Hypnosis Leads to Heightened Brain Waves and Levels of Consciousness
Many people are wary of hypnosis because they are not educated on the topic. Hypnosis is a natural state and many people reach this state of consciousness every day without even realizing it. When you drive a car, you are in a light state of hypnosis. You are in control, you have an increased ability to concentrate, and you are operating on autopilot without really realizing it. A great deal of research has been conducted on the hypnotic state and various states of consciousness.
Your brain has four different brain wave states: beta, alpha, theta, and delta. While you are reading this article, you are in the state of beta. You are alert and able to concentrate on this article. The beta state is normal wakening state. Alpha state is a relaxed state. You are able to access creativity and visualization. Theta state is a deeper state of relaxation; this is a common state of hypnosis and meditation. Theta allows you to access memories. You experience theta as you fall asleep and wake up every day. Lastly is delta, which occurs while sleeping. Delta allows your body to heal. You are able to access your subconscious mind during alpha, theta, and delta states and can also reach various depths of hypnosis (Tools for Wellness).
Densky (2009) writes about 6 levels of hypnosis. The first level disallows ability to open the eyes under suggestion. The second level allows for arm and hand muscle control through suggestion. Level three is aphasia. Through suggestion the subject is able to block a number or word from memory. The fourth level allows for enhanced recall of past events and light anesthesia can be reached. The fifth level allows a subject to re-live previous experiences. They will also have heightened visual, auditory, and kinesthetic senses. The sixth and last level is the deepest state and through suggestion, a subject can be told to see, feel, hear, smell something that is not there.
There are both scientific and observed evidence of hypnotic states. Ortiz (1986) found through research that the Electrophotographic Biofeedback Aura Camera can show changes in the brain when comparing a hypnotic state to an awakening state. The level of consciousness can be measured and observed by the camera. This device can be used with hypnosis clients to show them how their brain is reacting to hypnotic suggestion.
Research shows there is undeniable evidence of the effect of hypnosis on the brain. There are clear and concise levels of brain waves and levels of hypnotic states. These hypnotic states have been observed and scientifically proven with studies and devices. Research on hypnosis continues to advance and people will become more educated on the topic.