Hypnosis techniques

Rave goers have known for years that the powerful combination of loud music and drugs could put someone into a state of trance, where the setting drifts into the background and a feeling of overwhelming connection and love comes to the foreground. In the sixties and seventies, it was new age music that created this hypnosis meditation. Before that, shamans mesmerized themselves around the fire to the sound of drumbeats. Techno trance therapy has been taught in various workshops from London to California but is primarily a form of self-hypnosis that people teach themselves.

The best way to learn hypnosis is to attend a nightclub or rave event where techno trance is being played. There are local sites focusing on these parties but www.grooveallnight.com lists some of the big name DJs coming to the major US cities. Large trance music festivals in America include: Burning Man (Black Rock Desert, Nevada), The Winter Music Conference (Miami), Love Fest (San Francisco), USC (Seattle), The Global Dance Festival (Colorado) and the Coachella Music Festival (Indio, California). While anyone can turn off the lights, turn on the stereo and dance at home, the feeling of being in a large room with laser lights, hundreds of other individuals, with professional sound quality is an entirely different experience.

When one enters a techno trance, they feel a lightness of body, perhaps even a numbness or disassociation, where the mind and body feel detached, as though a person is watching him or herself move. Blinking slows down, there is a distortion of movement, space and time, and the senses become more vivid. Another common occurrence is catalepsy, a condition where the muscles contract and remain soft, rather than rigid. The body’s natural endorphins and pain relievers flow freely, allowing dancers to continue moving for hours on end. While listening to trance music, people often report feeling that they are less inhibited and more able to talk about their emotions. Often a deep sense of interconnectedness takes hold and the dancer begins to feel a bond with those around him or her. It is almost as if these dancers are in another time and place, where rules do not apply and the outside world has ceased to exist.

Techno trance music is a large component of the transcendental experience, but drugs have gone almost hand-in-hand with these hypnosis techniques. On one hand, it is entirely possible to produce the feelings of euphoria simply through dance expression, similar to the classic “runner’s high.” However, few experiences can compare to the combination of certain drugs and progressive trance music. The most common drugs used to induce a hypnotic state include hallucinogens like acid and mushrooms, designer drugs like ecstasy and methamphetamine, dissociative drugs like ketamine and PCP. In his book “The Doors of Perception,” author Aldous Huxley explored the mind-drug-spiritual connection, writing, “The direct, total awareness, from the inside, so to say, of Love as the primary and fundamental cosmic fact… I was this fact; or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that this fact occupied the place where I had been.” For him, the state of trance was a spiritual experience, as is the case for many techno trance fans around the world, drugs or not.

Hypnosis CDs

Have you ever wondered if you can learn how to hypnotize yourself? Self Hypnosis is one of the most effective ways to calm down and remove stress. It does take some practice and a willingness to learn, but by following tested-tried-and-true methods that are as easy as counting or repeating scripts to yourself, you can develop your confidence, assist your body in healing itself and change longstanding negative behavioral patterns.

A lot of self hypnosis is all in the wording. NLP hypnosis posits the theory that flowery, artful language is better than authoritative commanding. For instance, you might say to yourself, “I really look forward to learning how to sky dive,” rather than the more authoritative “I’m going to learn to sky dive.” Secondly, you’ll want to use visual imagery. Often successful self-hypnotists will use phrases like “I see,” “I hear,” or “It feels like.” Images from nature work particularly good, such as waterfalls, fields full of flowers, streams, clouds, trees, beaches and auras. You should also try to choose attainable goals. So instead of telling yourself, “I am never going to eat chocolate chip cookies again,” you should instead phrase it, “As I begin to make healthier choices and choose more nutritious foods, I will begin to feel lighter and more at peace with myself.”

There are several common mistakes people make when trying to hypnotize themselves. You might find that you are trying to force yourself to imagine something that doesn’t come naturally or are over-analyzing the process. Instead, you will want to be sure you are completely relaxed first, before you allow your mind to wander. Start by counting backwards while breathing deeply, as this is a classic trick to deepen relaxation. With each count, you are going deeper and deeper, and before you know it, you’ll be in a state of trance! Now that you are in a suggestible, emotional state, you can begin using “I” phrases to affirm what you wish to learn. Some people prefer to spend this time imagining themselves achieving their goals instead. Others still might want to play a tape with someone else’s voice guiding their positive thinking here. To awaken from your trance, tell yourself you will feel refreshed and fully awake at the count of three.

