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diff --git a/22814.txt b/22814.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..307b369 --- /dev/null +++ b/22814.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4595 @@ +Project Gutenberg's A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis, by Melvin Powers + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis + +Author: Melvin Powers + +Release Date: September 30, 2007 [EBook #22814] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SELF-HYPNOSIS *** + + + + +Produced by Michael Ciesielski, Annika Feilbach and the +booksmiths at http://www.eBookForge.net + + + + + + + + + +A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SELF-HYPNOSIS + +by Melvin Powers + + + +Published by + + Melvin Powers + WILSHIRE BOOK COMPANY + 12015 Sherman Road + No. Hollywood, California 91605 + +Telephone: (213) 875-1711 + + + +Copyright +1961 + + +Wilshire Book Company + + + +Printed by + + HAL LEIGHTON PRINTING COMPANY + P.O. Box 3952 + North Hollywood, California 91605 + +Telephone: (213) 983-1105 + + + +All Rights Reserved + + +Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 61-10664 + +Printed in the United States of America + + +ISBN-0-87980-122-0 + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER PAGE + + 1. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SELF-HYPNOSIS 11 + + 2. WHAT ABOUT THE DANGERS OF HYPNOSIS? 21 + + 3. IS HYPNOSIS THE ANSWER? 29 + + 4. HOW DOES SELF-HYPNOSIS WORK? 37 + + 5. HOW TO AROUSE YOURSELF FROM THE SELF-HYPNOTIC STATE 45 + + 6. HOW TO ATTAIN SELF-HYPNOSIS 49 + + 7. DEEPENING THE SELF-HYPNOTIC STATE 57 + + 8. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BECOMING AN EXCELLENT SUBJECT 67 + + 9. TECHNIQUES FOR REACHING THE SOMNAMBULISTIC STATE 79 + +10. A NEW APPROACH TO SELF-HYPNOSIS WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS 91 + +11. PSYCHOLOGICAL AIDS AND THEIR FUNCTION 103 + +12. THE NATURE OF HYPNOSIS 113 + +13. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF SELF-HYPNOSIS 119 + + + + +FOREWORD + + +All of us like to think that our actions and reactions are a result of +logical thought processes, but the fact is that suggestion influences +our thinking a great deal more than logic. Consciously or unconsciously, +our feelings about almost everything are largely molded by ready-made +opinions and attitudes fostered by our mass methods of communication. We +cannot buy a bar of soap or a filtered cigarette without paying tribute +to the impact of suggestion. Right or wrong, most of us place more +confidence in what "they" say than we do in our own powers of reason. +This is the basic reason why psychiatrists are in short supply. We +distrust our own mental processes and want an expert to tell us what to +think and feel. + +Despite this tendency to adopt our attitudes from others, man has always +been dimly aware that he can influence his own destiny by directing his +thoughts and actions into constructive channels. He has always, to some +extent, known that his mind exerts a powerful influence on his body, and +that thoughts can have harmful or helpful effects on his emotional and +physical health. The ancient Egyptian sleep temples and the attempts by +early physicians to drive evil spirits out of the body were both +attempts to influence the body through the mind. + +The unprecedented sale of _The Power of Positive Thinking_ by Norman +Vincent Peale and other inspirational literature proves that millions of +modern people recognize the efficacy of constructive thoughts. What most +of them do not recognize is that they are capable of implanting these +beneficial thoughts in their own minds without reference to any outside +agencies. This can be done through self-hypnosis. + +In modern society we have many cults, religions and methodologies which +have mental discipline as their goal. The best example of a methodology +is psychosomatic medicine which deals with the interrelationship of the +mind and body in the production of mental or physical illness. The rapid +growth of hypnosis in the last few years is another example, and it is +gratifying to see that the emphasis in this field is now shifting from +hetero-hypnosis to self-hypnosis. + +Self-hypnosis is a highly suggestible state wherein the individual can +direct suggestions to himself. It is a powerful tool in any therapeutic +process, and highly motivated subjects can parallel the success of +hetero-hypnosis through their own efforts. Self-hypnosis can be used as +a palliative agent and can even afford lasting results in many areas of +the organism. Self-hypnosis can alleviate distressing symptoms, +substitute strong responses for weak responses, help overcome bad +habits, create good habits and help one's power of concentration. The +total personality is eventually changed to the point where it can +function adequately in an increasingly difficult environment. + +In learning self-hypnosis, the subject does not relinquish control of +himself as is commonly believed. Actually, more control is gained. +Self-sufficiency and self-confidence are inevitable results. It is well +to remember, however, that even good things may be overdone, and good +judgment is necessary for favorable results. Neither hypnosis nor +self-hypnosis should ever be used indiscriminately. The effectiveness of +self-hypnosis depends upon many factors. Strong motivation, intelligent +application of suggestions and diligence are prerequisites. + +We are not suggesting that self-hypnosis can take the place of all forms +of psychotherapy. We do recommend it as an adjunct to therapy when +indicated. Used judiciously, it can contribute a great deal to the +individual's physical and emotional well-being and happiness. + +As a professional hypnotist for many years, I have seen astounding and +apparently miraculous results by individuals using self-hypnosis. Many +of these cases seem unbelievable to those not familiar with hypnotic +phenomena. It should be remembered, though, that many individuals seek +hypnosis only when all other forms of therapy have failed. This is so +common that hypnosis has come to be known as a port of last call. Yet, +despite the seeming hopelessness of such cases, medical literature lists +thousands of remarkable recoveries. + +There is nothing hit or miss about hypnosis. Used intelligently, the +results are the same for all those who are properly motivated. Nor are +the results singular to modern hypnotists alone. In reviewing the +literature going back more than 100 years, the same gratifying results +were obtained. The reader would do well to scan some out-of-print books +on hypnosis at the library to understand the point further. + +This book is written in terms that are comprehensible to the layman. The +step-by-step instructions should afford the reader a means of acquiring +self-hypnosis. The necessary material is here. The reader need only +follow the instructions as they are given. + +The author wishes to thank Robert S. Starrett, member of the American +Medical Writers' Association, for his valuable help in the editorial +preparation of this book. + +It is the author's hope that you will, through the selective use of +self-hypnosis, arrive at a more rewarding, well-adjusted and fuller +life. + + MELVIN POWERS + + + 12015 Sherman Road + No. Hollywood, California 91605 + + + + +Chapter 1 + +What You Should Know About Self-Hypnosis + + +Hypnosis has been defined as a state of heightened suggestibility in +which the subject is able to uncritically accept ideas for +self-improvement and act on them appropriately. When a hypnotist +hypnotizes his subject, it is known as hetero-hypnosis. When an +individual puts himself into a state of hypnosis, it is known as +self-hypnosis. In both cases, the subject has achieved a heightened +state of suggestibility. Even in hetero-hypnosis, the subject really +controls the response to suggestions. Actually, all hypnosis is really a +matter of self-hypnosis. The subject enters into the hypnotic state when +he is completely ready to do so. This may require from one to many +attempts before it is achieved. Even if the subject insists that he +wants to be hypnotized immediately, he may be resisting hypnosis +unconsciously. + +In self-hypnosis the same thing usually takes place. The subject is +anxious to achieve self-hypnosis, but somehow the state eludes him. +What's wrong? It may be that he is unconsciously resisting it, hasn't +conditioned himself sufficiently, or has achieved the hypnotic state and +doesn't know he is in the state. This last statement may be surprising, +but we will examine it in detail a little later on. + +Most experts agree that about 90 percent of the population can be +hypnotized. My own feeling is that probably 99 percent can be +hypnotized. Who among us is not influenced by suggestion? Aren't we all, +as we have seen, influenced by the suggestions of advertising? Don't we +all have a tendency to believe what we read in the paper, hear on the +radio or see on television? Aren't we all convinced that a name-brand +article is better than one that is not so well-known? + +Suggestion plays a tremendously important role in our daily lives. It +begins from naming the baby with an appropriate name to securing a +suitable place for interment. I would like to call the reader's +attention to a fascinating book dealing with the unconscious reasons why +we do many of the things that we do. You will be intrigued with every +page of the book. It is called _The Hidden Persuaders_ by Vance Packard. + +My contention is that we are all suggestible and, therefore, being +hypnotized or hypnotizing ourselves is just a matter of increasing the +suggestibility that we already possess. Doesn't the hypnotist begin by +suggesting relaxation? Doesn't he usually begin by requesting the +subject to fix his attention on a particular object? Next, he suggests +to the subject that his eyes are becoming heavy and tired. As soon as +the subject closes his eyes, he suggests that he will be in a deep +hypnotic state. I am sure that you are familiar with this procedure. +With each step, the hypnotist is guiding the subject along directed +lines to get him to accept further suggestions without question or +doubt. When the subject achieves the ultimate state in this procedure, +he has been hypnotized. He then accepts suggestions without +equivocation. + +Let us continue with this same thought. Suppose I say to you, "I'm going +to stick you with this pin. It won't hurt." Would you let me stick you +with the pin? Obviously not. Let us suppose that you have been +hypnotized and I repeat the same suggestion. What happens then? You +readily accept the suggestion as being factual. Should I proceed to +stick you with the pin, you do not even flinch. In fact, you do not even +feel the pain. Does this sound incredible? Isn't this exactly the same +procedure that the dentist uses with his patient when he has hypnotized +him for the purpose of painless dentistry? + +Achieving hypnosis, therefore, is a matter of directing this +suggestibility that we all possess into the channels that will finally +produce the hypnotic state. It can be much more complicated than this +explanation in many cases, but let us use this as a working premise. + +Everyone can be hypnotized. The time required for achieving hypnosis +will vary from subject to subject. We will discuss some of the reasons +for this in a subsequent chapter, but for our discussion at this time we +need to understand this point. I have encountered numerous individuals +who were