Latest Developments in Brainwave Entrainment

Brainwave Entrainment Can Help You Dramatically Improve Your Mental States & Abilities!

Recently, professionals in the areas of psychology, neurology, medical health and self-help have begun utilizing the power of brainwave entrainment in their work with patients and clients. Advances in the effectiveness of brainwave entrainment have been significant.

What is brainwave entrainment?

It is a relatively young but rapidly growing field that involves the study of how altering brainwaves naturally can allow people to easily enter states of increased intelligence, creativity, relaxation, pure energy and more! Researchers and scientists have found that different bands of brainwaves are associated with different mental states. Scientific studies have shown that brainwaves not only provide insight into an individual’s mind and body, but they can be stimulated to actually change that person’s current state. By causing the brain to produce or decrease specific types of brainwave frequencies, it is possible to bring about a large variety of mental states and emotional reactions.

How does this work?

Here’s the science behind this incredible breakthrough: The brain is made up of billions of brain cells called neurons, which communicate with each other using electrical signals. All of these neurons sending signals at once produce a large amount of electrical activity commonly called a Brainwave pattern, because of its “wave” or cyclic-like nature. “Entrainment” is a principle in physics, where two cycles synchronize naturally with each other in order to work more efficiently. Entrainment is applied to chemistry, astronomy, electrical systems and much more – but can also be applied to the brain.

When the brain is provided with a stimulus, through the ears, eyes or other senses, it emits an electrical charge in response. This is called a Cortical Evoked Response. These electrical responses travel throughout the brain to become what an individual sees and hears. When the brain is given a consistent, repeating stimulus, such as drum beats or flashes of light, the brain responds by synchronizing, or entraining, its electric cycles to the external rhythm. This is commonly called the Frequency Following Response (or FFR), and it can be used to effectively alter our brainwave patterns.

In the last 10 years, there have been great advancements in the field of brainwave entrainment as it relates to cognitive functioning. Studies have shown that the brains of many people are actually functioning at low capacity. By targeting the specific brainwave band that is related to states of intense concentration and strong focus, scientists have been able to help individuals improve their academic performance. Entrainment can also be used to induce states of relaxation and even deep states akin to deep meditation. This can have profound benefits for people who are seeking to perform certain types of work, art or even attain certain spiritual states.

Still Wondering Whether Brainwave Entrainment Really Works?

In 1999, the Journal of Neurotherapy published a case study conducted by Thomas Budzynski, Ph.D. In the study Dr. Budzynski used 8 college students who were struggling academically. After undergoing audio-visual brainwave stimulation, the students outperformed a control group and significantly increased their grade point average. The GPA for the 8 students continued to rise even after treatment was discontinued!

Drs. Siegfried and Susan Othmer found that neurofeedback brainwave training in the 15-18 Hz range can produce significant shifts in IQ score, particularly with people who are suffering from ADD/ADHD and other disorders. In cases where the starting IQ value is less than 100, the average IQ increase was 33 points! They also found significant improvements in memory, reading and arithmetic. In a one year follow-up, trainees showed major improvements in self-esteem, concentration and self-expression.

There Are Two Ways to Alter Brainwaves: Binaural Beats and Isochronic Tones

Binaural beats are the most recognized form of brainwave entrainment because it is the earliest. With binaural beats, a slightly different tone is presented into each ear. The tones then combine in the brain to form a pulse or “beat”. The pulse heard by the listener is actually the difference between the two tones. For example, if the left ear is given a tone at 20 hertz and the right ear is given a tone of 30 hertz, then the listener will hear a beat of 10 hertz. And the brain will entrain to that rhythm.

While binaural beats are by far the most used form of brainwave entrainment, other more modern methods are quickly gaining popularity. The most promising of the new methods is Isochronic Tones. Isochronic tones are a somewhat less well known form of entrainment; however, they have proven to be much more effective. Isochronic entrainment uses a single tone that is manually spaced, turning on and off in a precise pattern. This actually enhances the effectiveness of audio entrainment.

Three More Reasons Why Isochronic Tones Are Better Than Binaural Beats:

1) Binaural beats require the use of headphones or special speaker assignments. Isochronic tones do not rely on speaker assignments, and therefore can be used without headphones or any special speaker assignments.

2) Binaural beats are incapable of entraining the brain’s hemispheres individually (because they require both ears). Binaural beats are a disadvantage because many of the modern entrainment protocols used in clinical work currently requires the use of separate stimulation to each ear. This is useful for deep meditation, depression, ADD treatment and cognitive enhancement.

3) Studies have found that binaural beats are not as effective as isochronic tones due to the way brain processes the beats. Dr. Gerald Oster’s, a pioneer in the field of brainwave technology, study of binaural beats concluded that the depth or intensity of the resulting "beat" is only around 3 decibels or 1/10th the volume of a whisper.

The difference between the peaks and troughs in the wave pattern determines the strength of the Cortical Evoked Response. Looking at the binaural beat pattern on a monitor, it is clear that the wave is shallow. The entrainment is harder to detect and leaves only a minor electrical imprint on the brain. Conversely, the isochronic tone pattern shows each pulse as individual and separated. This results in much greater evoked potentials within the auditory cortex of the brain.

Written by T Sebastian

T Sebastian is an author and life coach specializing in helping people break through their patterns and programs to live the life they really want.  To learn more about Brainwave Entrainment visit:  http://gfnproject.com/Introduces/OptiMINDzation Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T_Sebastian

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Brainwave Entrainment and Binaural Beats

Brainwave entrainment is a rapidly growing field that involves the study of how altering brainwaves naturally can allow people to easily enter states of increased intelligence, creativity, relaxation, pure energy and more! Gerald Oster (1973), a biophysicist discovered that when two different frequencies are presented to your brain with the use of audio headphones, the left and right hemispheres begin to work together and we hear the difference between the two frequencies.

Brainwave entrainment is a very promising technology having real life changing power. Brainwave entrainment is technology that enables you to produce brainwave states, while producing their corresponding mental states, at will. Each of these brainwave states can be altered and directed by light or sound pulses due to the brain's own inherent frequency following response. Brainwave entrainment is not some far fetched new age gimmick, it has been proven by clinical study, and has been used by NASA, Fortune 100 companies and leading minds around the world.

