The basic methods of hypnosis involves
progressive relaxation, affirmations, are programming using
different positive affirmations and creative visualization.
Once the subject is induced into hypnosis, it is very easy
to take them second time provided you include trigger words
like, "Every time you go into hypnosis you will go even more
deeper into the deep state of relaxation and when I say sleep
now you will go into deep relaxation instantly." The purpose
and goal of taking the subject into hypnosis should be very
clear before attempting the exercise of hypnosis.
Some of the other methods are:
Pendulum Method : Here a pendulum made out of brass,
non metal or crystal is used. The person is made to follow
the sway of the pendulum keeping it about one feet away from
the eyes and 6 inches above direct gaze. Suggestions like,
"As you observe the pendulum swing, your eyes will become
heavier and heavier and at the count of three you shall close
your eyes and go into a deep state of relaxation" are given.
Most probably the subjects would blink at the beginning but
eventually their eyes would become tired and they would not
be able to keep the eyes fixed on the swinging object. This
would result in hypnosis. Even after they close their eyes
it is very important to keep on saying, " With very breath
you are becoming more and more relaxed and going deeper and
deeper into a total state of relaxation" otherwise the subject
could come out easily.
Gaze Fixation : Subject can be made to fix his gaze
on a shiny object held 2 feet away or at the palm of the therapist
or even at the eyes of the hypnotist. Once the fixation is
complete affirmations like, "As you observe the object or
my eyes (whichever is applicable) you are becoming more and
more relaxed, your breathing is becoming deeper. Your eyelids
are becoming more and more heavier and you are going into
total relaxation".
This is a powerful method and the hypnotist while asking someone
to look into his eyes might sometimes get hypnotized which
is exactly the reverse of what the hypnotist intended.
This ability can be strengthened by practicing Yogic technique
Trataka which involves observing a candle for 10-15 minutes
daily without blinking the eyes or till tears roll down. This
makes the person very powerful with piercing eyes and most
of the people will not be able to see into your eyes. Trataka
can also be practiced by constantly gazing at the moon and
the early morning sun to increase psychic powers.
Hyperventilation Technique: This is an old technique
used by the hypnotists in the last century where the subject
is made to take a deep breath and hold it for some time and
then made to exhale rapidly. Due to fast exhalation carbon
dioxide levels decrease leading to dizziness. The hypnotist
says, "As you breathe in and out your head will become lighter
and lighter". Further subsequent deepening affirmations can
be given.
Placebo Technique: For difficult clients this is a
disguised technique where a sugar pill is given to the subject
and is told, " As you take this special hypnotic pill, you
will start feeling drowsy and sleepy". Say it 2-3 times in
a soothing, polite demeanor since some clients do not like
authoritative affirmations. After 30 minutes observe the subject
and affirm" Your eyes are red and you are going into a deep
state of relaxation, you are hardly able to keep your eyes
open". Generally they go into a deep state of relaxation immediately.
Hand Levitation Method : This can be done by instructing
the subject to keep their eyes fixed on any object in front
of them as described before (refer to gaze fixation) and affirm,
"As you watch the object your right hand is becoming lighter
and lighter. just brush away all thoughts from your mind and
shift all your focus on the object and without any effort
your right palm will become lighter and lighter as if it is
tied to a gas balloon and move towards your face. When it
touches your cheeks it will drop down with a thud as if a
wet cloth is thrown on the floor and you will close your eyes
and go into deep state of relaxation". Affirmations have to
be continuously said as it takes 15-20 minuets to achieve
this. Patience and endurance on the part of the hypnotist
is the key to success of this method.
Three Finger Technique : The subject is made to close
his eyes and the hypnotist places his thumb on the centre
of the forehead between the eyebrows ( third eye) and 2 fingers
on the skull. He then gives the affirmation, "As you put all
your focus on your forehead your breathing is becoming deeper
and deeper and you are going into a state of deep relaxation".
Once the subject is under trance he can be taken deeper by
further giving him suggestions to visualize a ten-flight staircase
and affirming, "With every step you will go deeper and deeper
into the trance. The hypnotist can even start counting backwards
from 10-1 slowly and simultaneously affirming that with every
count the subject will go deeper and deeper. All the muscles
are getting relaxed making the subject feel heaviness in the
arms, legs and other parts of the body. These suggestions
would make the technique very effective.
If a blue colored light is lit in the room where hypnosis
is conducted, it helps to induce the alpha state of mind much
faster and quicker.