extremely disappointed because they did not respond to hypnosis +immediately or after several attempts. They wanted to know "what was +wrong." An explanation that nothing was wrong somehow did not satisfy +these individuals. "After all," they argued, "didn't I go to a hypnotist +especially to be hypnotized?" Some insinuated that perhaps the hypnotist +wasn't too good. + +Let me explain that most subjects need to be conditioned for hypnosis, +and this conditioning is helped when the subject practices certain +conditioning exercises that I shall discuss in detail in chapter six, +titled "How To Attain Self-Hypnosis." In my teaching, I have found that +about one out of ten subjects responds to the first attempt at hypnosis. +One cannot make a definite statement as to the length of time necessary +to learn self-hypnosis, but it is my experience that this usually takes +about one month. I have had subjects learn self-hypnosis in about 30 +minutes, but I must also relate that I have worked with subjects for one +year before they achieved it. + +For the most part, the laws of learning apply to self-hypnosis as with +anything else that one would want to learn. It can be a relatively +simple procedure, or it can be very perplexing. The answer lies not so +much with the hypnotist as with the subject. + +One question that arises is: "If I'm under hypnosis, how can I give +myself suggestions?" During the hypnotic state, it must be remembered, +the subject is always aware of what is going on. He hears what is said, +follows directions and terminates the state when told to do so. In the +self-hypnotic state, the subject is in full control. Therefore, he can +think, reason, act, criticize, suggest or do whatever he desires. He can +audibly give himself suggestions, or he can mentally give himself +suggestions. In either case, he does not rouse from the hypnotic state +until he gives himself specific suggestions to do so. Many feel if they +audibly give themselves suggestions, they will "awaken." In +hypno-analysis, the subject answers questions during the hypnotic state. +Having the subject talk does not terminate the state. You can keep the +talkative subject under hypnosis as long as you want. Furthermore, the +subject can be sitting erect with his eyes open and still be under +hypnosis. Carrying this further, the subject may not even be aware that +he is under hypnosis. He can be given a cue not to remember when the +therapist makes a certain motion or says a certain word that he will go +back into the hypnotic state but still keep his eyes open. Only an +experienced hypnotist could detect the change. + +Another frequent question is: "How do I arouse myself from the +self-hypnotic state?" You merely say to yourself that upon counting to +five you will open your eyes and wake up feeling fine. Many times the +subject falls asleep while giving himself posthypnotic suggestions. This +is not undesirable since the suggestions will spill over into the +subconscious mind as he goes from consciousness to unconsciousness. + +A popular opinion about hypnosis is that the subject surrenders his will +to the hypnotist in the process of being hypnotized. Furthermore, many +believe that once the subject is hypnotized, the hypnotist has complete +control of the subject and the subject is powerless to resist +suggestion. Both beliefs are erroneous. I believe the first +misconception comes from seeing techniques where the hypnotist requests +the subject to look into his eyes. The hypnotist suggests to the subject +that as he continues to look into his eyes he will fall into a deep +hypnotic state. This, then, becomes a matter of who can outstare whom. +The subject usually begins to blink his eyes and the hypnotist follows +this up with rapid suggestions that the subject's eyes are becoming +watery and heavy and that the subject will fall into a deep hypnotic +sleep just as soon as he (the subject) closes his eyes. This procedure +gives the impression to the observer that the subject is "willed" to go +under hypnosis. It appears that once the hypnotist concentrates or wills +sufficiently, the subject succumbs. Actually, the hypnotist in this +technique is not looking into the eyes of the subject. He fixes his +attention on the bridge of the nose of the subject. + +The concept that the subject is a helpless automaton stems from the +weird movies where the "mad scientist" has hypnotized subjects into +behaving like zombies. Naturally, there is usually a beautiful girl in +the movie and she, too, has been hypnotized. Even though the audience is +sophisticated enough to realize that this science-fiction drama is +purely entertainment, the theme is repeated sufficiently in novels, +comics, and television to make an indelible impression on the +subconscious mind. It's the technique of telling the "big lie" so many +times that it becomes believable. We are all influenced by this +procedure. There is an excellent book explaining this very premise. It +is called _Battle For The Mind_ by William Sargent. It describes in +detail the technique by which evangelists, psychiatrists, politicians +and advertising men can change your beliefs and behavior. + +Following the reasoning that the subconscious mind can be affected, you +can see that a problem could present itself even though the subject +consciously wishes to be hypnotized. Unconsciously, there may be a poor +interrelationship with the hypnotist which can create an unfavorable +climate for hypnosis. When this is the case, the subject doesn't respond +until such time that he relates well to the hypnotist. Even the most +calculated procedures will fail until a positive transference +relationship is established. I am sure that you sometimes have said, +"For some reason I don't like that person." If pressed for an answer, +you'll usually reply, "I can't explain it, but I just have a feeling +about him." Actually, your subconscious reactions are influencing your +thinking and you "feel" a certain way. The same thing takes place in +business transactions. You either like or dislike the proposition +presented to you. You may say, "I have a certain feeling about this +deal." You may not be conscious of the reasons, but your subconscious +has reacted automatically because of previous experience along similar +lines. + +In giving you some insight into the hypnotic procedure, I am trying to +point out certain problems in regard to acquiring self-hypnosis. For the +most part, it is not a simple procedure that is accomplished +immediately. You can't just will it. It requires working toward a +specific goal and following definite procedures which eventually lead to +success. + +The hypnotist is usually endowed by the subject with an omniscience and +infallibility which logically is unjustified. The subject is naturally +extremely disappointed if he doesn't respond immediately. If he loses +confidence in the hypnotist, he may never achieve hypnosis with this +particular hypnotist. I have hypnotized subjects who have been to +several other hypnotists without success, and I have had some of my +unsuccessful subjects hypnotized by other hypnotists. How and why does +it happen? I believe that some of the reasons are so intangible that it +would be impossible to explain all of them with any degree of +exactitude. + +I once saw an individual about 12 times who wanted to learn +self-hypnosis and had been unsuccessful in every approach. I asked him +if he would volunteer as a subject for a class in techniques of hypnosis +that I was teaching for nurses. He readily volunteered and showed up at +the designated time. Much to my amazement as well as his own, he +responded within a relatively short time as one of the nurses hypnotized +him before the group. She had used a standard eye closure technique, +requesting him to look at a spinning hypnodisc that I had previously +used with him every time he was in the office. Her manner was extremely +affable, she had used the identical technique I had used unsuccessfully, +and the subject responded excellently to cap the climax. He was the +first subject the nurse had ever hypnotized, since this was only her +third lesson. + +How would you account for it? Here was one of my students with two +weeks' experience hypnotizing a subject where I had failed while using +every procedure that I felt would work. Was it because she was a better +hypnotist? Perhaps! However, I'd like to recall at this time our +discussion about subconscious responses. I'm inclined to feel that being +hypnotized by a middle-aged female nurse created certain favorable +unconscious responses which accounted for his going under hypnosis at +that time. It created the initial break-through which was needed. I was +able to hypnotize him easily at his next appointment, and he acquired +self-hypnosis readily from that time on. + +I have tried the same approach with other subjects who did not respond +favorably and have failed to attain the success that I did in the above +case. Why the impasse? It is one of the difficulties that we encounter +in hypnosis, and as yet it has not been resolved. + +We know that the easiest way to achieve self-hypnosis is to be +hypnotized and given a posthypnotic suggestion that you will respond to +hypnosis by a key word, phrase or gesture. I have tried to point out +some problems that can arise. Needless to say, these problems do not +always arise, and the attainment of self-hypnosis can be a relatively +simple procedure. There is usually some way of reaching a subject who +does not respond in a reasonable length of time. + +Now we come to the point where the subject wishes to hypnotize himself. +What happens in this situation? It would appear that the subject would +go under hypnosis immediately. After all, isn't he controlling the +hypnotic session? Of course, this does happen time and time again, and +the results seem miraculous. I receive mail constantly from readers of +several of my other books on hypnosis telling me how they were able to +achieve certain goals that they never dreamed possible. They write that +they have achieved self-confidence and complete self-mastery and have +been able to overcome problems that have plagued them for many years. +These problems not only include strictly psychological troubles but many +psychosomatic symptoms as well. Many have remarked at the ease in which +they were able to achieve self-hypnosis and the results they wanted. For +them it was as simple as following a do-it-yourself book. + +Others write about the difficulty they encounter and ask what to do +about it. It is my hope that this book will shed some light for those +who have experienced difficulty in learning self-hypnosis. We shall +discuss many phases of hypnosis with the emphasis on self-hypnosis. +We'll discuss its many ramifications and try not to leave out anything +helpful in our discussion. + +If you follow the instructions and exercises that I give you +assiduously, you should be able to achieve a depth of self-hypnosis +suitable for solving many of your personal problems. + + + + +Chapter 2 + +What About the Dangers of Hypnosis? + + +One of the objections that you hear to hypnosis is that it can be +dangerous in the hands of those not trained in the psychodynamics of +human behavior. Inasmuch as psychiatrists and clinical psychologists are +the only ones who are thoroughly trained in the analysis of human +behavior, this objection, if valid, could limit hypnosis to a +comparative handful of therapists. Fortunately, it is not valid. This +was proved several years ago when the "Bridey