Hypnosis

The

Encarta Encyclopedia defines hypnosis as,"altered state of consciousness and

heightened responsiveness to suggestion; it may be induced by normal persons

by a variety of methods and has been used occasionally in medical and psychiatric

treatment.   Most frequently brought about through actions of an operator, or

"hypnotist", who engages the attention of a subject and assigns certain tasks

to him or her while uttering monotonous, repetitive verbal commands; such tasks

may include muscle relaxation, eye fixation, and arm leviation.   Hypnosis also

may be self-induced, by trained relaxation, concentration on one's own breathing,

or by a variety of monotonous practices and rituals that are found in many

mystical, philosophical, and religious systems."   Another generally reliable

source Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary defines it as,"a sleep

like condition psychically induced, usually by another person, in which the

subject loses consciousness but responds, with certain limitations, to the

suggest

ions of the hypnotist."   As I stated earlier, these two sources are

very reputed and the general population believes that they are correct.   Yet,

however often they may be correct, in this case they are not, or at least not

completely.   Not according to the scientific community at least.   My sources

for this statement are The World Book Encyclopedia, The Wizard from Vienna:

Franz Anton Mesmer, Applied Hypnosis: An Overview, American Medical Journal,

and Hypnosis: Is It For You?   Although they state it in different ways they

all basically agree that nobody can give a very accurate definition or description

of hypnosis, or hypnosis.   Although some may get the definition partly correct,

the chances of doing so completely are very, very low.   So although I will

probably not be able to give a totally accurate account of hypnosis and its

workings, I will try.  

Although evidence suggests that hypnosis has been

practiced in some form or... [continues]

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