Brainwave Entrainment is a scientific method by which you can control and manipulate your brainwave patterns. What brainwave entrainment attempts to do is change the brainwave frequency. It is the process of stimulation. When any aspect of our senses is used, the brain is stimulated and will emit an electrical charge as a sort of response to this stimulation. Brainwave entrainment is creating binaural beats to cause your brainwaves to move towards a specific frequency. This is something your brain does naturally. If your brain is subjected to external rhythms that are the same range as its natural rhythms the brain will eventually respond to the external rhythms and begin producing similar brainwaves.

Brainwave entrainment is an effective, unobtrusive, inexpensive, and mostly unknown technology with a history of 70 years of clinical use. If you are looking for a way to rid yourself of all of life's limitations, brainwave entrainment is definitely something you should look into.

Brainwave entrainment or synchronization is that practice where you can manipulate brain frequencies to match the brainwave state you want. As for example, if you want to induce sound sleep in a person, brainwave entrainment works by changing the brain frequencies to match the dominant brain frequencies that are present during sleep. Brainwaves are naturally occurring in the brain and play a part in all functions. Thousands of individuals safely use brainwave entrainment to influence brainwaves every day.

Brainwave entrainment is a naturally occurring phenomenon where the human brain has a tendency to change its dominant EEG frequency towards the frequency of the dominant external stimuli applied to it. The process of reproducing this entrainment effect using audio technology was discovered in the 19th century, and was scientifically defined and tested in the 20th century. Brainwave entrainment is awesome technology to reprogram the mind. It can be used for meditation, relaxation, inducing sleep, focus, energy or reprogramming the mind with positive thoughts.

Drug companies are the major researchers and research funders in the field of brainwave entrainment. They are not going to sink millions into something that will not provide them with a return on their investment. Drugs aim to have the same affect as brainwave entrainment but effect more than just your brain and develop dependencies and side effects. Brainwave entrainment using binaural beats is quite safe; the only exception being that if you are prone to seizures, you should consult with your physcian before using this technique. The same would be true about using brainwave entrainment with light.

Binaural beats are a type of brainwave entrainment. Basically listening to a binaural beat forces your brain into a certain brainwave frequency which effects your mood and thinking process greatly. This form of brainwave entrainment is creating binaural beats to cause your brainwaves to move towards a specific frequency.

Binaural beats are a product of using two distinct tones. The two tones are very similar. Binaural beats are sound frequencies that are believed to have the ability to bring the listener into altered states of consciousness as well as deep relaxation and meditative states. Binaural beats were first recorded as being studied during the 1930's, however most scientists believe that they were discovered long before the 1930's.

Binaural beats are an interesting phenomenon that has been studied extensively by scientists in the last couple of years. There are two distinct groups of people who have scientific interest in the findings; Neurophysiologists, who study hearing and Protoscientists, who are concerned with the use of these beats for relaxation and various other health benefits for human beings For example, women seemed to experience two separate peaks in their ability to perceive binaural beats- peaks possibly correlating with specific points in the menstrual cycle (onset of menstruation and approx. This data led Oster to wonder if binaural beats could be used as a tool for measuring relative levels of estrogen . Specific states of consciousness can also be learned as adaptive behaviors to demanding circumstances. Binaural beats are not the only way to elicit the frequency following response, as stated above, you can also use light stimulation. Binaural beats are recordings of specific rhythms whereby each specific rhythm is on a different frequency, when they are combined, the difference causes a binaural beat. When you listen to these beats, they cause the rhythm to train your brain waves to work on a consistent level.

Binaural beats are played through headphones and are perceived by the superior olivary nucleus of each hemisphere of the brain. The brain perceives the binaural beat and resonates to its frequency (frequency following response). Binaural Beats are produced in the brain when slightly differing tones are played in each individual ear. For example, if a 300Hz tone is played in the right ear, and a 305Hz tone is played in the left ear, the brain will then produce a third tone resonating at 5Hz (The difference between the two tones). Binaural Beats are no silver bullet - but they do have potential to be useful under the right circumstances. Binaural beats are heard when the right ear listens to a slightly different tone than the left ear. Here, the tones do not interfere physically, but are summed by the brain in the olivary nucleus .

Subliminal recordings usually have no immediate effects, and is doubted if they produce any effects at all. Binaural Beats work immediately, and can be felt upon first use.

Brainwave entrainment using binaural beats can be used by an individual (and in fact is being used every day by many ordinary people) to enhance learning, have more energy, sleep better as well as to combat feelings of depression, anxiety and the like. Can you imagine the value of being able to get rid of feelings of depression by simply putting on a headphones for 30 minutes? How beneficial would it be to be able to increase your energy, concentration, learning, etc so simply?

Lloyd Low is a long time entrepreneur and writer. He is the owner of several web sites and online businesses, including http://www.bizarticlesonly.com One of his joys in life is helping others to succeed. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lloyd_Low

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Brainwave Entrainment - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brainwave Entrainment?

Brainwave Entrainment has been studied extensively for a little over 70 years. It refers to the brain's electrical response to rhythmic sensory stimulation, such as pulses of sound or light. You have probably been using brainwave entrainment to alter your brainwave states without evening knowing. For example the calming effect of gazing into a fire or flame, drumming, listening to certain styles of music or even watching TV.

When the brain is given any stimulus, through the ears, the eyes or any of the other senses, it emits an electrical charge in response. These electrical responses travel throughout the brain to become what you see and what you hear. When the brain is presented with a rhythmic stimulus, such as a sound or a beat for example, the rhythm is reproduced in the brain in the form of these electrical impulses. If the rhythm becomes consistent enough, it can start to resemble the natural internal rhythms of the brain, called brainwaves. When this happens, the brain responds by synchronizing its own electric cycles to the same rhythm.

Is Brainwave Entrainment safe?

Yes. Brainwaves are activated no matter what you do, and certainly no matter what music you listen to.

If you listen to ANY song repeatedly, you are entraining your brain in some way (though the effect is not always permanent, it depends on how emotional the experience is for you).