Murphy" craze gripped the +country. Despite the fact that thousands of amateur hypnotists were +practicing hypnosis, little or no harm resulted. I have personally +instructed several thousand medical and non-medical individuals and have +yet to hear of a single case where a crisis was precipitated or anything +of a dangerous or detrimental nature occurred as a result of hypnosis. I +have also taught several thousand persons self-hypnosis and can report +the same findings. + +Many patients who seek treatment from competent psychiatrists, +psychoanalysts and psychologists do not always obtain satisfactory +results. This doesn't mean that everyone should stop seeking help from +these specialists. Even a specialist doesn't have a perfect record of +successful therapy. + +What then is the objection to hypnosis? The theory that if you get rid +of one symptom another symptom will take its place really holds no truth +and is usually advanced by those who have had little or no experience in +the hypnosis field. However, a difference of opinion does exist even +with those practicing hypnosis in this area. Some hypnotists "trade +down" symptoms by replacing a serious symptom with a minor one, while +others just remove the symptom. The latter is what a doctor does when he +recommends aspirin for arthritis. He knows the aspirin will not cure the +arthritis, but he wants to alleviate the symptom. To say that another +symptom will replace the pain is unscientific--and untrue. The same is +true of hypnosis. + +Lewis R. Wolberg, M.D., clinical professor of psychiatry, New York +Medical College, recently canvassed 30 experts in the field of hypnosis +and found a few who felt symptom removal was "irrational, temporary--or +outright dangerous." The large majority, however, "employed symptom +removal where indicated, and minimized or ridiculed any possible bad +effects." + +A further objection to hypnosis is that the results are temporary as +well as symptomatic. It is well to remember that most medical therapy is +specifically directed to symptom removal. How permanent is most medical +treatment? Once you couple hetero-hypnosis with self-hypnosis, you +afford the patient the opportunity of utilizing suggestions for his own +benefit any time they are needed. This, of course, can make symptom +relief permanent. As an example, I would see no harm in teaching a +patient self-hypnosis for symptomatic relief from a problem of insomnia. +It would certainly be better than physically depressing the higher brain +centers with sleeping pills to produce unconsciousness every night. I +needn't tell you that millions of dollars are spent every year on +sleeping pills and patients become dependent upon them, needing more and +more pills in order to produce sleep. Many accidental suicides stem from +an overdose of sleeping pills. Yet, despite the inherent dangers of +sleeping pills which are glaringly apparent, they are prescribed by the +millions, to say nothing of those that reach the market through illegal +channels. Furthermore, how much effort is really made to get the patient +off the sleeping pills? There are also more voluntary suicides by +sleeping pills than by any other method. Perhaps if these drugs weren't +so readily available, many of these unfortunate individuals would be +with us today. + +What about the often-quoted statement that "you might do some damage"? +Let's explore this area. I assume that the reader is somewhat familiar +with the work of Emile Coue or at least has heard of his famous +autosuggestion formula of "Day by day, in every way, I'm getting better +and better." During our time, thousands upon thousands of seemingly +helpless and hopeless cases have been cured by repeating this +affirmation over and over again, day after day, as the individual falls +asleep. + +I think we should make it clear that whether we call it autosuggestion, +positive thinking, meditation, yoga, affirmations or self-hypnosis, we +are, in reality, talking about the same thing. All require certain basic +prerequisites before they will work effectively for the individual. +We'll discuss these prerequisites in the next chapter. + +What should be remembered is that the suggestions are being filtered +into the subconscious mind which does not question, doubt, analyze or +dispute the efficacy of these beneficial thoughts. You can be sure that +the constant repetition will have its effect. Hasn't the mind, in the +past, accepted the individual's diagnosis when he said, "I'm sick," "I +have an inferiority complex," "I can't stop smoking," "I can't lose +weight," "I can't concentrate," "I can remember a person's face, but I +can't remember names," "I have a difficult time falling asleep," "I just +can't seem to relax." Isn't such an individual, in effect, using +self-hypnosis? And hasn't the person convinced himself of the validity +of his present state? This is truly dangerous. It is negative hypnosis. + +The question that I raise is: "Why shouldn't the subconscious mind be +even more convinced and respond strongly to suggestions which are in +conformity with the natural desire to be of sound body and mind?" I have +never been able to find a logical answer. + +I think this is what happens many times. A person seeks help with a +problem which, in reality, has nothing to do with hypnosis. His cure is +not contingent on being hypnotized or on suggestions he or the hypnotist +feel are indicated. You will read in nearly every book and article +dealing with hypnosis that "hypnotism is not a cure-all." No one has +suggested or implied that it should be used exclusively for all +emotional problems. You may read a newspaper article warning about the +"dangers" of hypnosis. It may tell of a person who rid himself of one +symptom and developed another in its place. You usually get a grossly +distorted picture of what happened, with many aspects of the case not +included. It's a matter of taking what you want to prove out of +context. Propagandists use this technique all the time to get across +their message. It's the old story of telling a half truth. + +Honest criticism and a sincere difference of opinion are always welcome. +But criticism must be well-founded from a scientific point of view and +not stem from an emotional reaction. You have probably heard the remark, +"I won't let anyone hypnotize me." What are they really saying, and what +does hypnosis represent to such an individual? To them, hypnosis +represents some sort of "magic spell" which invokes a state of complete +helplessness and dependency upon the hypnotist. We previously discussed +how this erroneous conception can take place because of the manner in +which hypnosis is usually interwoven with bizarre fictional stories. + +For many, the hypnotic state represents a period in which the conscious +guard is dropped. They feel they may compulsively reveal the darker side +of their nature, confess their hostility or relate information they +would never voluntarily divulge to anyone. This is the real danger they +see in hypnosis. To protect themselves from it, they attack it. It is +much like the fanatic vice crusader who militantly attacks sin in order +to alleviate his own feelings of guilt stemming from the fact that vice +actually attracts him. + +Fear of hypnosis takes different forms, but basically it is the fear of +revealing one's true feelings. An employee, for instance, at a gathering +which included the employer he dislikes, would never volunteer as a +subject for hypnosis if the occasion arose. He would be afraid he would +do or say something which might endanger his position. Hypnosis for him +would be "dangerous" because he would be afraid to take the chance. The +truth is, however, that this individual would be taking no chance. The +hypnotic state is not a confessional period. The subject is aware at +all times of what he is saying. If the subject does not wish to pursue a +line of questioning, he tells the hypnotist. If the hypnotist persisted +further along this line, the subject would shake off the hypnotic state. + +Another misconception about hypnosis is the widely held belief that the +subject is unconscious. This represents a threat to the security of the +individual. Actually, the hypnotic state is a period of extreme +awareness in which the subject is hyperacute. Furthermore, the subject +is not asleep, nor is he in a trance state in the correct meaning of +that term. He is in an altered state of awareness with his faculties and +reasoning ability intact. Inducing hypnosis merely creates a mood or +state in which the powers of suggestibility are heightened. + +When the general public and the medical profession become familiar with +the true nature of hypnosis, we shall have a greater acceptance and +utilization of this power. It is a slow process but one which will +finally evolve. In the final analysis, I believe the only danger that +exists is in the mind of the individual who fears hypnosis because of +whatever subjective qualms he has about his own emotional involvement in +the hypnotic process. + +Of course, all persons using hypnosis for the alleviation of pain should +consult their family physician. Pain is nature's way of indicating that +something is wrong with the organism. It would be foolish to suggest +that a pain in the stomach will disappear when this may be a sign of a +needed appendix operation. The same may be said of constant migraine +headaches. It must be determined that the headache is not a symptom of a +brain tumor or some other pathological condition. It may be of interest +to know that hypnosis is presently being used to relieve pain in +terminal cancer patients. There is an excellent article on this subject, +and I recommend it to doctors reading this book. It is called "The Use +of Hypnosis in the Case of the Cancer Patient" which appeared in the +January 1954 issue of _Cancer_.[1] + +[1] At the same time, I would highly recommend the booklet, + _Helping the Dying Patient and His Family_, published by the + National Association of Social Workers, 2 Park Avenue, New York + 16, New York. Price: 75 cents. + +There are at present several thousand dentists throughout the country +using hypnosis. They have formed their own society and publish a +quarterly journal, _The Journal of the American Society of Psychosomatic +Dentistry_. One of the best books in this field is called _Dental +Hypnosis Handbook_ by Jacob Stolzenberg, D.D.S. + +An excellent article is "Danger! Hypnotherapist at Work" by M. +Abramson.