We’re glad you’re interested in learning more about self-hypnosis!
Many people who become curious about hypnosis wonder what it feels like to be hypnotized.
It can seem weird. Maybe even scary if you don’t understand it.
But that’s what we’re here for.
There are a lot of misconceptions around hypnosis.
And you may find that it’s not what you think it is.
In fact, one can get the most out of hypnosis when one knows exactly what to expect.
And here’s the secret…
There is not a special feeling that comes with hypnosis.
Everyone has their own unique and indescribable experience.
But there are sensations common to trance states.
What can I expect to feel?
Everyone experiences hypnosis in their own way.
And it’s impossible to describe exactly what you will feel.
But we can share what other people have described.
When you are in a hypnotic trance, you may notice:
Physical relaxation
You may become so relaxed that your limbs feel extremely comfortable.
Your eyelids may become too relaxed to even open.
Your head may rest to one side, as if you are in a deep sleep.
You may find it too much effort to speak, or even to move.
You’re just too relaxed.
Noticing Weight
You may sink into your chair as if your body is very heavy.
Your arms or legs can feel as heavy as lead.
Or you may experience weightlessness, as if you are floating. Your hands may even begin to rise on their own.
Either way is perfect.
Breathing Changes
In trance, the breathing becomes slower and shallower.
Just like with sleeping, the body becomes relaxed and needs less oxygen.
Tingling and Itching
You might experience a pleasant tingling or itching sensation in your fingers and hands. Perhaps also in the legs and feet. Maybe even your face.
Swallowing
Contrary to public belief, it’s not necessary for you to drool all over yourself. Some people may notice more salivation, and that’s OK. Natural swallowing will happen all by itself.
Time Distortion
Just like when you’re having fun, time flies when you’re in trance. Sometimes 5 minutes feels like 2 hours. Sometimes 30 minutes feels like only 10. Either way, you wake feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Body Perception
On some rare occasions, it can feel as if your body has somehow distorted. Some report the feeling that their body has stretched to twice its normal length. Or that some body part (hands, feet, face) – has become grossly enlarged.
It can even seem like the arms and legs twist into awkward positions.
It may sound uncomfortable, but don’t worry. In fact, most people that experience this find it amusing.
Heightened Emotions
Depending on your situation, hypnosis may tap into some deep emotions. You may recall negative events from the past. Or you may imagine intensely positive events in the future. Sometimes you may not even be aware of the source, and simply notice the feelings arising. It all leads to the intention of the session, and will bring you to a positive result.
Suggestibility
As the conscious mind relaxes, it no longer feels the need to judge every suggestion that you hear. That’s the power of hypnosis. The suggestions slip straight into the unconscious mind, where instant change can happen.
This is different from gullibility, though. Your unconscious knows what is best for you. And you have a deep sense of morals. If any suggestions seem to be bad for you, the people around you, or the world, you’ll instantly wake up.
But that’s not all. There are some other physiological things happening when you go into trance. These signs may only be observable by people watching. Or they could be totally undetectable without monitoring equipment.
This won’t add to your perspective at all, but if you’re interested in a bit of the science, read on.
Some of the things you won’t notice include:
Facial flush
Many people have a slight change of color in the face when going into trance. It can be as simple as two red spots on the cheekbones. It can be a reddening of the lips. It can even be a full flush that looks like a sunburn.
REM (Rapid Eye Movement)
When sleeping, it’s common to go into a REM state at the time we are most likely to dream. The same can happen in deep hypnotic trance, or moments of intense visualization.
Heart rate
Like in a sleeping state, as the body becomes relaxed the pulse will slow.
Brain wave cycle
When recording the brain waves of people in hypnosis, psychologists have found an interesting effect. Our brainwaves are in “Beta” state when we are awake. But in hypnosis, they shift to the “Alpha” state of deep relaxation.
Eyelid flutter
At some stages of hypnosis, they eyes may flutter briefly. It can last for just a second or two, or it can last a little longer.
These are some of the common observations.
But don’t feel like you need to experience each of these.
Just as in all of life, remember that everyone has their own unique perception.
Some people notice everything on this list.
Some people just feel incredibly relaxed.
Many people don’t recognize every sensation in hypnosis, because it feels so normal.
That’s fine.
There is no wrong way to do it.
All you need to do is relax, close your eyes, and let your body’s natural response to hypnosis take place. As you enjoy the feelings and sensations that occur within you, you will move closer and closer to the change you want.
It’s good to learn about hypnosis, as you are. But nothing compares to experiencing it for yourself.
While you probably have several professional hypnotists in your area, the easiest way to try is through self-hypnosis.