The difference with self-help entrainment is that it is geared toward a focused result, not just aesthetic enjoyment as most music.

If you have ever experienced a seizure or epilepsy, or have any other ailments that affect the brain, e.g. schizophrenia or bipolar disorder you should consult your doctor before using any kind of assisted brain entrainment.

How often do I need to listen to the CD's?

In order to achieve the best results you need to listen to the CD's on a regular basis. I would recommend you listen at least 4 times per week.

How often will it take for me to notice the effects?

Of course this is variable and will depend on the length of time you have been experiencing a particular problem. However, it is possible for you to notice changes immediately after just one session. If you listen to the recordings on a regular basis as recommended in the previous question, you should see positive changes within 2-4 weeks. When you listen to the recordings on a regular basis your brain starts to produce the frequencies contained in the recordings on its own. Thus providing long lasting and often permanent effects.

Am I able to listen to the tracks whilst driving?

No. It is not recommended that you drive whilst listening to the recordings. It is best to listen to the recordings in a quiet and relaxed setting. However, recordings which are specific for energy improvement, creativity or memory enhancement can listen to the recordings whilst they go about their daily activities

Are there any side effects from brainwave entrainment?

Some people may experience headaches when they first listen to the CDs due to increased blood flow in the brain. Some people also report increased dreaming or more lucid and vivid dreams. For the most part there are no adverse side effects. It is also important to keep well hydrated before and after sessions.

How does Brainwave Entrainment work?

What happens in audio brainwave entrainment is that the brain begins to "follow" the frequency of the pulses of sound. Audio brainwave entrainment uses technology that inserts subtle beats, modulations and pulses into music. When you listen to the music, slight vibrations occur in the ear drum that is then echoed by the brain. The brain then begins to help you change your mental state. For example, if you are anxious you are probably producing too many brain waves of a beta frequency. By listening to recordings containing alpha tones, your brain becomes entrained to these tones and produces more alpha waves which promote feelings of relaxation and calm.

Is Brainwave Entrainment useful for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

If you are a person who suffers from ADHD you probably have issues focusing. Individuals with ADHD have specific brainwave patterns. Through audio brainwave entrainment the person is able to actually speed up their brainwaves so that they can begin to concentrate. The audio causes the left brain to remain dominant so that the person can increase their ability to concentrate, reduce emotional response and also to reduce hyperactivity.

These audio brainwave entrainment increases the beta brainwaves and acts as a "mental workout" of sorts. You are able to increase the electrical activity in the brain, increase the blood flow to the brain, and promote new nerve cell growth in the brain. Individuals can cause major shifts in the brainwave patterns after one short session. However, to change your emotions and behaviors over time you will want to use a series of sessions on a regular basis over several months. 

Eventually, your brain will be trained to produce these same patterns on its own, thus allowing you to have greater control over your ability to concentrate and reduce hyperactivity.

Who else would benefit from using brainwave entrainment technologies?

Everyone can gain some benefit from brainwave entrainment. It is effective for meditation, relaxation, creativity and memory enhancement as well as performance enhancement for sports people.

In addition, brainwave entrainment has shown to be effective for various ailments particularly insomnia, anxiety and stress, pain relief, headaches, fibromyalgia and fatigue, premenstural tension and ADHD.

What is the most effective way to use brainwave entrainment? There are various products available to entrain your brainwaves including software, CD's and MP3 recordings. Check out our website for a range of Brainwave entrainment CDs:  http://www.newage.net.au/prod_brainwave.html Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terrie_Beresford

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Brainwave Entrainment - Binaural Beats - A Brief Introduction

Brainwave entrainment is an effect achieved by listening to two slightly different frequencies of sound in the left ear and the right ear; termed binaural tones. These two similar frequencies are processed by the brain, which in turn creates a third warbling beat, as if the two frequencies merged into one resonating sound within your brain.

The centre of the brain mainly responsible for this are the superior olivary nucleus, a part of the brain stem. This phenomenon is known as the "frequency following" response and was discovered in 1839 by Prussian physicist Heinrich Wilhelm Dove.

This region of the brain is responsible for perceiving three-dimensional sounds in the environment and their motion through space. What are the implications of this 'phantom tone' generated? It has the ability to render you into an altered state. For instance many use binaural beats as a tool eg. to relax, enhance concentration, induce trance, produce deep meditative states, for lucid dreaming, sleep and as a platform for out of body experiences/'astral projection'.

The following chart shows common frequencies occurring in the brain, coinciding with their respective effects on the mind. It is important to note here that this is general rule and does not apply for everyone. For example, in those with a mental illness, such as schizophrenia, it is thought that delta waves are abnormally pervasive during the waking state.

> 40 Hz - Gamma waves...Higher mental activity, perception, problem solving, fear/anxiety

13-40 Hz - Beta waves...Eyes open, active, busy or anxious thinking and active concentration, arousal, cognition

7-13 Hz - Alpha waves...Eyes closed, relaxation (while awake), borderline-sleep and pre-wake, drowsiness, meditative states, lucid dreaming

4-7 Hz - Theta waves...Dreaming, deep meditation, Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep

< 4 Hz - Delta waves...Deep dreamless sleep, loss of body awareness

In a brain not subjected to binaural beats in normal waking state, the data from an EEG would reveal the predominant frequencies in the brain to be in the 13-30Hz range (beta waves). The left and right hemispheres would not be synchronized so one side may have more or less than the other. Of course beta waves would not be the only waves in the brain, simply the most dominant as we all have varying volumes of other waves including a few delta, some theta, some alpha as well as gamma in our waking state.

But it's noteworthy that the dominant waves (in this case the beta waves) have the most influence overall on your mental state than any other; just like music played would lessen the perception of a loud fan, so would the predominant waves in your brain 'drown out' the other frequencies to some degree.

Of course if you were in a deep sleep or in REM the reverse would occur, as 1-7Hz take predominance (delta and theta waves) and the higher frequencies become less and less prominent with beta/gamma waves becoming more or less absent. The left and right hemispheres of the brain would be uneven, just like in the beta wave example.

