The Different Stages of Hypnosis

It has to be stressed that hypnosis is changing the state of the mind. It is a form of mental conditioning. There are various stages to the process, and only an experienced hypnotist can distinguish between these stages easily.

Various Stages of Hypnosis

Hypnosis has mystified the common man for eons and has unraveled many of the mysteries of the human mind. It can be explained as a potent means of reprogramming the subconscious mind to achieve positive and beneficial change.

In scientific terms, the brain shifts from a beta state to an alpha state of brain wave activity. This state can be physically perceptible as a relaxed feeling. On reaching this state of mind, new behavior begins to appear in the hypnotized person. These changes occur directly in the subconscious mind, which accounts for most of our behaviors.

It is often wondered whether hypnosis works for everyone. It does work for all, but the results vary depending on the various individuals. Also, the time taken to get the desired result is up to the individual. Hypnosis is used mainly as an option to solve problems. People go to hypnotists for this purpose.

Hypnosis has three main stages and the hypnotist may use one or more of these stages to solve the patient’s problems. The most important thing is to understand the various stages involved.

The first stage of hypnosis has been variously described as hynoidal stage superficial trance, lethargic hypnotic sleep, preparation, etc.

In this stage, the subject’s attention is narrowed down, but is still aware of his surroundings. The subject is asked to relax and visualize events in the past or future. This is the lightest stage, but requires firm belief in the process. This stage is mostly used to treat addictions. During this stage, the hypnotist can relay suggestions to the subject, who has the freedom to accept the suggestion or ignore it.

The second stage is called medium or hallucinatory state.

This is also called the cataleptic stage. It is much deeper than the first stage. In this stage, all external sensory are blocked out, except the voice of the hypnotist. Sometimes, music may be used to achieve this hypnosis. The subject is asked to remember certain events from the past and then forget them.

The third stage is known as somnambulistic hypnosis.

In this, the subject is completely under the hypnotist’s spell. He will do whatever is asked to be done by the hypnotist. This is the deepest stage and used to access the innermost thoughts and forgotten emotions stored in the subconscious mind.

The hypnotist will come to know which stage to use only after meeting the patient and establishing a rapport. Also, he has to keep in mind the level of the patient’s receptiveness towards hypnosis when treating the patient.