[2] The author reviews briefly the pros and cons regarding the +medical use of hypnosis. He concludes: "It is the author's opinion, +based on an extensive personal experience of over 15 years, that the use +of hypnotherapy by a physician or dentist who has been properly trained +and who uses this technique strictly within his field of competence +carries with it no more (and probably less) 'danger' than the use of +many other techniques of treatment used in medicine today." + +[2] Bull. Hennepin Co. Med. Soc., 1960, 31:101-106 + + + + +Chapter 3 + +Is Hypnosis the Answer? + + +Dr. George Estabrooks, professor of psychology at Colgate University and +author of the book, _Hypnotism_, made the following two statements in a +paper called "The Future of Hypnosis" given as part of a program on "The +Nature of Hypnosis" at the annual meeting of the American Psychological +Association in 1959: + +"It would be well to sound a word of caution against certain attitudes +which have become prevalent and which can be well illustrated in the +field of medicine. In this respect, direct suggestion is under the ban. +For example, a dictum, 'Never remove the symptom unless the cause is +understood,' is much emphasized. Its validity is greatly open to +question, since much of medical practice is direct symptom removal, as +only a little thought makes apparent. + +"Another dictum generally followed is that the unconscious background of +symptom-complexes must necessarily be made conscious to effect a cure. +Reasonable and thoughtful consideration of the extensive role of the +unconscious in daily living and functioning renders this dictum much +less creditable." + +I should like to discuss both of these statements in some detail as they +invariably arise in the mind of the individual seeking help through +hypnosis. + +The first thought that comes to mind is that all the religious healings +cited in the Bible involve direct symptom removal. The cures that are +effected by religious devotees traveling to sacred shrines are also in +the realm of direct symptom removal. I have yet to hear a criticism of +this type of treatment directed at religious leaders or condemnation of +the religious shrines. These cures are accepted as evidence of the power +of faith or attributed to the super-natural. In these cases, nothing is +ever done to make the person cured understand the nature of the +unconscious mechanisms which contributed to his problem. + +Religious healing cannot be dismissed by merely saying, "It isn't +scientific." A methodology is only scientific when it works. It is of no +value if it doesn't help the individual seeking help. We must face the +fact that not all people can be helped by the same psychological +treatment. We can readily see this in the following extreme example: An +aborigine suffering from a psychological problem certainly wouldn't be a +candidate for psychoanalysis as we know it. He could, no doubt, be +helped much more readily by a witch doctor. It also stands to reason +that the sophisticated Westerner would not be influenced by the +incantations of a tribal medicine man. + +Going further, we find there are many schools of psychotherapy and many +approaches to solving man's emotional problems. The cure rate for all of +them, however, is approximately the same. I think we must accept the +fact that there is no _one_ sound, logical, scientific approach. I +believe that so long as the end result is achieved, the methodology was +scientific for that individual's needs. The goal of all therapies is to +help the patient free himself from whatever emotional problems beset +him. + +This approach, to some readers, may seem an oversimplification of a very +complex problem, but I think it's time that we had a simple, workable +formula devoid of technical jargon. Too often, complex technical terms +and theories have been glibly used to explain away failures. I believe +we need more and more emphasis on measures to make the patient feel +better rather than spending most of the time trying to find out why he +doesn't feel well. This, of course, is symptom removal again. + +I should like to point out an interesting fact pertaining to Biblical +healers. So long as the fame of the healer preceded his arrival in any +country, he was able to heal the sick. However, where his fame as a +healer was either unknown or discredited, he found no faith and +subsequently no cure. The earliest reference to hypnosis is in the +Bible, Genesis ii, 21. "And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall +upon Adam, and he slept ..." + +Dr. William Malamud, 86th president of the American Psychiatric +Association, in an address delivered at the annual meeting in 1960, +stated the following in a paper called "Psychiatric Research: Setting +and Motivation": + +"During the last few years we have witnessed a growing trend of +overemphasizing the value of 'exact' methodology and uniformity of +standards. This trend, which could be characterized as a 'cult of +objectivity,' has already had an important influence on psychiatric +research. It is true that in its emphasis on critical judgment and valid +criteria, it has helped to curb unrestrained flights of imagination and +sloppy methodology. But the overglorification of objectivity and the +insistence on rigidly single standards of acceptable methods have +resulted in a concentration on certain phases of the science of human +behavior at the expense of other very important ones." + +I believe that most individuals have a fairly good understanding of how +they came to have the problem that they have. I have yet to encounter +the person who protests he has no idea why he doesn't function as he +would like to in a certain area. From a practical standpoint, not many +have the time nor money required to delve into the unconscious +background of the problem. The high cost of treatment is a very real +objection and cannot be discounted lightly. People suffering from +emotional problems usually suffer financial reverses as well. Who is to +help these people? There are very few places in the country where they +can receive competent psychiatric help at a reasonable fee. Is there +this type of help in your own community? It is only when the individual +is destitute that the state provides whatever help it can. However, at +this point it's a long hard struggle back to good emotional health. + +The National Association for Mental Health and its affiliates issue +about 10 million copies of 200 different pamphlets on various aspects of +mental health. To assess the value of these pamphlets, 47 mental hygiene +experts held a conference at Cornell University. A report on this +outstanding conference has been published. It is called "Mental Health +Education: A Critique." A feature by Ernest Havemann in the August 8, +1960 issue of _Life_ contains a very worthwhile article on this +conference called "Who's Normal? Nobody, But We All Keep On Trying. In +Dissent From 'Mental Health' Approach, Experts Decry Futile Search For +An Unreal Goal." The following paragraph is taken from the _Life_ +article: + +"What about psychiatry and psychoanalysis? This is a different matter. +Many unhappy and problem-ridden people, though by no means all who have +tried it, have profited from psychotherapy. Indeed, all the mental +health pamphlets, as a postscript to the self-help methods they +advocate, wind up by advising the reader to seek professional care if +his problems are serious enough. But the skeptics at Cornell cited +statistics which to them show that psychiatric treatment is as remote +for the average person as a trip to the moon. Aside from the expense, +which most people would find prohibitive, there simply are not enough +therapists to go around. The U. S. has around 11,000 psychiatrists and +10,000 clinical psychologists--in all, about one for every 8,500 +citizens. If everybody with emotional problems decided to see a +psychiatrist, the lines at the doctors' offices would stretch for +miles." + +I assume that most readers of this book know that state hospitals are +understaffed and unable to provide proper care for the mentally ill. +Mike Gorman, executive director of the National Mental Health Committee, +has written a crusading report on this very theme called _Every Other +Bed_. In this book he tells us that every other hospital bed in the +United States is occupied by a mental case. Mental illness costs the +country two and a half billion dollars a year besides the more important +untold human suffering that can never be equated in dollars. The book is +a shocking story of how we have let this happen; are still letting it +happen; and of how little, for the most part, we, the general public as +well as the medical and psychological professions, are doing to correct +this deplorable situation. + +It is time that we re-examined the dictums that say a symptom can never +be removed unless the cause is understood and the unconscious background +of symptom-complexes must be made conscious and understood before a +cure is effected. + +There are many positive thinking groups functioning in the religious +field. Many of these religious groups are in existence primarily because +of the dynamic philosophy or psychology they offer for every day living. +Couple this with a strong faith in God, and you have a combination which +approaches infallibility. Recently we have had a series of best-selling +books which expound this very theme. Does it work? Of course it does +when used properly. + +You can be sure that there has been criticism of this religious +psychology. The criticism is that the basic causes of the problem are +never dealt with and the unconscious conflict is not resolved. It's the +same argument over and over again. What about the people helped? They +seem to have made tremendous strides and are leading lives as well +adjusted as anyone else. Once imbued with this spirit or feeling of +well-being, it permeates every phase of their relationships in a +constructive manner. The only reason that there isn't more criticism is +that this type of psychotherapy is incorporated into the religious +tenets of these groups, and criticizing another man's religion makes the +detractor's entire philosophy unacceptable. I am strongly in favor of +these groups because I would prefer having a religion that keeps +pointing out the positive side of life and that "life can be beautiful" +if you put your faith in God and practice positive thinking. It is +certainly better than the cynical philosophy of its detractors or the +grim religions which stress punishment. Think of the guilt feelings +involved in the latter. No one can live up to such a formidable creed. + +Of course, if you suggest to positive thinking, religious individuals +that they are using a form of self-hypnosis, they will emphatically +deny and debate the issue. Since we are primarily interested in mental +hygiene and not in winning a debate, it is well to leave the matter as +it stands. The point to keep in mind is that so long as a person feels +that this methodology is the answer to his needs and so long as no one +is being hurt by his belief, I feel he should cling to his conviction. +He should not allow it to be destroyed by those who are thinking in +different semantic terms. + +I would like to bring up another common example pertaining to the two +basic concepts that we have been discussing. It is the example of the +many individuals who have taken public speaking courses to overcome +stage fright. In most cases, the person involved hasn't had too much +opportunity to be a public speaker. Because of this, he suddenly feels +he may not say the right thing or forget what he wants to say. This +anxiety can create the very situation or block that he fears. What is +the solution? Certainly not psychoanalysis to find out why he functions +the way he does. You could use this approach, but I don't think it's the +most constructive one. It is like asking, "What am I doing that's +wrong?" instead of "What can I do that's right?" The most constructive +approach is to take a course of instruction to get the actual practice +and experience in the techniques of public speaking. + +Before proceeding further, I believe it is necessary to point out that I +am not just being critical of the convictions of other sincere and +dedicated individuals engaged in the field of mental hygiene. It is +always good to re-evaluate our present thinking on any subject, no +matter how sincere or convinced we may be that what we are doing is +correct. At times, we can become so immersed in our convictions that we +cannot take criticism and respond