Another commonly practiced form of self hypnosis is done with the help of trance music. This fast-tempo genre inspires people to dance as a means of letting their inhibitions go, which gets the heart rate pumping so the dancer experiences a dissociative sort of exercise “high.” At the same time, the progressive trance music inspires the mind to be more imaginative, much like classical music, and the dancer will feel a marked spiritual shift toward an overwhelming feeling of connectedness in the presence of others. Practiced at clubs, raves or workshops, trance dance hypnosis has its roots back in ancient shaman rituals and African dance. There is no “right” way to dance, so it is easy for anyone to do. The important thing is that you close your eyes, focus on the beat of the music and let your mind wander freely.

NLP hypnosis techniques

How can you change someone’s life in just one week? UK Life Coach Tracy Giffen thinks she knows how. “Out goes the sergeant major approach of intimidation and bullying, crawling through mud and dawn marches,” she explains. “In comes inspiring fitness coaching making you feel motivated like never before and neuro-linguistic programming so the mind and body change together to deliver lasting results.” The process she speaks of is known as neuro linguistic programming (NLP) and it is beginning to take hold, not just in England but also in medical clinics, workout centers and workshops across the United States.

NLP was developed in the early seventies at the University of California at Santa Cruz. Scientists Richard Bandler and John Grinder were hoping to answer the question: “What makes people effective and successful?” One aspect of the study focused on language and how happy, successful individuals communicated. By analyzing how communication affected behavior, researchers were able to find some patterns. They found that certain words connected directly with people’s senses, emotions and memories. Often in NLP hypnosis, a patient will be put into a state of trance and told a story. In that story, vivid imagery will be used; for example a beautiful blue lake, white puffy clouds or a clear flowing stream. It is believed that these images will aid in their relaxation, imagination and transformation.

If you don’t think this works, then try thinking of a “rushing waterfall” or “dripping faucet” the next time you want to urinate. It works every time! In that instance, your thoughts are having a direct effect on your bodily functions and behavior. Joe Dispenza, chiropractor, researcher and author of “What the Bleep Do We Know,” studied the idea of mind over matter for years before he was given the ultimate test; a debilitating injury from a serious accident. He opted to pass up medical treatment and focus on the healing power of the mind and NLP hypnosis techniques. Sure enough, he returned to his normal activities within weeks. He is not alone on this. Even though medical science has not proven the underlying cause of these miracles, Dr. Dispenza believes it is only a matter of time before neuro linguistic programming becomes a serious science.

Neuro linguistic programming is big business in the United States. Workshops, seminars, e-books, audio tapes, DVDs and hypnosis sessions are all in a day’s work for the busy NLP therapist. It’s been used to help athletes prepare for the big game, to help patients get over phobias, to encourage weight loss in obese people, to train business professionals to be more successful and to cure physical afflictions. While the power of positive thinking has not been scientifically verified, many patients swear by the positive results they have seen in their lives.

Hypnosis techniques

The term “hypnosis” stems from the Greek word “hypnos,” meaning “sleep.” Hypnotherapy employs a number of techniques that create a feeling of deep relaxation in patients, which then leads to an altered state of consciousness known as a trance. Therapists use hypnosis techniques to open a gateway into the mind, where they can actually influence people on how to change their embedded behaviors. While it has not been proven beyond reasonable doubt, a number of patients have reported the use of hypnosis sessions to quit smoking, lose weight, overcome obstacles in their marriage and find a sense of empowerment.

In a hypnotherapy session, the patient’s body relaxes, blood pressure decreases, heart rate decreases, oxygenation of the blood increases and brain wave activity may be altered. By contrast, the mind becomes more attentive, more focused and more awake. While patients are in this deep concentration, they are more in touch with their emotional side, the left and right brain hemispheres are communicating better, mental gatekeepers open up and they are highly responsive to suggestion. A patient may be given a list of reasons to stop smoking or convinced to eat smaller portions. Perhaps a series of coping mechanisms can be directed into the subconscious realm to help a person calm down and overcome anxiety, anger disorders, stress or depression.