Visualise the unsynchronized brainwave model as an abacus, each bead representing a quantity of a wave, each rack of wood signifying a wave from gammas all the way down to the deltas. The beads are in a constant state of flux: being pushed back and forth, disregarded entirely or unevenly distributed to the left and right sides. The synchronized brain, in contrast, would be mostly even in the quantity of waves on either side of the left and right hemispheres and in the average person would be dominated by beta/alpha waves in an alert waking state.

By synchronizing both hemispheres, they function synergistically rather than one dominating the other; thereby reducing the power struggle and increasing the efficiency of the brain. Binaural beats aren't the only means of achieving synchronicity between hemispheres, in fact rhythmic sounds such as drum beats or music may achieve the same ends, although you would not be able to program which frequency your brain would follow.

http://binauralresearch.blogspot.com/ BinauralResearch - Resources on advancing the science of brainwave entrainment/hemispheric synchronization and related altered states of human consciousness, including out of body experiences, lucid dreaming, expanded awareness and anything of metaphysical value. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_F

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What is the Most Important Stage in Hypnosis

What is the most important stage in hypnosis? Some people say that utilization is the most important because after preparing the patient, this is where the hypnotist will impart the hypnotic suggestions that will make you person change your behavior once this is triggered.

Utilization is the third of five levels in hypnosis. The others are preparation, induction, deepening and termination that will be explained further later on.

For hypnosis to be effective, the posthypnotic suggestion must be both clear and specific. It can be something verbal or visual so when you see or hear it, you will be able to behave accordingly which again is what the objective of hypnosis is.

But before we can go there, we have to remember that you have to be prepared for the hypnotic session. The hypnotist has to be sure you are up to this kind of therapy otherwise both of you are just wasting your time and you are wasting your money.

The hypnotist will ask you a series of questions and then analyze how far you are willing to go with it. If he or she sees that you are serious, this is when both of you will proceed to the next stage of hypnosis known as the induction.

During the induction, you will be instructed to relax and block everything out. The objective here is to focus all your attention only to the hypnotist.

When this has been achieved, we go to the next level known as the deepening. From the word itself, you go into a deeper state to make you more receptive to the posthypnotic suggestions that will be given during the utilization.

If by chance you make any sudden movement during the deepening, the hypnotist has to start over because this is a sign that the hypnotic suggestion does not work.

To do that, the hypnotist may have to use the same words over again or use a different word. We can only tell if hypnosis was a success later on when you leave the clinic after the hypnotist performs the last level of hypnosis called termination.

In termination, you are brought back to reality. This is done by counting backwards, a clap of a hand or an authoritative command. When you wake up, you are aware of what happened and only time will tell if you are able to achieve your desired goal.

Since the results of hypnosis cannot be considered a success after one session, you will have to come back and undergo subsequent sessions. In most cases, the desired effects may only take place a few days or even several weeks later whenever that situation presents itself.

Remember that the hypnosis session does not change who you are as a person but only certain aspects of your behavior. You know for a fact that the hypnotist who will handle your case will do their best to make this happen so you have to do your share by being open to the idea that this could work in order for you participate actively during the session.

Hypnosis is one way to achieve a desired outcome if nothing else seems to work. The different stages of hypnosis especially utilization are important so you will be able to react accordingly when the session is over. Click here to visit HypnoBusters.

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What Happens During the Stages of Hypnosis

Can hypnosis really change your life? Well the answer is different for each patient. You have to understand first what hypnosis can and cannot do as well understand what happens during the different stages of hypnosis.

Hypnosis has been around for years. Before any patient can receive treatment, the hypnotist has to know first why the patient wants to try it. If during the assessment the doctor realizes that other treatments have not worked and he or she is willing to try it, only then will this technique be performed on the patient.

The first stage of hypnosis is known as induction. Here, the hypnosis will narrow the patient’s attention to the point wherein the sensory impressions are blocked out. This means that the only thing that the patient will hear or see is whatever the hypnotist is showing or saying.

When the patient is ready, it is time to go to the next stage called deepening. Here, the patient will get into the three main stages of hypnosis namely hynoidal, cataleptic and in some cases somnambulistic. Hynoidal is considered a light stage, cataleptic is a deeper state while somnambulistic is the deepest state.

Hypnoidal and cataleptic are effective in helping people improve themselves and change bad habits. The third is used when the patient requires major surgery and prefers not to be injected with anesthesia. This is also used by some for entertainment purposes.

The next level is known as utilization and this is the most important because it is here that patient will be able to achieve their desired goal.

To make this happen, the hypnotist leaves in the mind of the patient a posthypnotic suggestion. When this is triggered, the patient’s behavior is affected. A good example is if the hypnotist has made the client believe that when he or she is in a stressful situation, that person will not have the urge to smoke a cigarette. This can also happen if the person feels depressed and loses the desire to drink. The key here is that the goal has to be clear and specific.

Before the hypnotist can even go to the utilization stage, they have to make sure the patient is ready to accept posthypnotic suggestions. They have to make sure that the patient’s eyes or body does not move and that they are in a relaxed state. If this is not achieved, the hypnotist will not be able to help the patient get what they want after treatment.

Assuming that utilization was completed, this is when both the hypnotist and the patient proceeds to the last stage of hypnosis known as termination. Here, the person is slowly brought back to reality. A few examples of this includes counting backwards, giving an authoritative command like “wake up”, or with a clap of  the hand.

If the patient is receptive to the idea when the suggestion is made, repeating the suggestion or rewording it may be necessary. It is only when the patient is able to accept the suggestion that he or she will be able to formulate the internal process so the desired outcome can be achieved.

There are a lot of things that happen during the different stages of hypnosis. Preparation, implementation and monitoring are all essential so the patient gets the most out of the treatment. Click here to visit HypnoBusters.

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The Three Main Stages of Hypnosis

Hypnosis has been used to treat various problems. In fact, there are three stages of hypnosis and the hypnotist will try one or another to help you.

The first stage of hypnosis is known as a light or lethargic hypnotic sleep. The hypnotist will tell you to relax and make you visualize events that could either be in the past or the future. A good example of this is when athletes are told to imagine winning in an upcoming competition.

