Usually, one person (the "hypnotist") talks to another (the "subject") in a special way that puts the subject into a trance. While the subject is in this state, he can be influenced by suggestions. The hypnotist can tell him to forget his name, or that the room is hot (he will start sweating), or that he is someone else.[5] Hypnotic suggestions may be delivered by a hypnotist in the presence of the subject, or may be self-administered ('self-suggestion' or 'autosuggestion'). The use of hypnotism for therapeutic purposes is referred to as 'hypnotherapy', while its use as a form of entertainment for an audience is known as 'stage hypnosis'.
Contrary to a popular misconception—that hypnosis is a form of unconsciousness resembling sleep—some contemporary research suggests that hypnotic subjects are fully awake and are focusing attention, with a corresponding decrease in their peripheral awareness.[6] Subjects also show an increased response to suggestions.[7] However, the behavior of subjects under hypnotism goes so far beyond normal focused attention that the description of "altered state of consciousness" is more used.[8]
↑Harris, Tom (2001). "Science vs. myth". Science.howstuffworks.com. Retrieved 2011-11-28.
↑Lynn S; Fassler O; Knox J (2005). "Hypnosis and the altered state debate: something more or nothing more?". Contemporary Hypnosis. 22: 39. doi:10.1002/ch.21.
↑↑ Tart, Charles T. 1969. Altered states of consciousness: a book of readings. New York: Wiley. ISBN0-471-84560-4.