emotionally to ideas or +interpretations that do not coincide with logical thinking. + +What, then, is the answer to mental health problems? There is no single +answer. It is a very complex situation. There are many promising drugs +and treatments which, if adequately developed and widely used, could do +a great deal toward promoting good mental health. Fundamentally, the +problem will always be that of trying to understand human behavior and +helping those in distress with an efficacious formula. + +What is that formula? I believe hypnosis can contribute in part to the +answer. Needless to say, hypnosis is contraindicated in many emotional +problems because of the very nature of the problem itself. Some +emotional difficulties must first be worked out on a conscious level. +After this, hypnosis can be instrumental in achieving the final goal. + +Dr. Frank S. Caprio, a prominent psychiatrist, in his book, _Helping +Yourself with Psychiatry_, states the following: "A whole new world of +self-confidence and positive living is open to every person, young and +old, through hypnosis, self-hypnosis and self-suggestion or +auto-hypnosis." + + + + +Chapter 4 + +How Does Self-Hypnosis Work? + + +There's an old Chinese proverb that states: "One picture is worth a +thousand words." In conveying suggestions to the subconscious, we have +found that picture images are more effective than the words that are +implanted. For example, it isn't sufficient to say, "I will be +confident." The words must be augmented by a picture of yourself as the +confident person you want to be. If you say, "I can't visualize myself +as a confident person because I have never been that way," you can +"borrow" those personality traits that you want for yourself. Imagine +yourself endowed with the characteristics of some confident person that +you know. The qualities that you seek may even be borrowed from a famous +person. If this isn't possible, make up a personality which is a +composite of all the things you want to be. See yourself walking, +talking and carrying on activities. Keep fortifying this image with the +mental suggestions that are needed. It won't be long before these mental +impressions give rise to the confident feelings that you seek. As you +keep implanting these images, they will become a natural part of your +conscious personality. + +Dr. S. J. Van Pelt, president of the British Society of Medical +Hypnotists and editor of the _British Journal of Medical Hypnotism_, +writes about this technique in his book, _Secrets of Hypnotism_. He +calls it "'3-D' Technique in Medical Hypnotherapy." As you read the +following paragraph, it would be well to remember that it contains the +essence of making the self-hypnosis technique work once you have +achieved the hypnotic state, per se. Incidentally, the same procedure +can be used in attaining the hypnotic state itself. You see yourself +entering the state of hypnosis in your initial attempts. This, in turn, +sets up a conditioned response and a favorable emotional reaction which +is necessary. + +"The writer has found (visualization) of the greatest value in the +re-education of the patient, which is an essential part of hypnotherapy. +In this method, after the cause of the trouble has been discovered and +as a part of his re-education, the patient is instructed while under +only light hypnosis to 'form a picture' in his mind. He is asked to +imagine a movie screen and to see himself 'just like an actor' on this +screen playing a part. He is told that the picture looks 'very +real'--'3-D' in fact--and that he can see himself acting and looking the +way he really wants to look and act. Various scenes are suggested such +as ... the patient will have to face in real life. In each he is +instructed to see himself--'as in real life'--always succeeding. For +instance, the stammerer might be asked to picture himself speaking +easily to people, and feeling perfectly at ease. The patient is also +instructed how to form these 'success pictures' for himself, and it is +stressed that he will only be able to see himself as he wants to +be--successful. Since the pictures give rise to the appropriate +feelings, it is not long before the patient begins to show the benefit +of his private '3-D' film shows." + +After explaining this technique to students, many have inquired, "Is +that all there is to it? It seems so simple." Of course, there is more +to it in that the individual must follow through with the instruction. +This is one of the difficult aspects of this type of program. Let me +enumerate some of the problems I have encountered in teaching +self-hypnosis. + +As mentioned, one of the difficulties is that the technique seems too +simple. Students become skeptical. They feel it should be more +complicated and involved in order to get results. I suppose people +better appreciate something that comes only after a hard struggle. This +procedure is devoid of this. Of course, I am not saying that once a +person begins to use this technique his problems will automatically +vanish and his life will be cheery forever after. We have been +conditioned to think that success in anything can only come after a +long, hard struggle. This is the basic theme of the American way of +life. We have been accustomed to believe that conflict and struggle are +part of life and large doses of it are necessary before we achieve +success in any field. I can only reiterate that the information +contained in this book is all you need to get results. It is necessary +that you follow through and not give up after you have tried the program +for a short while and have obtained no appreciable results. This brings +us to another point. + +Many persons expect immediate results when they begin to use +self-hypnosis. If they don't get the results they anticipated +immediately, they want to know "what's wrong?" My answer is usually +that "nothing is wrong" and that they need only keep steadily applying +the instructions. Certainly, one doesn't become a proficient typist, +musician, actor or sportsman because he has mastered the basic +techniques. It takes time to acquire proficiency. + +Let me assure you that anyone using and applying this technique can +benefit from it. One of the troubles in dealing with any problem is +routing defeatism and hopelessness. You can incorporate posthypnotic +corrective measures in the suggestions that you give yourself. However, +I believe that they must be dealt with on a conscious level as well. You +must believe that you can conquer your difficulties no matter how long +you have had them. If you are prepared to work with self-hypnosis in an +unremitting manner, you will achieve the self-help that you seek. Now +and then, you can anticipate a setback in your progress, but this +needn't discourage you from your overall task. Recount the progress +already made. If you have a "let-down" because you expected quicker and +more dramatic results, remember that this is a common feeling shared by +many with emotional problems. Remember, also, how long you have had the +problem. + +No doubt, you have tried other methods and became discouraged because +you weren't making the progress you had anticipated. You dropped the +idea and landed back where you started. Make up your mind, consciously, +that you will work with untiring sincerity and a perseverance that will +not falter because your chosen goal is not achieved immediately. I know +of no therapy that leads straight to positive results without obstacles +and intermittent failure. Success comes in spite of intervening failures +because the ultimate direction has been clearly thought out and charted. +Self-hypnosis will finally work because you are constantly conditioning +your subconscious to react in a positive, constructive manner. The +program must, of necessity, become automatic in nature. When it does, +you will suddenly find yourself feeling the way you wanted to and doing +the things that you set out to do with the aid of self-hypnosis. You +actually cultivate those feelings that you want. + +Hypnosis will not work with skeptics. Every so often such a person comes +to my office seeking help. He tells me that his family physician or his +spouse feels he should take my course in self-hypnosis. I inquire if he +feels he might benefit from the course. If his answer is not positive, +and if after talking to him at length about the benefits of hypnosis, I +still feel he is not ready for the course, I suggest another mode of +treatment for him. The reason for this is that unless the person is +optimistic and enthusiastic about self-hypnosis, it just isn't going to +work as effectively as it would otherwise. The very nature of a +skeptical attitude limits the constructive forces that we wish to +harness. + +Occasionally, individuals want indisputable proof that hypnosis is going +to help them. It is impossible to give them the proof and unqualified +reassurance that they seek. Yet, these same people do not require proof +from their physicians. No one can guarantee success. However, I do point +out that the continued and intelligent use of self-hypnosis can be +instrumental in directing the healing, curative, constructive forces of +nature. + +Many times, a metaphysical rather than a scientific approach is +required. It's a matter of trying to satisfy the patient's needs. At +times, it is helpful to allow the patient to attend a class in +self-hypnosis. Being able to communicate and identify with other +individuals seeking self-hypnosis often is enough to change his +attitude. This is especially true when one or more of the students +relates dramatic changes. + +Self-hypnosis works because we are able to condition ourselves to +various stimuli. We condition ourselves consciously and unconsciously to +many activities. When we experience anxiety, it stems from a +conditioning process which could have been conscious or unconscious. In +self-hypnosis, the individual consciously works toward implementing and +strengthening his own inherent strength and resources. These objectives, +when attained, result in feelings of confidence, relaxation, +self-mastery and well-being. + +Furthermore, hypnosis utilizes a natural mental process. We all know +that placebos work admirably in numerous cases. The dictionary defines +the word placebo as, "an inactive substance or preparation, administered +to please or gratify a patient, also used in controlled studies to +determine the efficiency of medicinal substances." Many controlled +experiments have shown that people achieve similar results whether they +take a placebo (which they think is the real medication) or real +medication that was prescribed. Several years ago many such tests were +carried out with antihistamines to prevent colds. The results were +always the same. + +We are interested in what makes the placebo act as effectively as the +true medication. It stands to reason that a chain reaction is set up, +actually causing a physiological result from a psychological reaction. +The unsuspecting patient declares, "I've never felt so good in my life." +Yet, this would never have happened if he didn't think he was taking the +marvelous new medicine. A recent scientific study by one of the leading +pharmaceutical houses concluded that one third of the effectiveness of +any medication depends upon the faith and trust that the patient has in +the prescribing physician. + +I am sure that the placebo results and the patient's faith in the +physician as contributing factors to the effectiveness of medications do +not come as a revelation. We are