Hypnosis, Biofeedback & Meditation

Hypnosis What it IS Altered state of consciousness refocusing of our perceptions, a making conscious of things we are usually unaware of What it is NOT Sleep A form of dominance or state of control A trick

Hypnosis Our mind naturally filters certain sensations and thoughts out of our consciousness In hypnosis, our mind filters out many stimuli and focuses on one or a few—a hypnotist guides us to do that

Hypnosis A hypnotic trance occurs when the hypnotist directs us into a state of relaxation and focus wherein we filter out all external distractions You may resist hypnosis by refusing to open your mind to the hypnotist

Hypnosis What do we use hypnosis for? Stop a bad habit like smoking or overeating Reduce pain by encouraging relaxation Aid memory Examine problems Posthypnotic suggestion

Hypnosis Posthypnotic Suggestion = a suggestion made during hypnosis that influences the participant’s behavior afterward Ex. “You won’t be able to hear the word ___”

Biofeedback Biofeedback = using machines’ feedback about your body to control your body’s functions Ex. Light goes on machine every time your heart rate goes above 80—then you can work to keep the light off and keep heart rate down In 1970’s much work was done with muscle control

Meditation focusing of the mind on an image or thought in order to clear the mind and relax mantras, focusing on parts of the body, focusing on breathing research shows this helps lower blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate