Hypnosis and Meditation

Researchers often debate about the concept of consciousness. Many believe in the existence of a voluntary conscious and also an automatic unconscious element. Another term for voluntary conscious is explicit, and another term for automatic unconscious is implicit. These theorists would contend that both the conscious and unconscious exert influence. For example, studies show that when you meet someone for the first time, you process several levels of information about the person without using conscious thought. Specifically, you would consciously process characteristics like a person's appearance, dress, and voice in a split second. However, much of your overall impression of a new person is actually unconscious. On an unconscious level, you may ask yourself if you trust the person or whether he or she is nice. Many of the conclusions you reach come from unconscious, automatic processing.

If you placed the various states of consciousness on a spectrum, wakefulness would be at one end, sleep on the other, and hypnosis and meditation in the middle. See below the spectrum to learn the definitions of hypnosis and meditation.

Cultural Practices of Meditation

Some people practice meditation to relieve themselves of environmental stressors. Ancient religions have used meditative techniques for thousands of years. While every culture's meditation process focuses on a recurring and tranquil stimulus, methods used often vary. For example, in Hinduism, traditionally yoga is done as a preparation before meditation; similarly, in Buddhism, disciples meditate with yoga techniques to attain a state called nirvana, or enlightenment; in Islam, meditative practices tend to incorporate mystical exercises; and in a branch of Judaism called Kabbalah, followers meditate to become closer to God through visualization.

Hypnosis

What does it mean if something is mesmerizing? The image of something that transfixes you may come to mind. The word “mesmerize” comes from Franz Anton Mesmer (1734 - 1815), who many consider the modern father of hypnosis. He believed that humans had an energy called “animal magnetism,” which he could manipulate to heal others. The popular image we all have of a magician or hypnotist comes from Mesmer. He grew a goatee beard, wore a cape, and used his “magnetic” eyes on subjects. He would sweep his arms over his subjects' bodies in an attempt to increase their magnetic field. The mere suggestion that they were being healed often created positive outcomes and stories of healing. In addition, Sigmund Freud made hypnosis an important practice in his therapy, adding to its popularity. He used hypnosis as one of several tools to access the hidden, unconscious forces that he believed needed to be brought to the surface.

Getting Facts Straight about Hypnosis

A hypnotic state creates heightened suggestibility, deep relaxation, and intense focus. However, people have many misconceptions about hypnosis. In this interactivity, you will discover whether you have common misunderstandings about hypnosis, and what is truly fact versus fiction. Click on the player to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

 

Opposing Theories On Hypnosis

Not only do myths exist about what hypnosis accomplishes, varying theories also have arisen on the subject. The question thus emerges as to whether during hypnosis the mind's state of consciousness becomes altered or not. In this interactivity, you will learn about two theories on hypnosis, the Divided Consciousness Theory and the Social Influence Theory. Click the player to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

 

Hypnosis Review

Now that you have explored facets of hypnosis, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Click the player to get started.