The second stage is called medium or hallucinatory state where just like the first, the hypnotist will tell the patient to remember past events and then forget about it. This can also be used to help someone give up an addition like alcohol or drugs.

The third stage is when a person falls into a deep or somnambulistic state. This means that the person has fallen into a deep spell and he or she will do anything that is instructed by the hypnotist. There are three levels here and the first two will make the patient do things that they won’t even remember when they wake up. The third level is only used when the person has to undergo surgery without the use of anesthesia.

Unlike the first 2 stages of hypnosis, the third is rarely used as treatment. This is used for entertainment and a classic example is making a person act like a chicken.

You might be wondering how the hypnotist will know what to use to help the patient. The truth is, they don’t until they are able to meet the patient for the first and establish a rapport with them. You have to remember that hypnosis does not work with everyone which is why it is important to assess the person’s receptiveness to this type of treatment.

One way to determine that is to ask the patient some simple questions such as;

Why do you want to try hypnotherapy?

What do you hope to achieve?

Have you consulted other health professionals regarding your problem?

What was the outcome?

From there, the hypnotist will now begin the process of introducing the patient to hypnosis by beginning the induction. This is done in a quiet room and different words or cues are used to get the patient into the mood. Sometimes, music is also played in the background.

You have to remember that this does not yet mean that the client will become receptive to hypnosis. Most of the time, first timers are not comfortable with it yet which is why during the session, the patient may yawn, frown or make movements using either the hand or the feet.

This does not mean that hypnosis may not help the patient because there are other techniques that the hypnotist can use to maximize this form of treatment.

Will hypnosis work on everyone? The answer is no. Studies have shown that people with an IQ level below 70, those who have difficult concentrating and are skeptic about this form of treatment will not be able to experience the same effect as those who are far more intelligent and open minded.

So, if you are one of those that are not that smart and don’t believe that this can work, you better find some other form of treatment for your problem because knowing what the three stages of hypnosis will not make any difference. Click here to visit HypnoBusters.

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The lowdown on Self-Hypnosis

One of the techniques being used right now anywhere from fighting off addictions as well as in improving  concentration and learning is self-hypnosis, which is one form of hypnosis that allows the person to take on the responsibility for the procedure. This, for some, is vastly preferable as some sectors are still not comfortable placing a person under the control of another. With self-hypnosis, the control is entirely in the individual’s hands.

One of the most common problems that self-hypnosis is used for is for self-improvement. People who want to improve their social skills or manage their anger better can utilize self-hypnosis to unlearn or relearn what they need to. There are also some in the medical fields that use this procedure in order to lessen the impact of pain and physical symptoms. Self-hypnosis after all can fool the brain and make it believe that there is no more pain.

Critics of the procedure have however argued that the change in behavior and in overall wellbeing is not true and is only temporary. It is only there as long as self-hypnosis is effective but the change is only artificial and the root of the problem is only masked and not removed.

Still fans of this procedure have attested to its effectiveness especially in getting rid of bad habits and freeing themselves from chronic body pain. Besides, as they would argue, these people have learned these bad habits and that self-hypnosis will only make unlearning it easier and faster. Still, if you feel that you are comfortable with a professional controlling you, it is recommended that you have a professional perform the hypnosis instead of doing it yourself. Besides having full control over the procedure, they will also be more in the know regarding it.

To get started with self-hypnosis, you will of course need a professional hypnotist to guide you. These people will be the ones to help you with the instructions and the procedure. The whole procedure is different for every person. Some people will find it easier to manage while others can completely lose into it. After all, they will basically depend on the subconscious and will need to have the strength of mind to deal with it.

Self-hypnosis may not however be as effective as being done by a professional but the peace of mind and independence that you get from knowing that you are in control can mean a lot to some people. This knowledge of having the power to change yourself sometimes make up for the limitations that self-hypnosis brings to the table. The progress for instance with self-hypnosis may not be as fast with one professionally done. But as most patients have already implied, slow but sure is better than making a major change through the hands of an incompetent hypnotist.

There is no need to worry about safety. Just because you are doing it does not mean that it is any less safe. There is no truth to the claims that self-hypnosis can open the mind for the devil to enter or that people can get crazy because of it. A person under self-hypnotic state will have the same safeguards as with ordinary life. Actually, there is not much difference. The difference lies in the segment of the person’s personality that he or she wishes to change.

All in all self-hypnosis is an effective tool in curbing bad habits and lessening pain but the jury is still out on whether it can go mainstream. Click here to visit HypnoBusters.

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How Do We Do Induce the Different Stages of Hypnosis

Hypnotism is one option we have to solve a problem. You can go to a hypnotist and avail of their service or do this on your own. The big question is how do we induce the different stages of hypnotism?

The first stage of hypnosis is called preparation. In fact, you are already on your way when you consider hypnosis to solve your problem because you are convinced that you have something to gain from this technique even if there is no 100% guarantee that it will work.

But you have to remember that hypnosis can only work if you believe it can otherwise you are just wasting your time in seeking the help of a hypnotist.

The second stage of hypnosis is called induction. Here, you get to block everything around you and then focus your attention to the voice of the hypnotist or gaze into an object. Some patients lie down while others sit on a chair.

The hypnotist may also use music to help and for those who want to do this by themselves, there are CD’s which they can buy and use in their own time.

The third stage of hypnosis is called the deepening and many experts say this is where the line between one stage and the next becomes blurry. This is because some patients in the second stage are ready to receive posthypnotic suggestion which should only happen during the fourth stage which is circulation.

Nevertheless, the hypnotist still needs to follow the steps in each of the five stages so later on, the patient will responded positively to the keywords which will alter a change in behavior.

The fifth and final stage of hypnosis is called termination. If the hypnotist feels that the patient is ready, he or she will get you out of the trance by clapping their hands, counting backwards or telling you to open your eyes.

You may not remember what happened during the session but when the time comes, you will feel something different about yourself and the behavior which was implanted in your subconscious will kick in and you will be able to do perform the proper response.

No one can say that hypnosis is successful after just one or two sessions. This is why you have to visit the specialist again for a few more to ensure that you will be able to achieve your desired goal.

