The fixed-gaze approach requires that a patient trains his eyes on a swinging object.
Hypnosis is a consciousness-altering technique that loosens your control of voluntary action and makes you more susceptible to direction and suggestion. While some practitioners use hypnosis for negative purposes, such as to brainwash and control people, others, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, use it as a therapy for people with mental traumas and conditions. While precise techniques vary from practitioner to practitioner, there are some general hypnosis methods that most utilize.
Fixed Gaze
Perhaps the most-well known way to hypnotize someone is by using the fixed-gaze approach. According to the UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, the approach requires that a patient fix his eyes on a bright or shiny object, like a pocket watch, while the practitioner slowly moves the object from side to side. Eventually, the repetitive motion, which strains the eyes, should cause the patient's eyes to close involuntarily. With the help of soothing and encouraging instructions for the practitioner, the patient will enter a mental state wherein the physical senses are shut down. This helps the patient, and the practitioner, tap into the subconscious mind.
Guided Relaxation with Imagery
Unlike the fixed-gaze approach, which requires that a patient focus on a physical object, the guided relaxation with imagery technique requires that a patient focus on an imaginary object or scene in her mind's eye. Practitioners commonly employ this hypnosis technique as a way to relieve stress. Most sessions start with a patient sitting or lying comfortably in a quiet, peaceful room. The practitioner then helps the patient, by giving vocal instructions, to imagine a peaceful setting or event. For example, the patient could imagine walking on a beach, or enjoying a sunrise.
Repetitive Motion
This technique is similar to the fixed-gaze approach in that it uses repetitive movement to lull the conscious mind to sleep. However, instead of moving an object, the repetitive motion technique requires movement of the patient. According to an Oct. 19, 2006 article from Insight Journal, parents utilize repetitive motion hypnosis when they rock babies to sleep. The movement affects a person's equilibrium and sense of balance, which decreases activity in the left hemisphere of the brain. This is the side responsible for deductive and logical reasoning.
Forceful Commands
While the above three hypnosis methods are generally soothing and gentle, the forceful commands or rapid hypnosis method takes an entirely different approach. Stage hypnotists, magicians and other performers most commonly utilize this method, which involves "attacking" a volunteer with a barrage of repetitive, forceful commands. These repetitive commands eventually impair the consciousnesses of the volunteer, making him prone to suggestion. This is how performers get volunteers to do wacky things on stage.
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