Some physical, mental and emotional changes that individuals experience during and after hypnosis are considered to be symptoms of hypnosis. These symptoms may vary from person to person, but there are some basic signs that are commonly observed. Let us explain the symptoms of hypnosis in detail:
1. Physical Symptoms
During hypnosis some physiological changes occur in the body. These are usually related to relaxation and calming down.
a) Muscle Relaxation
- The hypnotized person feels that their muscles feel heavy or relaxed.
- Relaxation is evident in the shoulders, arms and legs.
b) Slowing Breathing:
- Breathing slows down and becomes deeper.
- This usually indicates that the person is mentally moving into a deeper state of relaxation.
c) Eye Movements:
- The eyelids become heavy and the eyes close.
- Similar to the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage, the eyes may move slightly when closed.
d) Low Heart Rate:
- The heart rate may slow down and the person may feel calmer.
- This indicates that hypnosis is providing physical relaxation.
e) Feeling of heaviness or lightness in the body:
- The person may feel that their body is getting heavier or, conversely, lighter.
- Some may feel completely still and peaceful, while others may feel as if they are floating in the air.
2. Mental Symptoms
Mental changes are evident during hypnosis. These symptoms are related to changes in the state of consciousness.
a) Deep Concentration:
- During hypnosis, the person focuses intensely on the thoughts in the hypnotist’s or his/her own mind.
- Sensitivity to environmental stimuli decreases.
b) Change in Time Perception:
- The perception of time may change during hypnosis. The person may feel that the elapsed time is either too long or too short.
- While they may feel that the session lasts a few minutes, it may actually be longer.
c) Increased Imagination:
- As the subconscious is accessed, imagination and visualization ability increases.
- Visual, auditory or emotional images become more vivid.
d) Shift of Consciousness to a Different Level:
- During hypnosis, the person builds a bridge between consciousness and subconsciousness and the level of awareness changes.
- Sometimes a trance-like state is experienced.
e) Automatic Thoughts:
- The person may respond automatically to the hypnotist’s prompts or internal suggestions instead of thinking of their own volition.
3. Emotional Symptoms
Emotional changes can also be observed during hypnosis. Emotions may be experienced more deeply or may vary depending on the person’s reaction to hypnosis.
a) Peace and Calm:
- The most common emotional symptom in hypnosis is peace and deep relaxation.
- The person may experience an intense feeling of serenity.
b) Emotional Intensity:
- Sometimes, when old memories are revived, the person may feel intense emotions.
- Spontaneous emotional reactions such as tears or smiling may occur.
c) Anxiety or Discomfort (Rare):
- Some individuals may experience anxiety or discomfort during hypnosis. However, this is usually managed and reduced by the hypnotist.
4. Behavioral Symptoms
Under the influence of hypnosis, a person may show some behavioral changes.
a) Responding to Suggestions:
- The person becomes receptive to suggestions or suggestions given by the hypnotist.
- For example, when told to raise his/her hand or feel an object, he/she may do so.
b) Automatic Actions:
- The person can automatically perform certain movements (such as raising their hand, moving their fingers) without making a conscious decision.
c) Change in Speech and Emotional Reactions:
- During hypnosis, conversations may be slower and more relaxed or the person may respond more openly to the hypnotist’s questions.
5. Signs of Coming Out of Hypnosis
When the hypnosis session is over, the person may experience some different symptoms.
a) Feeling Refreshed and Rested:
- When a person wakes up from hypnosis, they may feel rested and refreshed, as if they have just woken up from sleep.
b) Increased Consciousness and Awareness:
- After hypnosis, mental awareness increases and the person may feel more energized.
c) Mild Drowsiness:
- Sometimes a person may feel slightly dizzy or absent-minded when coming out of hypnosis, but this is usually short-lived.