Posted by FP on May 9, 2000, at 17:19:47
In reply to Hypnosis or meditation?, posted by Cass on May 9, 2000, at 15:09:34
> Is there such a thing as the kind of hypnosis you see in movies, in which a patient is fully unconscious of their surroundings except for the doctor's voice?
Depending on the suggestability and co-operatation of the subject, yes.
>And the patient truly has access to memories that are normally unavailable to them?
Sometimes. See my previous post>And afterwards, the patient doesn't remember what they said?
If the hypnotic state is deep enough, or the patient is asked whether they wish not to remember upon awakening, the answer to this question can "yes", also.>It seems that most people's accounts of hypnosis (mine too) is just guided imagery, deep relaxation or affirmations. What's the difference between hypnosis and meditation then?
The difference is one of degree and intent. Most people have trouble hypnotizing themselves deeply enough to achieve the profound states described in Budhism - or their unconscious won't accept such a suggestion.
(Personally, I think ALL forms of mystical and psychedlic experience are forms of hypnosis, FWIW)
>I've never known anyone who's had that sterotypical experience of hypnosis.
I'll ask my wife, whom I used as the subject for many interesting hypnotic experiments to post her own responses to your question.>I've also never been able to understand how a doctor could genuinely make someone unaware of the enviroment around them (short of hitting them over the head or drugging them). Anyone know?
You slip in and out of mild hypnotic states all the time - ever been so engrossed in a task that you became oblivious to the worlde around you?
Enough ranting. I'll ask Mrs FP to post to this topic as well
poster:FP
thread:32788
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000508/msgs/32920.html