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.

3 Best Read Articles in 2014

My write-up of this "Hypnotic Experience" show for a profile Washington, DC based social group was the best read blog post in 2014.

I am now 2-1/2 years in with this blog and have published more than 175 posts, covering a myriad of topics related to the use of hypnosis as a tool for health, wellness, exceptional living and entertainment.

This past year continued to see a steady rise in readership.  Plus, I received a number of compliments from event organizers and attendees who visited the blog either prior to or in follow-up to a show.

So…below are links to the three most popular articles I published in 2014.  I’m now off with the family for the holidays, yet will be back in early January with more thoughts, insights and perspectives.

See you in the New Year!

Hypnosis for Healthy Living a Hit with Social Group

This past Sunday I presented at an event hosted by the 20s and 30s Going Out Group, one of the largest and most profile social organizations in the Washington, DC area.  Rather than an entertainment-oriented stage show, this version of my “Hypnotic Experience” show focused on health, wellness, self-confidence, stress management and empowerment.

Numbering nearly 60 young professionals, the audience was fabulous – engaged, attentive and genuinely committed to positive living…

Total 2014 Readership:  1,154

Weekend @ Timberline – Swimming, S’mores and Hypnosis

My show was held in the Rec Hall and well received.  I had about forty people attend at all age ranges – from younger children to adults.  About a dozen volunteered to be hypnotized and six remained on stage, including two women who were the true stars of the show.

Total 2014 Readership:  1,107

Stress and the Daily Commute – Is There a Remedy?

Regardless of your means of commute, the daily grind to and from the office creates a high-stress environment.  And, as we all know, stress is negative energy that preys upon our health, happiness and overall wellness.

 

That’s why this article in the Washington Post entitled “Mindful Commuters Say Deep Breaths, Clear Mind Keep Them Calm Under Stress” is so encouraging.  It confirms that people have taken proactive steps to better manage and mitigate the impact of a tiresome and painful commute.

Total 2014 Readership:  880

Unique Event Combines Yoga and Self-Hypnosis

Event on January 8 combines health and healing benefits of yoga with positive visualization.  Photo: Quickmedical.com

People who strive for improved heart health typically engage in aerobic exercise such as running, biking or walking.  Can the addition of yoga with its stretching exercises, controlled breathing and relaxation techniques also keep the heart in shape?

This article published by Best Health Magazine explores that very issue.  The author dissects how yoga improves a person’s ability to manage blood pressure, inflammation and other health factors that contribute to heart disease.

Interested in learning more?

I have partnered with Kelly Davis who runs a social group called DC Fitness, Empowerment and Support to host a unique event on Thursday, January 8 at 6 PM in Chevy Chase, Maryland.  Entitled New Year, New You: Yoga & Self Hypnosis for Exceptional Wellness, Health & Living, it combines the physical and spiritual well-being of yoga with the positive visualization process.

The event is metro accessible and best of all there is absolutely no cost to attend.  All you need to do is join this meet-up group and register to attend.

New Year, New You: Yoga & Self Hypnosis for Exceptional Wellness, Health & Living

Village of Friendship Heights Community Center

4433 South Park Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD   

Thursday, January 8, 2015

6 PM to 8 PM

Metro:  Red Line (Friendship Heights station)

Register Here: http://www.meetup.com/DC-Fitness-Empowerment-Support-Group/events/219270315/

Hypnosis Helps Mary Lou Retton Vault to Olympic Gold

Gymnast Mary Lou Retton used hypnosis to prepare for Olympic success in 1984.

Growing up a fan of nearly all sports in the 1980s was an exciting time.

 

There was the magic of Diego Maradona, the star soccer player who propelled Argentina to a World Cup victory in 1986.  Watching his “hand of god” goal live was a thrill I will always remember.

On the basketball court, players like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson owned the headlines.  For me, growing up in the Washington, DC area, I was star struck by the University of Maryland’s Len Bias.  His reverse dunk against North Carolina is forever etched in my imagination.

And then there was the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, the first international competition I recall watching with friends and family.  Although I was never a huge fan of gymnastics, it was impossible to not be enthralled by the athleticism, competitive spirit and achievement of Mary Lou Retton.

I suspect her five medals and glowing personality inspired millions of girls in the United States to adopt the sport.

So, it was very cool to come across a dated report from Time magazine about how Mary Lou Retton turned to hypnosis as a tool to prepare for Olympic competition and block pain in her injured right foot.

During the past few years, I have spoken to and worked with a myriad of high school and college athletes about how positive visualization can help enhance performance, increase stamina and facilitate injury recovery.  I’ve included below links to a few of the articles I have written for this blog.

Although hypnosis and visualization is unable to make an athlete a gold medal winner, it does accelerate their own natural talent and help them prepare mentally for success.

Hypnosis Helps a Newly Minted College Athlete

Hypnosis Sharpens an Athlete’s Mindset for Recovery

Tween Athletes:  Is Hypnosis Beneficial?