"What Is Hypnosis?" Describe the psychological and physical aspects of hypnosis and discussthe role of relaxation in Hypnotherapy
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Throughout time Hypnosis has been labelled with various definitions, and by some has been seen as mystical and weird. However, as advances have been made in science there has been a slow but significant switch in opinion regarding the aspects of Hypnosis. The American psychologist Clark Hull said of hypnosis,"All sciences alike have descended from magic and superstition, but none have been so slow as hypnosis in shaking off the association of its origin" (Clark Hull, Hypnosis and suggestibility, 1984). Hypnosis is now recognised as a medical therapy with evidence of improved wellbeing in its participants. In a nutshell, hypnosis is when a subject agrees to undergo hypnotherapy, and if suggestible, can be putinto a trance state where the subconscious mind can be unlocked and the conscious mind takes a back seat for a while causing the subject to become completely relaxed. During this phase the mind is more open to positive suggestions.
For Hypnotherapy to take place the individual undergoing the therapy needs to be suggestible. This means that the client is not only willing to participate in the therapy, but also has belief in the treatment and its possible positive results for them. Several experiments have been carried out to substantiate this theory, for example by Solomon Ash. In his study a willing subject was asked to participate in what appeared to be a simple line-judging test along with 7 other subjects. All were shown 3 lines of varying lengths and asked to match the single given line to the correct one out of the other 3. This seems like an easy task, however the subject was unaware that the other 7 participants were actors who were all told to give the incorrect answer. After a few rounds of experiment questions, with the actors knowingly giving the wrong answer, the subject also continued to give the same, incorrect answer as the others. Even though the genuine participant knew it was incorrect, they went along with the group. This is known as conforming. This Human nature to conform is key when it comes to Hypnotherapy, because if the subject has an expectancy for positive results, they will be more willing to suggestions from the therapist, and therefore it is more likely for the therapy to achieve a result.
During successful Hypnosis, the subject, or client, must access their subconscious. In order to do this they must become totally relaxed, relaxedmaybe to a greater extent than they have ever been before. When we ask someone how they like to relax, some will say that they never do. Others may say a nice glass of wine and a good book, or watching soaps on television curled up on the sofa snuggled under a duvet helps them relax. All of these are credulous answers, however in order to access our powerful subconscious we need to reach a deeper state of relaxation. Many of us feel that we never relax, and therefore never reach this deeper state. In reality all of us delve in and out subconscious on most days without even realising it. For example, on reaching the destination of a journey, you may not remember parts during the journey apart from getting in the car at the start, and opening the door at the end. This is totally normal and I have done this on many occasions. It is easily explained. In instances such as this, the subconscious takes over, and for a while you are on autopilot while driving along. You have learnt how to drive and your subconscious remembers all this. If however a car pulled out or you had to stop suddenly, the conscious mind jumps back in automatically and takes over to avoid any danger.
The subject may experience significant changes both psychologically and physically during hypnosis. Each individual reacts differently and their experiences distinct from others during therapy.When a subject enters into a hypnotherapy session they will experience different levels of consciousness and will experience different aspects of hypnosis within these levels. Psychological aspects of hypnosis, due to advances in science and technology, can now be monitored by measuring the brain's activity. Types of brain waves detectable during each level of consciousness can be measured using a machine called an electroencephalograph (EEG). Records suggest that the first EEG was recorded in 1929 by Hans Berger, representing the first brain waves ever recorded. There are four types of brain wave, firstly Beta Waves, which occur at 15 - 40 cycles per minute and are typical of someone engaged in a heated debate or teaching a class. Secondly Alpha Waves which occur from 9 - 14 cycles per minute. These are slower that beta waves and occur in a slightly more relaxed state, for example when craft making, doing a crossword and also in lighter hypnosis. Thirdly, Theta waves which occur at 4 - 8 cycles per minute, and are present when dreaming, self meditation or hypnosis. Theta waves are associated with the subconscious mind where our thought and behaviour patterns are stored. As mentioned earlier, when driving, often we are in this stage where the majority of our brain waves are theta waves. Often good ideas come from these journeys as we assess past experiences during this stage of consciousness. Delta waves are the fourth type of brain wave we experience. These occur at 1 - 4 cycles and are produced in our subconscious mind when we are in thedeepest state of rest. No other waves are active during this state. Brain waves never go down to zero, as this would be a brain dead state, however, dreamless sleep consists of a low brain wave frequency of 2-3 cycles per minute. Commonly, waves seen in a hypnotised client would be of the alpha and theta waverange, which enables the client and the hypnotherapist to access the subconscious mind.