People must remember that hypnosis is not the answer for every medical condition. Although it can help people give up smoking, alcohol or drugs, it does not have the same effect if you are suffering from cancer or some other form of terminal disease.

This means that you have to understand the limits of what hypnosis can achieve. While it is also effective in helping some people, there are also cases where this technique has not achieved any positive results.

If you have consulted a medical doctor and nothing seems to work, this is the time that you should only consider hypnosis. You may laugh at the idea given that modern medicine has changed rapidly through the years but what do you have to lose going to a clinic and asking for help?

The only thing that the doctor will ask before you go in is to keep an open mind because with the right attitude, it could just work as the hypnotist will guide you through the different stages of hypnosis. Click here to visit HypnoBusters.

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Frequently asked questions about self-hypnosis

Is it true that you can find out more about yourself when you do self-hypnosis?

Yes. Because you will be dealing with the subconscious, you may discover some facts about yourself that you may not know before. This is not some mystical fact or some unconscious secret. For the most part, you will become enlightened on the things that yo sometimes hide from yourself. You will even realize hidden motivations and repressed feelings that in some ways can help you become a better person.

Is it safe?

When in the hands of professional hypnotists, it is. The problem is with most reports is the fact that they blame the procedure when it is the individual’s fault. News of hypnosis sessions going awry is not the fault of hypnosis as a science but amateur and fake hypnotists. That is why it is important to research the background of hypnotists first before a person even makes an appointment. Remember that this person will have control of your mind for while. If that is not reason enough to really make sure they’re legitimate, I don’t know what is.

Can self-hypnosis make a person highly suggestible and easily influenced in real life?

Yes to the first question and no to the next. Regular practice of self-hypnosis can improve a person’s response to hypnosis. Sessions will be easier and faster and they will be able to make the most out of their self-hypnosis procedures. You will however be only highly suggestible during your own self-hypnosis sessions. This is because your brain has gotten used to it but if you hypnotize yourself for a completely different thing, it will be back to square one. This is also not something that will spill over your daily grind. People will not become easily influenced just because they practice self-hypnosis. Besides the better that you understand how “suggestions” work, the more you will be know how to resist other people’s subtle attempts at manipulating you.

What are things that you can use self-hypnosis with?

Some of the most common things that people use self-hypnosis for is changing an existing mindset and personality. A person for instance who easily angers can learn to be patient through self-hypnosis. The same goes with a person who cannot stop talking or gossiping. Students have also used self-hypnosis to improve their grades and enhance learning. Hypnosis is after all can improve one’s memory and level of concentration. There are some who have claimed that it also works wonders with relieving pain in the body. Hypnosis can make a person forget about the pain or not feel the pain at all. Although only a few cases of addiction have been associated with self-hypnosis, it has been linked to smoking cessation. Reports however on its effectiveness are still mixed and there is still a need for new data.

Can it improve sports performance? If yes, can it strengthen a person?

Some people have also claimed to using self-hypnosis to improve their performance in sports. This however does not make a person stronger. It cannot affect or change a person’s physical make-up. However the change in the performance may be brought on by an improved level of concentration as well as a more fearless attitude. Fear can sometimes make us hesitate even when we are already doing what comes naturally to us. Click here to visit HypnoBusters.  

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Awaken your senses through self hypnosis

The modern world has brought people a lot of preoccupation. It made living faster yet complicated, it made interactions wider yet shorter, and it made communication easier yet brief. Despite the so many preoccupations brought by media created by people, there are also those who would want to get back to their original self and connect with it in the most basic possible means. One of these is self hypnosis. Defined as a "process involving a hypnotist and a subject who agrees to be hypnotized," self hypnosis is characterized by intense concentration, extreme relaxation, and high suggestibility to both parties.

Experts say that the self hypnosis is versatile. In fact, its versatility can be quite unparalleled. Today, self hypnosis can take place in various social settings and continue to change social settings dramatically. Unlike before where settings of self hypnosis are quite limited, today the sessions between the hypnotist and the subject can take place in common places such as clinics, showrooms, classrooms, and even to open spaces and establishments.

Other experts use self hypnosis in order to recover suppressed memories of people who have had bad experiences to help them overcome the problems that they are dealing with right now while other psychologists and hypnotherapists use hypnosis to discover hidden truths from a person's ordinary consciousness. This is done by tapping into the unconscious state or mind where information are believed to dwell.

GETTING INTO SELF HYPNOSIS

Many perceive that self hypnosis as a trance-like altered state of a person's consciousness while others believe that it is a way of accessing a person's unconscious mind that is filled to suppressed memories, repressed multiple personalities, various magical insights, and unforgettable memories of the past life. But, in the world of psychology, self hypnosis is considered as altered state and gateway to knowledge about one's self and the universe he or she is living in.

Today, self hypnosis is not only used for treating various behavioral problems but also for self-enhancement and improvement. If you are planning to get into hypnosis or self-hypnosis, there are so many things you need to consider. Experts say that self hypnosis is one of the excellent ways of taking control over one's life. In fact, it can be used as means of disciplining yourself if you want to achieve a specific goal. For some people, self-hypnosis is advisable if you want to achieve something and utmost dedication and discipline is needed. Hypnosis introduction can benefit those who would want to lose or gain weight; those who want to boost their self-confidence; and those who would want to overcome their fears or phobias because it can help them contemplate a lot on the things that they need to do.

If you are planning to get a course on self hypnosis, you can expect that it can teach you to reach your subconscious mind through bypassing your conscious mind as well as how to communicate with your subconscious mind, methods of creating your own hypnosis scripts and visualizations, how to design and use affirmations, the effects and use of symbols on the subconscious mind, how to understand which methods will be most effective for you personally, deepening your trance state and using visualizations, adapting to scripts to suit various problems, how to change your personal history and plan a more effective future and how to understand your dreams as well. Click here to visit HypnoBusters.

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What self-hypnosis is all about

Self-hypnosis has become one of the hottest ways to help people cope with their addiction. Of course, this is not something that you can use for instance when you are addicted to drugs or when you have a bad case of mental disorder. For the most part, self-hypnosis works for addictions that are not deeply-rooted and does not involve any forms of withdrawal.

