Hypnosis, Biofeedback, Meditation & Yoga Chapter 7.d May 2015

Take a look at Page 191 – ‘Not feeling the Pain:’  What do you think? Could you do that?  Surgery without anesthesia sounds like a trick, but it can & has been done using Hypnosis. A form of altered consciousness in which people become highly suggestible to a change in their behavior & thoughts.  You can only be hypnotized if you want to – FREE WILL

A hypnotic trance is not ‘sleeping.’ During hypnosis the ‘subject’ is capable of focusing their attention on one tiny aspect of reality & ignoring all other inputs. – One of the key aspects is TRUST This relationship is based on it & the concept of COOPERATION

SEVERAL THEROIES: Barber argues that hypnosis is not a special state, but simply the result of suggestibility. Hilgard states people are very suggestible, they go along with the hypnotist & do not initiate activities themselves. Green states hypnosis is based on the importance of suggestibility. Sarbin & Coe argue that hypnotized people react the way they do because they have accepted the role of being hypnotized. OVERALL the FACTS State: Hypnosis does reveal that people often have potential abilities that they do not use.

What can we do with ‘Hypnosis:’ Form of entertainment “waddle & quack like a duck.” Post-hypnotic Suggestion – Tell subjects to Forget or Remember something. Hypnotic Analgesia – Reduction of Pain. Hypnotherapy – Reveal Problems or Gain Insight into patients.

BIOFEEDBACK: Technique in which a person learns to control his/her internal physiological processes with the help of mechanical feedback. – EEG – Heart Rate – Blood Pressure – Skin Temperature – Sweat-gland activity

MEDITATION: When a person focuses his/her attention on an image or thought with the goal of clearing their mind & producing relaxation or inner peace. There are three (3) Major Approaches:

Transcendental: – Involves the mental repetition of a Mantra, usually a Sanskrit phrase. You sit with your eyes closed & meditate for minutes, twice a day. Mindfulness: – Move your focus through your body; from the tips of your toes to the top of your head, while paying close attention to areas that cause pain.

Breath: – Concentration on one’s respiration Process of Inhaling & Exhaling Researchers generally agree that meditation can benefit some people; from the aspect of systematic relaxation that meditation provides. – It has been found to lower blood pressure, heart rate & respiration.

YOGA In general it is a Physical, Mental and Spiritual discipline. It can help you focus, build physical agility, flexibility in the spine, relaxation and core strength. It can also help reduce stress. It can be used as an exercise program & a physical therapy routine.