all aware of such information. Our +problem is how to harness this unconscious process for constructive +goals. The answer is through self-hypnosis. + +Self-hypnosis, as we have explained it, uses a technique called +visual-imagery. This has been referred to by many different names, but +for our purposes we'll call it visual-imagery. Within this technique +lies one of the keys for achieving the goals that you want. There have +been many famous books written incorporating this technique as a basis +for achievement. Perhaps the most famous of all is called _Think and +Grow Rich_ by Napoleon Hill. In recent years, _The Magic of Believing_ +by Claude M. Bristol and _The Power of Positive Thinking_, already +mentioned, have become well-known. The book which gives direction to +most of the books in this field is called _Self-Mastery Through +Conscious Auto-Suggestion_ by Dr. Emile Coue. I am sure the older +readers of this book have heard of his famous saying, which I will +repeat here for emphasis. "Day by day, in every way, I am getting better +and better." Invariably, in all these books, there is reference to the +Biblical quotation, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." + +As the reader can deduce, we are not theorizing about a startling new +discovery. The technique is as ancient as man himself and his dream of a +better tomorrow. All books using the visual-imagery technique tell you +to paint a vivid, mental picture of the material things you wish to +acquire, if it is a case of material wealth. For personal improvement, +they tell you to paint a vivid picture of the individual you want to +be. In most cases, you are told to do this in a relaxed or meditative +state with as few distractions as possible. The next two requirements +are constant repetition (conditioning) and a "burning desire" +(motivation) to achieve what you set out to do. + +Aren't these books really talking about self-hypnosis? Aren't they +describing precisely the techniques of self-hypnosis? The terminology is +different, but the approach is the same. With these techniques there is +an aim to direct thinking, picturization, positive thinking, suggestions +and constructive thoughts or images to the "inner self" or "real self." +Aren't they once again really talking about the subconscious mind? I +have no argument with any workable approach to emotional maturity, but +in many cases we are actually becoming involved with the meaning of +words (semantics). The quickest way to the subconscious is through +self-hypnosis. In this self-hypnotic state, you are able to consciously +direct suggestions to your subconscious mind. + + + + +Chapter 5 + +How to Arouse Yourself from the Self-Hypnotic State + + +You will note that this chapter precedes instruction on how to attain +self-hypnosis. The reason for this is to alleviate whatever anxiety you +may have in regard to the question, "If I'm hypnotized, how do I awaken +myself?" It is important to understand that even though you are +hypnotized, you are in control, are aware of your surroundings, what is +going on about you, can think clearly and can arouse yourself very +easily. It is only necessary to say or think, "I shall now open my eyes +and wake up feeling fine." You could also give yourself a specific count +and say, "As I count to five, I'll open my eyes and wake up feeling +wonderfully well and refreshed. One ... two ... three ... four ... +five." + +It should be remembered that while we sometimes use the word "sleep" to +describe the hypnotic state, we are not actually referring to true +sleep. This accounts for much of the confusion. The individual thinks, +"If I'm asleep, how can I awaken myself?" If the subject were asleep in +the true sense of the word, this would be impossible. Actually, the +subject is in a special or heightened state of awareness. In +self-hypnosis, he is extremely conscious although his general physical +appearance is one of passiveness. In the self-hypnotic state, the +individual consciously gives himself whatever suggestions he desires. +This proves he _is_ conscious and, therefore, can awaken himself with +the appropriate suggestions. + +Occasionally, the subject falls asleep while giving himself suggestions +or while relaxing to get into the right psychological mood. Naturally, +in this case, the subject will awaken in due course. If the subject +practices hypnosis when he is normally set to fall asleep in bed, he +would awaken refreshed in the morning at his usual time. + +Before beginning to give yourself therapeutic suggestions, you could +give yourself the following suggestions which give you a _specific +length of time_ that you will work with self-hypnosis: + +"I shall work with self-hypnosis for 15 minutes. At the end of that +time, I shall open my eyes and wake up feeling wonderfully well, wide +awake, confident, cheerful and optimistic. The moment I open my eyes, +I'll feel refreshed. In case of any outside danger, I'll be able to +awaken immediately, be fully alert and act accordingly." + +You will notice that these suggestions take into consideration the +possibility of something happening of danger to the individual, such as +fire, etc. These points arise in the minds of most individuals +attempting self-hypnosis and are well taken. You could also set an alarm +clock to awaken you at a designated time. + +Let us assume to arouse yourself you gave yourself a suggestion to open +your eyes and be wide awake at the count of five. You count to five and +for some reason you are unable to open your eyes. First of all, DON'T +WORRY. Remain relaxed and give yourself the suggestions over again, +emphasizing to yourself that at the count of five you will absolutely, +positively be able to open your eyes very easily and will feel fine. You +then begin the count again reiterating between each number that you will +positively open your eyes at the count of five and be wide awake. This +should do it. Should this not do it, may I reassure you again, DON'T +BECOME ALARMED. Relax for a few minutes and try again. You'll be able to +open your eyes and wake up. + +I hope I haven't frightened you with the prospect of not being able to +awaken. I bring this up only to acquaint you with the procedure to use. +Actually, the problem of dehypnotization is a rare one. I should point +out a very important fact. _I have never had a subject practicing or +using self-hypnosis tell me he had the least bit of difficulty in +awakening himself from the self-induced hypnotic state._ + +I have had persons tell me that they heard or read of a case where the +hypnotist could not bring the subject out of the hypnotic state, and, as +a result, the subject slept for so many days. Not one of the stories +could be documented. Years ago, for publicity purposes, stage hypnotists +would have a subject sleep in a store window for several days. This was +on a voluntary basis, though, and should not be confused with what we +are discussing. + +In working with subjects, I have _very rarely_ had a subject who did not +awaken at a specific count, but I have had this experience. I have +usually found that the subject is so relaxed that he just didn't want to +awaken for fear of losing this pleasant sensation. When the subject +doesn't awaken, I merely ask him in a calm manner, "Why don't you wish +to wake up? You can answer me without awakening from the hypnotic +state." He usually replies he'd like to remain in this state for another +five minutes or so. I agree to this extended period while getting a firm +commitment from him that he will awaken after this period. This is +usually sufficient to bring the subject out of the hypnotic state. + +Occasionally, the instructions to wake up are not clear to the subject. +If this is the case, clearer instructions should be given. You could +also deepen the hypnotic state and then give suggestions to awaken at a +specific count in a very authoritarian manner. Every so often, I have +found that the subject has fallen into a natural sleep and just hasn't +heard the instructions. In this case I raise my voice which is usually +sufficient or gently shake the subject awakening him as you would any +sleeping person. + +I would like to relate a rather interesting experience that I had with a +male subject. I had worked with this particular subject six times +previous to this occasion. He was a good hypnotic subject, and he failed +to awaken in the usual manner. Since he had carried out several +posthypnotic suggestions, it was rather perplexing to analyze what had +happened. After about ten minutes, he finally agreed while he was under +hypnosis to awaken at a given count. I asked him what was the nature of +the difficulty. He replied, "I wanted to see how you would react." + +In conclusion, having difficulty in dehypnotizing yourself is extremely +rare. Should it happen, _keep calm_, and repeat the suggestions with +emphasis. Even in hetero-hypnosis, where the hypnotist hypnotizes a +subject, it is extremely rare. There are explainable psychodynamic +factors for this. However, they can be met adequately while the subject +is under hypnosis. + + + + +Chapter 6 + +How to Attain Self-Hypnosis + + +Let us begin with the hypothesis that anyone can learn and practice, to +some degree, the science of self-hypnosis. We shall assume that you have +carefully thought out what you want to accomplish. You have, through +self-analysis, come up with reasonable goals of therapy and +self-improvement. The next step is the acquisition of the hypnotic +state, per se. + +Before giving you the specific instructions, I would like to clarify a +question which invariably arises in teaching a student self-hypnosis. It +is: "Are the suggestions that I give myself as effective as the ones you +would give me in hetero-hypnosis?" + +It is natural to assume that the suggestions of the hypnotist would be +more effective than those given by the subject himself, but both have +the same intrinsic value. It is well to remember that all hypnosis is +really self-hypnosis, and all hetero-suggestions are transposed into +self-suggestions. If the hypnotist firmly suggests, "From this moment, +you will feel very confident in all life situations," the subject +automatically and unconsciously rephrases the statement, "From this +moment, I will feel very confident in all life situations." The subject, +ordinarily, mentally or aloud, repeats all suggestions using the pronoun +"I" instead of "you". + +The easiest and quickest way to learn self-hypnosis is to be hypnotized +and given a posthypnotic suggestion to the effect that you will be able +to put yourself into the hypnotic state at a given stimulus whenever you +desire to do so. The hypnotist need not be a professional. Anyone +understanding the rudiments of hypnosis can do this. However, let us +assume you want to learn self-hypnosis and cannot find help. If you +understand and consciously practice the instructions that I shall +outline, you will attain your goal. + +Sit in an easy chair or recline on a sofa or bed. Next, choose a point +of eye fixation on the ceiling, preferably a spot behind you which would +normally cause eye fatigue or strain. Now, breathe very slowly and +deeply. As you do this, repeat, aloud or mentally, the word "sleep" as +you inhale and "deep sleep" as you exhale. Do this for several minutes +in a very monotonous manner until such time as you find yourself getting +drowsy. Next, suggest to yourself that your eyelids are becoming heavy +and tired. The goal is to acquire eye closure using this method. You +want to reach a state