Hypnosis is a mental state or set of attitudes which is induced by the procedure called hypnotic induction. Basically it consists of a series of preliminary suggestions and instructions. Hypnotic suggestions are given in two ways. One delivered by a hypnotist in the presence of the subject and the other self administered. When hypnotism is used for therapeutic purposes it is called 'hypnotherapy'.
Both the words 'hypnosis' and 'hypnotism' are derived from the term 'neuro-hypnotism'. It is coined by the Scottish physician and surgeon James Braid around 1841. There is a misconception regarding the process, that it is a form of unconsciousness resembling sleep. But research proves that it is a wakeful state of focused attention. It is a psychological process in which the stimulation of creative faculties takes place and a type of concentrated thinking, feeling and understanding is established.
There are four major brain wave patterns, i.e. frequency of electrical impulses firing from the brain, identified through the data collected by EEGs. The Beta state is alert and working; the Alpha, relaxed and reflecting; the Theta, drowsy; and the Delta, sleeping, dreaming or deep sleep. According to the physiological definition of hypnosis, the brainwave level necessary to work on matters like quitting smoking, reducing weight, eradicating phobias, improving sports performance etc. is the Alpha state. It is normally associated with closing one's eyes, relaxing and day dreaming.
The Theta state is needed for therapeutic change and is associated with hypnosis for surgery, to numb sensation of pain and to reduce sensitivity to pain. It should also be noted that reading, meditating and watching television are also forms of the process. There are many hypnotists who claim that they can hypnotize anyone. The concept that strong willed people cannot be hypnotized is vehemently refuted by them. They base their argument on the fact that those who are most intelligent are also the most creative. As such they are the ones who respond well and make strong associations with the structure of the language used by the hypnotist.
There is a strong co relation between the ease of putting someone in a state of trance and his level of suggestibility. A person in such a trance may accept statements as true which normally he or she would reject. Hypnosis is widely used in the field of medicine, education, skin treatment, forensic sciences, entertainment etc.
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