One of the most common uses of self-hypnosis nowadays is towards self-improvement and personality shift. If you want for instance to suddenly become more patient and manage your anger well, this is the procedure for you. The same goes with people who want to excel academically by enhancing their memory and concentration skills. Self-hypnosis is also found to be effective when it comes to helping relive pain after a medical procedure or when pain is one of the symptoms. There are some who have even used self-hypnosis to quit smoking although it was not completely effective in all of the cases. According to experts, the effectiveness of the procedure will still depend on the individual’s own personality and response. There are people who are much easier to hypnotize than others.

Despite its more modern uses, self-hypnosis or hypnosis in general has been part of the world’s history since time immemorial. The Egypt for instance found this a good thing and likened it to spiritualism. The Church however do not condone the use of hypnosis and have even been mentioned in the past as one way to open the mind to the devil. New age believers however feel that hypnosis is an untapped science that can help the humankind when utilized better.

Contrary to what most believe, self-hypnosis is safe, perhaps even safer than professionally administered hypnosis because you are basically in control of your own mind. You are not surrendering complete control to the hypnotist. This is good especially if you are not really sure on the abilities of your hypnotist. Doing it yourself can however have a downside. One of them is its slow rate of response. You may need to wait awhile before you can actually notice a change in your behavior. You may have to work real hard for it as opposed to sitting pretty in the company of a professional hypnotist.

This “your own effort” bit is most often what attracts people to self-hypnosis. If you must remember, one of the earlier criticisms against hypnosis is the fact that patients are not essentially changing their behavior but having someone tweak it for them. There is no hard work involved nor there is an intrinsic change to speak of. However, even with the emphasis on doing it on your own, you still need the guidance of a professional hypnotist. In fact before starting the session, you need to get instructions from them. They will also answer all your questions and guide you through your sessions. There is still professional involvement in the sense that they will be monitoring your progress.

On what is more effective, self-hypnosis or professionally-administered, the jury is still out. According to industry experts, a lot depends on the patient who may respond well or not well to a hypnosis session. Still, the mere fact that you can have complete control over yourself even during a hypnosis session already makes self-hypnosis the better choice for most people. Click here to visit HypnoBusters.

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What Happens During the Stages of Hypnosis

Can hypnosis really change your life? Well the answer is different for each patient. You have to understand first what hypnosis can and cannot do as well understand what happens during the different stages of hypnosis.

Hypnosis has been around for years. Before any patient can receive treatment, the hypnotist has to know first why the patient wants to try it. If during the assessment the doctor realizes that other treatments have not worked and he or she is willing to try it, only then will this technique be performed on the patient.

The first stage of hypnosis is known as induction. Here, the hypnosis will narrow the patient’s attention to the point wherein the sensory impressions are blocked out. This means that the only thing that the patient will hear or see is whatever the hypnotist is showing or saying.

When the patient is ready, it is time to go to the next stage called deepening. Here, the patient will get into the three main stages of hypnosis namely hynoidal, cataleptic and in some cases somnambulistic. Hynoidal is considered a light stage, cataleptic is a deeper state while somnambulistic is the deepest state.

Hypnoidal and cataleptic are effective in helping people improve themselves and change bad habits. The third is used when the patient requires major surgery and prefers not to be injected with anesthesia. This is also used by some for entertainment purposes.

The next level is known as utilization and this is the most important because it is here that patient will be able to achieve their desired goal.

To make this happen, the hypnotist leaves in the mind of the patient a posthypnotic suggestion. When this is triggered, the patient’s behavior is affected. A good example is if the hypnotist has made the client believe that when he or she is in a stressful situation, that person will not have the urge to smoke a cigarette. This can also happen if the person feels depressed and loses the desire to drink. The key here is that the goal has to be clear and specific.

Before the hypnotist can even go to the utilization stage, they have to make sure the patient is ready to accept posthypnotic suggestions. They have to make sure that the patient’s eyes or body does not move and that they are in a relaxed state. If this is not achieved, the hypnotist will not be able to help the patient get what they want after treatment.

Assuming that utilization was completed, this is when both the hypnotist and the patient proceeds to the last stage of hypnosis known as termination. Here, the person is slowly brought back to reality. A few examples of this includes counting backwards, giving an authoritative command like “wake up”, or with a clap of the hand.

If the patient is receptive to the idea when the suggestion is made, repeating the suggestion or rewording it may be necessary. It is only when the patient is able to accept the suggestion that he or she will be able to formulate the internal process so the desired outcome can be achieved.

There are a lot of things that happen during the different stages of hypnosis. Preparation, implementation and monitoring are all essential so the patient gets the most out of the treatment.

Can hypnosis really change your life? Well the answer is different for each patient. You have to understand first what hypnosis can and cannot do as well understand what happens during the different stages of hypnosis.

Hypnosis has been around for years. Before any patient can receive treatment, the hypnotist has to know first why the patient wants to try it. If during the assessment the doctor realizes that other treatments have not worked and he or she is willing to try it, only then will this technique be performed on the patient.

The first stage of hypnosis is known as induction. Here, the hypnosis will narrow the patient’s attention to the point wherein the sensory impressions are blocked out. This means that the only thing that the patient will hear or see is whatever the hypnotist is showing or saying.

When the patient is ready, it is time to go to the next stage called deepening. Here, the patient will get into the three main stages of hypnosis namely hynoidal, cataleptic and in some cases somnambulistic. Hynoidal is considered a light stage, cataleptic is a deeper state while somnambulistic is the deepest state.

Hypnoidal and cataleptic are effective in helping people improve themselves and change bad habits. The third is used when the patient requires major surgery and prefers not to be injected with anesthesia. This is also used by some for entertainment purposes.

The next level is known as utilization and this is the most important because it is here that patient will be able to achieve their desired goal.

To make this happen, the hypnotist leaves in the mind of the patient a posthypnotic suggestion. When this is triggered, the patient’s behavior is affected. A good example is if the hypnotist has made the client believe that when he or she is in a stressful situation, that person will not have the urge to smoke a cigarette. This can also happen if the person feels depressed and loses the desire to drink. The key here is that the goal has to be clear and specific.

