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What Happens During Hypnosis
Though there is no exact way to be able to tell whether someone is under hypnosis, people do tend to display certain responses that can indicate that they have entered into the state. One way that people use to determine whether someone has entered into hypnosis is to measure the person’s dominant brain waves. There are four main patterns of brain waves: beta, alpha, theta, and delta.
Brain Wave Pattern |
Characterized by . . . |
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Beta |
Normal waking consciousness. Alertness and activity. High beta wave patterns are associated with feelings of anger, worry, fear, anxiety, tension, surprise, hunger, and excitement (the “fight or flight” response). |
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Alpha |
Relaxed and alert. Associated with a sense of well-being, pleasure, and tranquility. Linked in studies to improved learning and introspection. Used most often in hypnosis. |
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Theta |
Very deep relaxation and creativity. Often occurs during daydreaming. Memories are more vivid in the mind. Used for deeper hypnotic work (such as regression therapy). |
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Delta |
Deep sleep. Achieved during waking consciousness through deep meditation and special brain-training software. Not generally used in hypnosis. |
Though an electroencephalogram (EEG) can measure brain waves precisely, it is a costly and delicate piece of equipment, and most practitioners don’t use them. Instead, they usually observe for certain body changes to see when their subjects are in the hypnotic state. Physical indications that a person is in a hypnotic state include:
- Slow, deep breathing
- Smooth facial lines
- Even heart rhythms
- Release of tension in the muscles throughout the body
Internally, people have their own unique experiences of hypnosis—no two people will experience hypnosis in the exact same way. Nonetheless, many people will have similar feelings while in the state. Common reports from people under hypnosis include:
- Feelings of peace and relaxation
- A sense of warmth or energy flowing through the body
- A heightened sense of perception
- Tingling in the hands and/or feet
Often, people hold expectations for hypnosis to be something other than what it is. In these instances, the subjects won’t recognize hypnosis when they are in it, though they can still experience the positive benefits from the process. Hypnosis can best be likened to daydreaming, and to the state of mind right before and after sleep.
| Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
