Seeds for Change Wellness
Hypnosis Leads to Heightened Brain Waves and Levels of Consciousness
Hypnosis Leads to Heightened Brain Waves and Levels of Consciousness
Source: Natural News Author: Steve G. Jones, M.Ed August, 2009
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.
Sources:
Densky, A.B. (2009). How hypnosis works: The strange phenomena of the hypnotic state. Retrieved on
August 14, 2009: http://www.disabled-world.com/medic...
Ortiz, J.E. (1986). Using electrophotography as a biofeedback vehicle for registering changes in hypnotic
induced states. Retrieved on August 14, 2009: http://www.infinityinst.com/article...
"The Four Brain States." Tools for Wellness. Retrieved on August 14, 2009: www.toolsforwellness.com
About the author
Steve G. Jones, M.Ed. has been practicing hypnotherapy since the 1980s. He is the author of 22 books
on Hypnotherapy. Steve is a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, American Board of
Hypnotherapy, president of the American Alliance of Hypnotists, on the board of directors of the Los
Angeles chapter of the American Lung Association, and director of the Steve G. Jones School of Clinical
Hypnotherapy.
Steve G. Jones, M.Ed. is a board certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. He has a bachelor's degree in
psychology from the University of Florida (1994), a master's degree in education from Armstrong Atlantic
State University (2007), and is currently working on a doctorate in education, Ed.D., at Georgia Southern
University. Learn more at: http://www.betterlivingwithhypnosis...