Brain wave activity is also directly linked to the body's levels of consciousness. Within these levels, the body will experience many different aspects of hypnosis, varying from person to person. For example, beta brain waves represent an alert level of consciousness and as such the body would be fully awake and ready for any normal everyday task. Alpha waves may correspond to daydreaming or a light trance state. In this state the body is less responsive, breathing and pulse is slower, and the individual may or may not respond to conversation. Moderate trance and deep trance states are the two levels of consciousness related to the theta brain waves where the powerful subconsciouscan be accessed and suggestibility is at its highest level of effectiveness. The body will also experience many aspects of hypnosis such as loss of awareness of surroundings, increased awareness of bodily functions (for example, breathing, heightened senses, limpness or stiffness of limbs, and narrowing of attention). Vivid imagery and a feeling of sleepiness may also be experienced, and often the subject may feel totally detached from the outside world, or in some cases, totally the opposite.
Relaxation is a key component in reaching the necessary state of brainwave activity and level of consciousness for hypnosis.Relaxation can be reached using various techniques. Some of these techniques can be dated back to 2000 B.C. An example of one of these techniques isProgressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). This technique is commonly carried out using a script previously drawn up by the therapist.PMR involves creating a calm and comfortable environment where the client can completely relax. The therapist can then encourage the client to relax their entire body. The hypnotherapist will talk the client through the successive relaxation of parts of their body, often starting at the top of the head, then running through each part of the body, and relaxing every muscle down towards the tips of their toes whilst concentrating on the natural rhythm of their breathing. When the client is fully relaxed, the therapist will encourage the client to find their very own special safe place and allow them to enjoy this space, which is free from all everyday surroundings and needs. After some time the client is brought back to full alertness. This is carried out gradually and usually in steps, gradually introducing stimuli such as surrounding noises until the client has regained full awareness once more.
During the relaxation experience, which usually leads to a hypnotic state, the body also experiences physical aspects of hypnosis. These occur alongside the psychological aspects previously described. The body commonly slows down. Physical aspects such as breathing and heart rate will reduce in rate, and blood pressure will also reduce as the subject becomes more and more relaxed. A feeling of rigidness and immobility may also occur and an inability to move ones limbs may result due to intense relaxation and the subject’s concentration on the experience they want to embrace.Tingling in the toes, fingers or other parts of the body is also common and completely normal during hypnosis. When the body is deeply relaxed, organs, muscles and cells such as those in the brain can recharge and this is why the subject can gain true benefits from this type of deep relaxation.Similarly to when we have experienced extensive physical exercise, the body welcomes a well-earned rest. Our muscles and joints must rest in order to recharge after hard work. Likewise, our brain also needs recharging, and it does this through deep relaxation achieved through hypnotherapy. Therefore relaxation as you can appreciate is key to the whole process of hypnotherapy because without it, the body would not be able to access the levels of consciousness necessary to reach the powerful subconscious, the area of the brain where real progress can be made. Once the subconscious has been accessed the therapist can plant the vital positive suggestions that will hopefully transform the subjects life and achieve the results they are seeking.

In conclusion, I feel that Hypnosis can be a very powerful tool, and through advances in science and knowledge of the human mind some of the myths surrounding it are being disposed of, hence, boosting confidence in the credibility of hypnosis as a rightful contender for alternative therapy. Hypnosis is by no means a modern day concept and as a Christian myself, I draw great comfort from Genesis 2.21, which says, ".and the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept". Although Hypnosis is not directly mentioned, I feel that this may have been the case. Also I have thoughts to whether Jesus may have used basic techniques of hypnotism, the bible says "And there was within the synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the holy one of God. And Jesus rebuked him saying, hold thy peace and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with aloud voice, he came out of him." (Mark 1:23 - 6).
When used correctly and appropriately,hypnosis will bring positive life changing benefits to the individual entering into the therapy sessions. I believe that hypnosis is effective because it can cause individuals to access the subconscious very quickly, and unlock anything from the subject’s history, and things that our conscious mind cannot or chooses not remember. Therefore by unlocking this deeper level, depending on the level of suggestibility of the subject, the hypnotherapist can plant positive solutions and pathways to enable the subject to move forward in life with a more positive feel about themselves and their surroundings. In some cases ending phobias and addictions such as a dread of spiders or addiction to smoking. Quicker results mean a much better quality of life for the subject, and less disruption to everyday tasks and routines. This inevitably promotes a more positive inner wellbeing. All in all, I feel very excited about the prospect becoming a hypnotherapist myself. Being able to help others in a way that I most likely would not be able to do sowithout the aid of hypnosis to access the all powerful, all knowing subconscious is a wonderful prospect.