Hypnosis therapy is used to treat a wide host of ailments from mental to physical. Most recently, researchers discovered that the mind plays an important role in pain management, particularly with cancer patients or those undergoing surgery. Studies show that hypnosis meditation can lessen one’s need for medication and shorten recovery time. Thinking negative thoughts can lead to stress, which has powerful ramifications on the body.

It can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle, create a cold sore, make a person ill with a cold, disrupt sleep patterns, generate ulcers, facilitate hair loss, exacerbate psoriasis, lead to heart disease and contribute to obesity. Today, hypnosis sessions are used in treating obesity, asthma, anxiety, pain, sleep walking, thumb sucking, nail biting, smoking, inflammatory bowel disease, insomnia, addiction, warts, bedwetting, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, psoriasis, acne, migraines, stress, tinnitus, cancer pain, obesity, anorexia, bulimia, indigestion, phobias, depression and the pain of childbirth.

For hypnotherapy training, most people obtain a doctorate degree in medicine or psychology. Others receive a master’s in social work, psychology or therapy and have at least 20 hours of ASCH-approved hypnotherapy training. Six to eight week courses provide licenses to mental health professionals as well. To find a professional who practices hypnotherapy, one can look at a number of websites, including: The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis at www.asch.net, The Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis at www.sceh.us/index.htm or The American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists at www.aaph.org.

Ericksonian hypnosis

Breathing coaches, yoga instructors and doctors are nothing new to pregnant women. However, many mothers-to-be are now adding a hypnotherapist to their pre-natal planning. Hypnosis sessions aid in conditioning the mind to deal with stress and pain management better to ensure a more positive labor experience. “Hypnobirthing” founder Marie F. Mongan explains, “We will help you prepare for the birth your plan and want for yourselves and your baby, rather than the birth that someone else directs. We will help you look forward to your pregnancy and birthing with joy and love, rather than fear and anxiety.”

Pregnant women may need to find a hypnotherapist to help assist with the painful birthing process. Sure, everyone knows how to breathe, yet in times of great peril or pain, these psycho-somatic techniques can quickly be forgotten, leaving many women gasping for air or hyperventilating. Lamaze Breathing Techniques conjure up images of husband and wife in a yoga classroom setting, with the wife practicing healthy breathing patterns and the husband supportively going along with it. Similarly, one of the most common hypnosis techniques used to induce people into a state of trance is, in fact, relaxation breathing. Therefore, it makes sense that women would adopt some hypnotherapy training methods to help them relax through deep breaths of fresh air.

In addition to breathing, a pregnancy hypnotherapist can help the woman center on her physiological processes to aid in the birth process and find a sense of inner peace. Often times, maternal anxiety can cramp up the muscles, making the birth more difficult and painful. By relaxing and fixating on deeply embedded positive imagery, a woman will ease the baby out. It is believed that stored images and sensations with emotional attachments can actually trigger the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which naturally relieves pain and diminishing anxiety. Thus, the hypnosis techniques that have been practiced will come back during labor and assist the mother in having a smoother childbirth.

To find a hypnotherapist specializing in hypnobirthing, one can go to www.hypnobirthing.com/findaprac.htm to search for practitioners by state or even by country. Another good site to check out is www.natboard.com, which lists licensed, certified hypnotherapists of all types, including those for childbirth. Women may also choose to buy a hypnosis CD to guide them in the comfort of their own home. At www.gentlebirth.org, there are a number of resources to read up on hypnobirthing. The “Hypnobabies Home Study Course” (www.hypnobabies.com) for $139.99 is also highly recommended for mothers who cannot afford $400 for a course.

Hypnosis training

Hypnotherapists can treat clients for a wide range of medical disorders from asthma, depression and bedwetting to cancer pain, eating disorders and gastrointestinal problems. One would think that someone with so much power over the human body would need a full college degree and medical training. However, since hypnosis techniques are found to be completely safe, certification is not heavily regulated in the United States. While medical hypnotherapy training is possible and helps lend credence to the profession, it is not absolutely necessary, which is why so many people want to learn how to hypnotize someone else.

