Subconscious Power : Depth of Hypnosis
It is a fact that in every day of our lives we go into a trance-like state – when we drive, when we watch a movie, or when we read a book. It is during these times that we get lost in the moment for a while and are not aware of what had been going on around us. This similar experience is very crucial in hypnosis. It is during these early phase wherein the hypnotherapist may be guided if he needs to deepen the trance or may proceed with the session.
Those who are already experts in the field of hypnosis may be already accustomed to the state when their subject is already in a deep trance that they really do not pay that much attention to certain signs of their subject’s hypnotic depth during the session. They already have that keen perception if the subject is in a very deer trance or not. However, those beginning to put interest in practicing hypnosis should take note of indicators of deep trance.
Being put in a trance is usually depicted as the subject stumped down on his chair with eyes closed. This may be one indication that the subject is already in a hypnotic stage. But there are several other indicators of how deep have the subject gone in the trance. Commonly cited indicators are stillness, change in breathing pattern, a pallid or waxen complexion, eye movement similar to REM (rapid eye movement), fluttering eyelid, swallowing or gulping, increased lachrymation (shedding of tears), and redness around the eyes.
Aside from these indicators, there are also some tests which can be used to determine the depth of hypnosis. One test is by lifting the subject’s arm. If it falls limply, it is a good indication that the subject is already relaxed and may become a means of further deepening the trance by suggesting that as the subject’s hand falls down, the deeper relaxation he will be in. There is also a test known as catalepsy, which is a condition wherein the muscles become rigid and posture is fixed. In hypnosis, catalepsy is usually takes place in the subject’s arm, leg or even the eyelids.
One must take note though that the indicator of the depth of hypnosis varies per individual. Aside from guiding the hypnotherapist in what to do next, knowing how deep in the trance the subject is in is an indication of his willingness and cooperativeness in the process. It also gives the hypnotherapist a boost thus performing better in the process.