where it is uncomfortable to keep the eyes open. +Once you get your eyes closing, seemingly of their own volition, you +have reached the first step in achieving self-hypnosis. + +You can repeat to yourself such suggestions as, "My eyelids are becoming +very heavy and tired ... My eyes are becoming very watery ... My eyelids +are blinking ... I just want to close my eyes ... The moment I close my +eyelids, I shall fall into a deep, sound, hypnotic sleep ... Even though +in a deep state of hypnosis, I shall be aware of my surroundings and be +able to direct posthypnotic suggestions to my subconscious mind." + +When your eyelids actually become heavy or when your eyes actually begin +to water, you intensify these feelings by repeating affirmative +suggestions along these very lines. This is known as "the feed-back +technique" and helps to reinforce the actual condition that exists. +Proceeding in this way hastens the actual closing of the eyes and +attainment of the hypnotic state, per se. + +Let us assume that you practice this procedure and seemingly nothing +happens. Continue to practice it again and again until such time as you +are able to achieve an eye closure. You will eventually be able to do +this within a relatively short period of time. + +One of the best times to practice the technique just given is when you +are falling asleep at night. The lights are out and you are lying in +bed. Choose an imaginary spot above and behind your eye level so there +is some strain on the eye muscles. Now begin giving yourself suggestions +that your eyelids are becoming heavy, etc. + +The reason this period is such an excellent time to practice +self-hypnosis is that the suggestions you give yourself spill over into +your subconscious as you drift from consciousness to unconsciousness. +It's like telling yourself to wake up at a certain time in the morning. +The suggestion reaches your subconscious and activates you consciously +to waken. Using this approach, you can give yourself dynamic, +constructive suggestions at this time as well as giving yourself the +posthypnotic suggestion that the next time you practice self-hypnosis, +you will fall into a deeper, sound, hypnotic state at the count of +three. You also emphasize that your eyelids will close involuntarily +whenever you relax for five minutes and afterwards count to three. This +conditioning process will be augmented by the use of the sleep period. +The suggestions will tend to work unconsciously during this period and +hasten your attainment of the constructive goals as well as the +self-hypnotic goal itself. + +Once you have achieved eye closure, deepen the hypnotic state by the +following suggestions: "As I count to three, I shall go deeper and +deeper into a profound, hypnotic state. As I count to three, I shall +find myself becoming more and more relaxed. As I count to three, I shall +fall into a deep, hypnotic sleep." You repeat these suggestions many +times, actually trying on a conscious level to feel sleepier, more +relaxed, more at ease. In doing this, you take on the characteristics of +a deeply hypnotized subject. + +Part of the difficulty in learning self-hypnosis is that the subject is +aiming at a state of mind in which he has no experience. If I say, "Act +happy" or "Act sad," there is an immediate reaction from your +experiential background, and you can react accordingly. If you have +never seen anyone hypnotized and I say, "Act as though you were +hypnotized," you must, of necessity, act in a manner that you would +assume approximated that of hypnosis. If you had actually seen someone +hypnotized, you would naturally take on the characteristics you had +observed. This would either be done consciously or unconsciously. + +Some individuals describe the hypnotic state as a state of "complete +relaxation." Many get a feeling of "detachment;" others a feeling of +"disassociation," as though their entire being was only thought. Some +get a "floating" or "drifting" feeling, likening the experience to +lying on deep clouds. Others experience a heavy, pleasant, "sinking" +feeling. Still others get a feeling of "peace and serenity." Many +describe the hypnotic state as being akin to the state just prior to +falling asleep or like daydreaming, and they experience the same +reactions. Yet, there are some who do not feel a definite change. They +describe it by saying, "I just felt that I had my eyes closed. I heard +everything and was completely aware at all times." Since it is possible +to direct your feelings (reactions), I would suggest that you aim for a +completely relaxed, comfortable state. + +You have now reached the point where your eyes are closed, and you have +given yourself further suggestions to deepen the state of hypnosis. This +has taken from about six to ten minutes. You are not sure, though, that +you are under hypnosis. There are many ways to test this, and I shall +outline one of these tests later in this chapter; however, for your +initial attempts, it isn't too important whether or not you are under +hypnosis. You are still to give yourself the posthypnotic suggestion +that the next time you attempt to hypnotize yourself you will fall into +a deeper and sounder state after you have relaxed for about five minutes +and counted to three. + +In your initial attempts, you will be trying to establish a conditioned +response to the count of three which will subsequently cause your eyes +to close and put you under hypnosis. Eventually, you should react +instantly to the count of three or any other cue you may use to trigger +the response. The key words or stimulus become associated with the +action that you seek. Through repetition, just thinking about the +stimulus can bring on the response. This is known as ideomotor action +and is present in the waking as well as the hypnotic state. Pavlov's +famous experiments which induced dogs to salivate when a bell was rung +after previously having had food fed to them at the same time are +examples of this type of conditioning. Don't we generally become hungry +if someone tells us it's noon and time for lunch when, in fact, it's +only 11 o'clock? + +I had a common experience recently that I am sure many readers have +shared. One of my neighbors, seeing my car was parked in front of my +house and knowing I was home, called to say he was dropping in to see +me. While working on the manuscript of this book, I thought I heard the +doorbell as I was typing. I went to the front door and no one was there. +I even walked around the house looking for him because I was so certain +I heard the bell. This is another example of an ideomotor action. I told +my friend about it when he arrived approximately 30 minutes later. He +looked at me rather whimsically, and we both shared a laugh. Haven't you +thought you heard the phone ring when you were waiting for a call? + +In the chapter, "How Does Self-Hypnosis Work," stress was laid on the +importance of the visual-imagery technique. During every attempt to +achieve self-hypnosis, you attempt to visualize yourself going into the +hypnotic state. Once you have deepened the state, you begin the process +of visualizing yourself exactly the way you want to be. You may +experience difficulty at first, but as you keep at it, you will be able +to picture yourself the way you want. _You use the visual-imagery +technique whether you think you are under hypnosis or not._ These images +become clear as you constantly hammer home these suggestions. This is +the exact procedure necessary, and you needn't complicate it. + +Let us suppose that you are getting your eyelids to close at the count +of three and have achieved a good state of relaxation. With these +prerequisites, you can anticipate going deeper into the hypnotic state. +Actually, being able to get the eyes to close at a specific count is the +first test in determining if the subject has gone under hypnosis. If you +have conditioned yourself this far, then you can go to the next step. +The next test is called the "swallowing" test. You mentally give +yourself suggestions that as you slowly, to yourself, count to 10, you +will get an irresistible urge to swallow one time. You further suggest +that this will happen even before you reach the count of 10. You then +begin the count. "One ... My throat is parched, and I feel an +irresistible urge to swallow one time. Two ... My lips are becoming very +dry, and I feel an irresistible urge to swallow. Three ... My throat +feels very dry, and I feel an irresistible urge to swallow one time. +Four ... Before I reach the count of 10, the urge to swallow one time +will become irresistible because my lips and throat are so dry. Five ... +Once I swallow, I shall no longer have the urge to swallow again, and as +I swallow one time, I shall fall into a deeper and sounder state of +hypnosis." Continue with similar suggestions, repeating and affirming +the suggestions about swallowing. Once you actually swallow, you +discontinue the suggestions and, instead, give yourself suggestions that +you are falling deeper and deeper into a sound hypnotic state and that +the constructive suggestions you now give yourself will work for you. +Once again you practice visual-imagery, seeing yourself the way you want +to be, while fortifying this image with forceful, positive suggestions. +You close by giving yourself suggestions that you will enter the +hypnotic state whenever you relax for five minutes and count to three. + +The suggestions are just as effective whether given aloud or mentally. +Many subjects report that they are reluctant when it comes to giving +suggestions to themselves. I can only say that as you continue to work +with yourself, you will develop confidence in giving yourself +suggestions. In order for the suggestions to be effective, they cannot +be given in a reticent or hesitant manner. They must be given with +enthusiasm and anticipation. If you assiduously follow these +instructions, you will derive the benefits you seek in the shortest +possible time and witness the positive, tangible results of your +suggestions and efforts. In the next chapter, you'll learn how to deepen +the self-hypnotic state. + + + + +Chapter 7 + +Deepening the Self-Hypnotic State + + +For each progressive test, it is usually necessary to have accomplished +the preceding tests. However, this is not an absolute rule. Frequently, +a subject responds to tests at the beginning of the depth scale and then +to others at the end of the depth scale. Certain tests in between do not +work. I have had the following experience more than once while teaching +one of my classes in self-hypnosis. In testing the depth of hypnosis, I +run the gamut of all of the tests from light to deep. In this way, the +subject can ascertain how far he has progressed. One frequent test for +the deep state is to give the subject a posthypnotic suggestion to the +effect that the next cigarette he smokes will have a vile taste and it +will be absolutely impossible for him to take more than three puffs. It +is further suggested that after the third puff, the cigarette taste will +be so unbearable it will become necessary for him to extinguish the +cigarette. + +We can expect an excellent hypnotic subject to comply with these +posthypnotic suggestions, but a subject who hasn't even passed the eye +closure test (test No. 1) or any other test may unexpectedly react +perfectly to the cigarette test which we know is a standard test for +determining if the subject has entered into a deep state of hypnosis. +How can you account for it? There is no simple