Have you ever seen a person under hypnosis been given the suggestion that they are a chicken and then start to behave like one? Hypnosis has been described as an intense form of playing pretend.
The subject is aware it’s imaginary, but this relaxed mental state allows people to take these sorts of offers as all doubts and fears are eliminated. Normal boundaries are elastic in this state of heightened suggestibility. Watching movies has been described as a daily form of self-hypnosis. When the plot really engages you, you can tune out anything else that is on your mind.
Science has yet to fully explain how hypnosis actually happens. This is part of the greater mystery of how the human mind works. The word hypnosis was derived from the term ‘neuro-hypnotism’ in 1841, which was created by James Braid to define his practice.
Scientists do understand the general characteristics of hypnosis, which is how it is defined. It is a trance state, which is usually induced by a procedure known as hypnotic induction. The state is characterized by relaxation, heightened suggestibility and imagination, with diminished peripheral awareness.
The subject is alert the whole time, and not unconscious, which is a popular misconception. It can be compared to daydreaming, or focusing on a book or a movie. The focus is heightened, and outside stimuli is tuned out. In the case of watching a movie, or reading a book, focus can be so intent as to block out almost every thought other than the story at hand.
Real emotions can be felt as a response to a fictional story, to the point where it can cause real sadness, fear, or happiness. This has been categorized by some people as self-hypnosis. Meditation can play a part in hypnosis, and has done for thousands of years.
A popular theory is that hypnosis allows the subconscious mind to be accessed. The subconscious mind holds masses of information and works in tandem with your conscious mind to solve problems.
Your subconscious mind takes care of automatic functions such as breathing. Everyday activities such as driving are often taken care of by the subconscious mind. Some psychiatrists believe that when a subject is under hypnosis, their conscious mind is allowed to take a back seat, while the subconscious mind steps to the fore, allowing the psychiatrist to work with the subconscious mind.
Hypnosis is used today in therapy, as an aid to quit smoking, and for entertainment.