What Does Hypnosis Involve?
There are several steps in the hypnosis process, including an induction and deepener to enter a hypnotic state.
These processes most often involve deep relaxation and visualisation, although this is not necessary to enter a hypnotic state.
It has been found in many studies that active-alert hypnosis can also be very effective for inducing states such as increased awareness as well as other altered states.
What is Active-Alert Hypnosis?
The notion of active-alert hypnosis was shown by Dr Eva Banyai in her 1973 doctoral dissertation where she had subjects pedal a stationary bicycle.
While they pedalled, they were given hypnotic suggestions of activation and alertness.
They were told to pay attention to the feelings in their legs, to the automatic movement, to their energy, and to their inner peace.
Banyai called this kind of hypnotic state “active-alert hypnosis.”
If you’d like to learn more about Banyai’s research, I’ve included a link at the bottom of this article.
What Happens During Hypnosis?
Well, if we boil it down, what we’re doing during hypnosis is entering into a highly focused, suggestible state.
When in this state, we can embed positive suggestions, visualise success, address unhelpful thought patterns and alter negative habits in our lives. All of these can lead to positive behaviour change within our lives.
During hypnosis, our attention becomes highly focused and our level of awareness to external stimuli decreases. A lot of research has shown that many changes take place in the brain – for example, changes to our brain wave patterns, blood flow and activity in certain areas.
Further Information
Read more about Banyai's study on active-alert hypnosis here