Progressive Relaxation Technique

Progressive Relaxation Technique (PRT) is very similar to Hypnosis.  The technique enables a person to achieve an altered state of consciousness, otherwise known as the 'day dream state'.

Many people believe that trance-like states are not real ... they have seen movies or poor stage shows in which a performer seems to have power over his on-stage subjects.  This representation, in fact, is very far from the truth.  This hypnotic state is a natural state of mind that everyone experiences everyday, often more than once.  For example, think of the times when you have attempted to talk to someone who is watching television - no doubt it was very difficult for you to get their attention.  This is because they were in a natural trance state.

The legal definition of Hypnosis (which PRT is very similar to) is 'the subject's acceptance of selective thinking, thoughts, concepts and ideas that they have personally OK'd, and which are given to them while in their trance-like state in order to alter their beliefs or reality'.  That is why PRT is such an effective treatment in assisting people in overcoming addictions such as smoking, alcohol and over-eating and is also helpful in changing negative thinking patterns and assisting with insomnia.  There are many possibilities.

Religious considerations

Although many religions practice hypnosis in ceremonies and traditions, it is not referred to as Hypnosis.  In the Roman Catholic Church for example, Hypnosis is recognised as a natural part of a person's ability to heal and function, and not the work of the devil as some other faiths believe.  The church stands by its claim today and gives approval for use of this healing technique.

Recent Research

You may be interested to know that quantum physics and science has deliberately used hypnosis to create false memories, hallucinations and alternative behaviour in volunteer subjects in order to study and analyse hypnotic states.  Over the past few years there have been significant advances in neruoscience which have made it possible to study the effectiveness of hypnosis through the use EEG equipment, Galvanic Skin Response Technology, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET scans).  This has significantly reduced the fear factor that has surrounded hypnbosis and enabled it to enter the mainstream of medical advancement.

Conscious...Unconscious...Subconscious

Imagine yourself in a very dark room.....you turn on a dull lamp in the corner of the room.  The corner is illuminated by the light, but the rest of the room remains pitch black.  The illuminated corner represents your conscious mind while the rest of the dark room represents the vastness of your unconscious/subconscious function.

The Conscious Mind is .....

1. Analytical
2. Sequential
3. Cognitive
4. Limited in Focus
5. In search of Direct Outcomes
6. Inclined to Control Thinking
7. Waking
8. Logical
9. Deliberate

The Unconscious/Subconscious Mind is .....

1. Unlimited
2. Expansive
3. Active while sleeping and dreaming
4. Simultaneous
5. Feeling
6. Responsible for involuntary movements
7. Knows solutions to problems we cannot solve consciously
8. Intuitive

..... it is not that it is unconscious ..... it is simply that we are not conscious of it .....