Brain researchers have recognized for some time that human personalities operate through four distinct brain wave patterns. Inducing your subjects into the preferred brain wave patterns is key to the success of your hypnosis sessions. This article will explore each brain wave pattern in turn and discuss what human activities occur in them and what you can expect from your hypnotic suggestions given in each state. The purpose of this writing, as always, is to improve your effectiveness as a hypnotist and affect greater positive outcomes for your subjects.
The top brain wave state is Beta and is characterized by a vibration of 13-20 cycles per second, the highest range. This is the home state for the conscious, rational mind. It is where most human beings spend most of their time. It is where the rational mind resides and where the overt business of everyday life is transacted. It is also the place where fear, stress and anxiety hold sway. The brain in beta can be a controlling and self-conscious master. This is where fear, anxiety, frustration and self-doubt can control your subjects. Altering their state away from beta is vital to your success as a hypnotist. Suggestions applied during beta are not going to have much power as the conscious mind is in control. Your objective is to by-pass the conscious mind and speak directly to the subconscious mind.
The next brain wave state is alpha, with a vibration of 7-13 cycles per second. This is the state of mind where humans are relaxed and at ease with their creative impulses flowing. The alpha mind recognizes no limitations and time does not exist. This is the brain wave state to which you should lead your subjects. It is where the subconscious mind is in charge and where your suggestions will be most readily accepted. It is comfortable and healthy to live in alpha all the time as the fear and strain of beta are gone. It is easy to tell when alpha state has been reached; your subject will be relaxed with a drowsy look and perhaps a mouth full of saliva.
The state with lower vibration than alpha is theta at 4-7 cycles per second. This is the state that borders on sleep and is what many people mean when they use the word ‘meditation’. This writer believes that meditation is a broader concept and includes any activity which quiets the mind and leads to alpha and theta brain wave activity. This, too, is a productive state in which to apply your hypnotic suggestions. Although everything you want to accomplish with your subject can be done in alpha, theta is also fertile ground. Some of your subjects will find theta easily and achieve great benefit there. Watch for individual differences and guide your subjects to the places they best receive your suggestions.
Delta is the brain wave pattern running from 0-4 cycles per second which is the place of deep sleep and dreaming. Although it is possible to communicate hypnotically with subjects who are full asleep, it is not the most productive state. Stick with alpha and theta states for best results for your subjects. In delta the subconscious has full responsibility and control and is busier than in the other states. It is too distracted to pay quality attention to your healing suggestions.
To conclude, it should be your goal to induce alpha and theta brain wave states in your hypnotic subjects to gain maximum benefits for you both. It is in the mid-range where your suggestions will have the most power. Lead your subject to a relaxed state just above sleep and you will be where the subconscious is most receptive and achieve success for yourself and empowering change for your subjects.
