they got there. During the trance they drive appropriately, stop at stop signs, obey
traffic laws, and so on, but have no conscious awareness of doing these things.
Another example of hypnotic trance occurs during movies. People enter the theater
having set aside a specific period of time wherein they can enjoy themselves. The
process of settling into theater seats relaxes moviegoers and puts them in a receptive
frame of mind. The lights go down to reduce the distractions from the outside world
and the big screen becomes the most noticeable aspect of one’s perceptual world.
Within moments, the audience is transported to another place and time. If the
movie is frightening, many people experience a racing heart, rapid breathing, and
muscle tension—yet they are well aware that no physical danger exists. They are
responding to images and sounds alone. Movies work by similar mental mecha-
nisms as hypnosis. First participants decide to let go of normal concerns and open
the mind to a new experience. Then certain procedures relax the beta level of brain
activity. Then, through the thoughtful use of metaphor and imagery, deeper levels of
consciousness are reached. Finally, new images and perceptions can be introduced.
A trance is characterized by muscle relaxation, predominating alpha brain waves,
feelings of well-being, diminished ability to vocalize, and an ability to accept new
ideas if not in conflict with personal values. The perception of time is often distorted;
thirty minutes may seem like five minutes. Feelings are more accessible while
entranced, as well as memories from long ago. As one’s awareness phases in and
out, parts of the session may not be consciously remembered but are retained in the
subconscious. People in trance describe their arms and legs as feeling heavy like lead
or light and tingly, almost numb. Some experience slight twitches as the nervous
system relaxes, and respiration shifts to abdominal breathing. Coming out of the
trance, people awaken with very pleasant, almost euphoric feelings of well-being.Bark Like a Dog: Laws and Principles of Suggestion.
The first law of suggestion, as formulated by Coue, is that of concentrated attention.
When people focus their attention repeatedly on a goal or idea, that event tends to
be realized. Based on this belief, practitioners repeat hypnotic suggestions three or
four times during a session. The law of dominant effect states that stronger emotions
tend to take precedence over weaker ones. An effective hypnotherapist, after assess-
ing the client’s emotional state, connects the hypnotic suggestion to the dominant
emotions. The carrot principle is applied when the practitioner interjects comments
about the person’s goals with the hypnotic suggestions, thus linking motivation to
the suggestions. The principle of positive suggestion is applied to help people over-
ride existing attitudes. Dr. Coue was known for encouraging his patients to say to
themselves 20–30 times each night before going to sleep, “Everyday in every way, I
am getting better and better.” If someone is seeking hypnosis in an effort to lose218 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TOALTERNATIVE MEDICINE