Hypnotherapists are, first and foremost, self-motivated entrepreneurs. They are also naturally positive people who have a strong desire to help others. Since the job itself is so flexible, many therapists start off part-time, seeing people on the weekends or evenings while building a client base. They may team up with healing centers, physical therapy offices, counselors, reiki yoga centers or acupuncture clinics to gain business. Marketing and networking are central to the success of a hypnotherapist. Some professionals run home offices to keep overhead costs down, while others gain employment at a hypnosis center. Later, experienced specialists usually branch off to hold weekend workshops and retreats, teach classes or offer group sessions. Some even take their talents to the stage.

It can take twelve to eighteen months for new hypnotherapists to gain recognition in their communities. Many hours will be spent handing out business cards, hanging up flyers, advertising online and networking with local affiliates. Initially, it can be tough to make money solely off hypnosis sessions, so it is important that newcomers try to keep costs as low as possible and spend the rest of their hours marketing. There are also weekend seminars and 50+ hour certification courses offered that can help a professional distinguish him or herself from the masses. In many cases, a person can gain “hypnotherapy certification” with just four hours of hypnosis training. The more experience aspiring hypnosis therapists have, the more confident they will be in opening their doors to clients.

In recent years, hypnosis techniques have been turning a lot of heads, as the medical value and the psychological value is being recognized. This is a great opening for people who are interested in the inner workings of the mind but may not have the money to attend medical school. There are many different approaches to the subject of hypnosis. Some focus on the medical effects like pain management, while others approach it from a life coach type perspective. Hypnotherapists should generally be caring, empathetic, engaged, confident and hardworking entrepreneurs to succeed.

Hypnosis meditation

Clinical hypnotherapy is an amazing study where a person is induced into a state of trance so he or she can better manage painful sensations or emotions. Therapists use this treatment to prepare for surgery, to recover from trauma or to deal with chronic pain related to cancer or something like fibromyalgia. Hypnosis meditation has been a popular study since the seventies, when New Age philosophy bloomed. Yet many maintain that it is this “occult” or “mystical” application that hurts the credibility of hypnosis as a legitimate scientific study.

Let us look at the application of clinical hypnotherapy to treat chronic pain such as fibromyalgia or cancer patients. In one study, 35 cancer patients were assigned to three groups: clinical hypnosis, cognitive behavioral training and placebo (Syrjala, 1992). During hypnosis, patients were relaxed and received a post hypnotic suggestion to reduce pain, nausea and anxiety, while given healing phrases and imagery aimed at helping them cope. The behavioral therapy group was relaxed and explored the meaning of their illness, while working toward cognitive restructuring. The placebo group saw a normal physician/therapist. Compared to the other two groups, the hypnosis group saw a significant decrease in pain and used less medication.

Another type of clinical hypnotherapy is known as “hypnoanesthesia,” a practice which dates back to the 1800s, before modern day anesthesia was developed. In 1990, researcher Eron Grant Manusov found that hypnoanesthesia (without chemical induction) is feasible in only 10-16% of the population, but works surprisingly well in suggestible patients. Other tests showed that patients given chemical anesthesia were able to receive hypnotic suggestions while in a state of trance, so that they had reduced hospital stays, needed less medication and required less anesthesia in future procedures.

A 2005 clinical hypnotherapy study done at the University of Iowa found similar findings using magnetic resonance imaging, that there is “reduced activity in areas of the pain network and increased activity in other areas of the brain.” The primary sensory cortex, the brain’s pain center, showed limited functioning. On the other hand, the left anterior cingulate cortex and the basal ganglia lit up with overwhelming activity. The left anterior cingulate cortex is the area of the brain associated with heart rate, blood pressure, reward anticipation and decision making processes. The basal ganglia, which are a group of nuclei in the brain, comprise the motor control, cognition and learning center of the brain. No wonder clinical hypnosis can change a person’s beliefs and behaviors! The researchers concluded that these regions may be an inhibition pathway to block pain signals from reaching higher cortical areas responsible for pain perception. The limitation of hypnosis techniques is that it’s believed only 10% of the population is highly hypnotizable, another 80% may be hypnotizable and another 10% cannot be hypnotized at all.