Before the hypnotist can even go to the utilization stage, they have to make sure the patient is ready to accept posthypnotic suggestions. They have to make sure that the patient’s eyes or body does not move and that they are in a relaxed state. If this is not achieved, the hypnotist will not be able to help the patient get what they want after treatment.

Assuming that utilization was completed, this is when both the hypnotist and the patient proceeds to the last stage of hypnosis known as termination. Here, the person is slowly brought back to reality. A few examples of this includes counting backwards, giving an authoritative command like “wake up”, or with a clap of the hand.

If the patient is receptive to the idea when the suggestion is made, repeating the suggestion or rewording it may be necessary. It is only when the patient is able to accept the suggestion that he or she will be able to formulate the internal process so the desired outcome can be achieved.

There are a lot of things that happen during the different stages of hypnosis. Preparation, implementation and monitoring are all essential so the patient gets the most out of the treatment.

Can hypnosis really change your life? Well the answer is different for each patient. You have to understand first what hypnosis can and cannot do as well understand what happens during the different stages of hypnosis.

Hypnosis has been around for years. Before any patient can receive treatment, the hypnotist has to know first why the patient wants to try it. If during the assessment the doctor realizes that other treatments have not worked and he or she is willing to try it, only then will this technique be performed on the patient.

The first stage of hypnosis is known as induction. Here, the hypnosis will narrow the patient’s attention to the point wherein the sensory impressions are blocked out. This means that the only thing that the patient will hear or see is whatever the hypnotist is showing or saying.

When the patient is ready, it is time to go to the next stage called deepening. Here, the patient will get into the three main stages of hypnosis namely hynoidal, cataleptic and in some cases somnambulistic. Hynoidal is considered a light stage, cataleptic is a deeper state while somnambulistic is the deepest state.

Hypnoidal and cataleptic are effective in helping people improve themselves and change bad habits. The third is used when the patient requires major surgery and prefers not to be injected with anesthesia. This is also used by some for entertainment purposes.

The next level is known as utilization and this is the most important because it is here that patient will be able to achieve their desired goal.

To make this happen, the hypnotist leaves in the mind of the patient a posthypnotic suggestion. When this is triggered, the patient’s behavior is affected. A good example is if the hypnotist has made the client believe that when he or she is in a stressful situation, that person will not have the urge to smoke a cigarette. This can also happen if the person feels depressed and loses the desire to drink. The key here is that the goal has to be clear and specific.

Before the hypnotist can even go to the utilization stage, they have to make sure the patient is ready to accept posthypnotic suggestions. They have to make sure that the patient’s eyes or body does not move and that they are in a relaxed state. If this is not achieved, the hypnotist will not be able to help the patient get what they want after treatment.

Assuming that utilization was completed, this is when both the hypnotist and the patient proceeds to the last stage of hypnosis known as termination. Here, the person is slowly brought back to reality. A few examples of this includes counting backwards, giving an authoritative command like “wake up”, or with a clap of the hand.

If the patient is receptive to the idea when the suggestion is made, repeating the suggestion or rewording it may be necessary. It is only when the patient is able to accept the suggestion that he or she will be able to formulate the internal process so the desired outcome can be achieved.

There are a lot of things that happen during the different stages of hypnosis. Preparation, implementation and monitoring are all essential so the patient gets the most out of the treatment. Click here to visit HypnoBusters.

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What is self-hypnosis?

Today, more and more people practice self hypnosis even at the comforts of their own homes. Although this can be done, it is best to do with if one has knowledge or background on the practice. To know more about self hypnosis, a research must be done before actually trying it or practicing it at home. Research on self hypnosis can be done by using the Internet and looking for online sites that offer information on the subject. With just one click on any search engine, thousands of references may appear on the screen. Look for those sites that can link you to what would you want to know about the practice so you won't have to waste time in searching all those links.

Aside from doing an online research, you can also get information from various books and magazines. There are actually so many health magazines that come up with features on self hypnosis because they believe that this can greatly help the overall well being of a person. If you know people who have been practicing self hypnosis, you can also ask them for some tips on how to start with it and how to make it easier for you.

One great way of being informed about self hypnosis is knowing how it started or where did it originate so you will have a better understanding of the practice. There were so many people who were considered as pioneers when it comes to self hypnosis. Many of them were influential in the practice and somehow formed what it is today just like Scottish physician and surgeon named James Braid who claims to discover self hypnosis or hypnotism in 1894. After discovering it, he first taught it to several clients before actually tried it to himself. His theory in self hypnosis says that but "feeling is the very truth" once you tried to use it when dealing with physical or emotional problems.

In the beginning of 20th century, Émile Coué had his take on self hypnosis as well. Many say that he is an influential figures when it comes to the subsequent development of the practice. He came up with the theory on "conscious autosuggestion" which eventually became renowned around the world for being an effective self-help system. His detachment from the concept of the usual "hypnosis" were passed to his followers like as Charles Baudouin who is one of the pioneers of modern hypnotherapists.

German psychiatrist Johannes Schultz also became a well known figure in the field of hypnosis when he developed "autogenic training". This specific training is designed for relaxation and was made to public awareness when it was first published way back in the year 1932. The influence of Schultz in this approach was fellow German hypnotist named Oskar Vogt.

Hypnotherapist and early behavior therapist Andrew Salter also contributed a lot in self hypnosis when he published his first major academic journal on self-hypnosis that talked about the three techniques of autohypnosis in 1841involving "autohypnosis by post-hypnotic suggestion", "autohypnosis by memorised trance instructions," and "fractional autohypnosis".

Who can benefit from self hypnosis?

Experts say that when used or practiced properly, self hypnosis can benefit everybody. This is everybody—who undergo different levels of stress and those who need motivation for personal development or to increase performance in strenuous activities such as sports. Self hypnosis can also be used for extensive modern hypnotherapy which can be done through a learned routine or through listening to a CD where the routine is recorded.

HypnoBusters have a huge range of Self-Hypnosis mp3s, Click here to visit HypnoBusters.

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