on hypnosis as a tool for health and wellness.

Magnetic hands is a basic hypnotic induction technique that utilizes focus and visualization.  Photo source: Instructables.com

Time to Empower Your Mind and Body

I have long believed in the ability of the mind and body to maintain health, wellness and balance.  We simply need to cultivate the tools to facilitate its restorative powers

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The source of physical and emotional well-being does not reside in a pill or drug.  That’s the easy and quick escape many desire and, as a result, dependence runs wild in our society.

Are there effective, natural and empowering paths to follow to wellness?

You bet!  It’s a reason why yoga is so popular with the health conscious and concerned.  Its core principles are compelling:

--Relaxation

--Exercise

--Breathing

--Diet

--Positive thinking and meditation

Each of these principles was on display last Thursday at an event hosted by DC Fitness, Empowerment and Support Group, a meet-up organized by Kelly Davis.

Kelly is a student at American University and an ultra-achiever who has realized success in school, work and her passion – mental and physical health and wellness.

I was fortunate to be one the presenters at the event, providing attendees with a demonstration of the power of hypnosis and positive visualization.  My “Hypnotic Experience” talk was a wonderful complement to the yoga flow led by Erin Seaboyer.

Here is some feedback I received from one of the guests who desires to use visualization as a tool to establish a healthier sleep pattern:

“I really enjoyed the hypnosis, and my sleep was AMAZING!! The best I have slept in a long time and no melatonin.”

While there certainly is an important place for traditional medicine in health and wellness, you may find stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation and…yes…self-hypnosis to be a way to empower your own mind and body.