or positive answer. If we +hadn't given him this particular test, he would have felt that he wasn't +making progress in his determination to become a good hypnotic subject. +Because of this, he might not have given himself therapeutic suggestions +because he would feel he hadn't reached a state of hypnosis which would +benefit him. Remember, follow the instructions of giving yourself +whatever therapeutic suggestions you want, regardless of the fact that +you feel that "nothing has happened." I have seen many subjects who were +bewildered because certain tests did not work, yet were pleased because +of very gratifying overall results from using self-hypnosis. They were +baffled because of their inability to pass certain tests which they felt +were a prerequisite to the success of constructive suggestions they gave +themselves. + +It is commonly felt that the deeper the state of hypnosis, the better +the results. In actual practice, I have not found this to be so. I have +had excellent results in a relatively short period of time with subjects +who only achieved a light state, and it has been necessary to work with +others who achieved a deep state of hypnosis for a longer period before +lasting results were in evidence. Naturally, each individual presents a +different set of needs and even though the symptoms may be basically the +same, each will respond favorably when his requirements are met. This +happens on a conscious as well as unconscious level. For example, the +mere assurance by a physician that the patient is all right and has +nothing to worry about is often sufficient to bring about desirable +results. Another example is the mother who stops the sobbing of her hurt +child by a loving kiss. A logical approach, pointing out to the child +that he really didn't hurt himself, would never have worked. We have all +heard stories of primitive tribesmen who have died because they knew +they were the objects of "death wishes" by another member of the tribe. + +The key to achieving a greater depth of self-hypnosis lies in the use of +the visual-imagery technique. You "see" yourself going into the hypnotic +state deeper and deeper. You even picture yourself, using this +technique, passing various progressive hypnotic tests. The second part +of the key lies in giving yourself a posthypnotic suggestion that each +succeeding attempt will put you into a deeper state as a result of a +given stimulus--such as the count of three. + +The following instructions should not be attempted usually unless you +have been successful in achieving the two basic tests--the eye closure +as well as the uncontrollable urge to swallow followed by the physical +act of swallowing at a specific count. If the conditioning process works +for these two tests, you have achieved the lethargic state of hypnosis. +This is the first state of hypnosis and is generally referred to as the +"light" state. Therapeutic suggestions can work admirably in this state. +The next stage of hypnosis is known as the cataleptic state and is +referred to as the "medium" state. Generally, hypnosis is divided into +three states: the lethargic (light state); the cataleptic (medium +state); and the somnambulistic (deep state). + +As you deepen the hypnotic state, you can accomplish the progressive +tests that I shall outline for you. I'll also number these tests for the +convenience of having a reference. Deepening the hypnotic state requires +the same type of practice or conditioning as the first two steps. Let +us call eye closure--No. 1, and swallowing--No. 2. We are now ready to +proceed to the "hand tingling" test--No. 3. + +You have just completed tests No. 1 and 2; you are in a completely +relaxed state. Now give yourself the following suggestions: "As I count +to ten and even before I reach the count of ten, I shall feel a light +tingling or numb feeling in my right hand." As you slowly begin the +count of ten, you keep repeating suggestions to the effect that your +right hand is beginning to tingle. Once again, you practice the +technique of visual-imagery, tapping your experiential background for +this feeling. You can recall how it feels when your hand goes to sleep. +Once you get an initial feeling of lightness, tingling or numbness, +reinforce this feeling by the feed-back technique as you did with the +eye closure test. As you practice this procedure, it will work with +greater effectiveness. The following is a very important point to +remember. Be sure that you give yourself a posthypnotic suggestion that +the tingling, light or numb sensation will disappear as you continue to +count to 15. For example, "As I count to 15, the tingling feeling in my +right hand will disappear, and I shall experience only normal +sensations. Eleven ... The tingling feeling is leaving. Twelve ... Now +it is leaving faster. Thirteen ... I can feel my hand returning to +normal. Fourteen ... The tingling feeling has left. Fifteen ... My right +hand feels perfectly normal." You could try a variation of this test by +saying your nose or one of your toes will itch at a specific count. Once +this test is accomplished, you are ready for the "foot" test--No. 4. + +You will remember that the key to achieving a greater depth of hypnosis +lies in visualizing yourself going deeper with each attempt and +accomplishing progressive hypnotic tests. Keep this in mind. For a +moment, let us go back to the hand tingling test--No. 3. Once you have +been successful in accomplishing this test, use the visual-imagery +technique to see yourself successfully responding to the foot test. When +you have actually accomplished test No. 4, you see yourself +accomplishing the "hand levitation" test--No. 5. In other words, you use +each step to enhance a greater receptivity for the following progressive +test. As you couple this approach with posthypnotic suggestions that you +will go deeper and deeper into the hypnotic state at a given stimulus, +you set into motion a conditioned response mechanism which must +ultimately guide you into a profound state of hypnosis. + +The foot test can be accomplished while sitting or lying down. The idea +of this test is to imagine that your feet are stuck to the floor or that +your legs are so heavy that they are impossible to raise until you reach +a certain count. It is best to begin this test by trying to capture a +heavy, relaxed feeling in your legs. You give yourself specific +suggestions along these lines: "As I count to five, I shall notice a +very heavy, relaxed, pleasant feeling in both legs. It will be a very +comfortable feeling; a feeling of complete relaxation." You then begin +the count of ten, following out the idea of the other tests you have +successfully accomplished. You should remember that there is no time +limit and you take as much time as you need in order to get the relaxed, +heavy feeling. Once you get the relaxed, heavy feeling, you use the +visual-imagery technique to try to picture your legs stuck to the floor. +If you are lying down, imagine you are covered by a heavy blanket which +is tightly tucked under the mattress, making it impossible for you to +raise your legs. If sitting up, I tell the subject to imagine that his +shoes are stuck to the floor with "iron glue," and since his feet are in +the shoes, it is impossible to lift them until the specific count which +will enable him to do so. + +Here are the suggestions you can use for the second part of this test. +"As I continue to count to ten, I shall find that it will be impossible +for me to raise my legs. I shall try at the count of ten, but it will be +absolutely impossible to raise my legs until I count to 15. At that +time, I shall be able to raise my legs easily, and the heavy feeling +will leave as well." You then continue with the count, giving yourself +appropriate suggestions. Once this test is accomplished, you use the +visual-imagery technique to see yourself accomplishing the hand +levitation test--No. 5. Be sure you give yourself the posthypnotic +suggestion that the next time you hypnotize yourself, you will fall into +a deeper and sounder state. + +I'll assume that you have been able to get a relaxed, heavy feeling in +your legs. You have reached the count of five and are ready to proceed +further. Here are sample suggestions you can use: "Six ... My legs are +becoming extremely heavy. Seven ... I'll be unable to lift them until I +count to 15. Eight ... I feel very comfortable; my legs are becoming +heavier and heavier. Nine ... My entire body is completely relaxed, and +my legs are so heavy that they are impossible to lift. Ten ... I'm in a +very deep hypnotic state, and it is absolutely impossible for me to move +my legs until I count to 15." At this point, you actually try to raise +your legs. If you can't do it, you have reached the cataleptic stage. + +Should you not be able to raise your legs, don't become frightened. All +you need to say is: "I can now move my legs." You could also say: "As I +count to three, I'll be able to move my legs." However, since we have +elected originally to be able to move the legs at the count of 15, it +would be best to follow out this pattern. You could at this time merely +continue to count to 15, at which time you would be able to move your +legs. I prefer giving suggestions between each count as follows: "Eleven +... The heavy feeling is leaving, and I shall be able to raise my legs +at the count of 15. Twelve ... I can feel the heavy, relaxed feeling +leaving. Thirteen ... I am beginning to move my legs. Fourteen ... I am +lifting my legs more and more. Fifteen ... I have perfect control over +my bodily functions and legs; I am lifting and moving my legs; the heavy +feeling is dissipating; I am in complete control; I can now give myself +posthypnotic suggestions that will be very effective and beneficial." +Give yourself whatever suggestions you want at this time. + +Let us suppose that you tried the foot test for some time and were +unsuccessful. Perhaps this puzzles you, and you wonder why it didn't +work. Perhaps you were able to get a heavy feeling in the legs, but the +second part of the test didn't work. The following information will help +you to understand why you were unable to complete this cataleptic test. +Either you had not conditioned yourself sufficiently, or you weren't +really "letting go" enough to enter into a deeper state of hypnosis. +Most subjects need to test themselves and feel secure every step of the +way. They don't just plunge into the cataleptic or somnambulistic stages +immediately. In this connection, I believe it can be compared with the +bather who goes into the water one step at a time. Even the playful +splashing directed at him by friends does not compel him to duck under +the water. Instead, he continues to slowly go deeper and deeper until he +is completely submerged. Wouldn't it have been easier to duck under all +at once? Perhaps, but I'm sure you have either experienced the same +thing yourself or seen it happen. + +The analogy should be clear. The subject is reluctant to do what he +considers as "giving up his control" when, in reality, he is really more +and more in control of himself as he penetrates the deeper levels of +hypnosis. + +In reality, the subject who does not or cannot raise his feet really +could move in case of emergency, even without counting to 15. He has, in +effect, entered into a state in which it is too much bother to lift his +feet. A common example of this frame of mind is when you remain in bed +in the morning even though you know you will be late to work. You are +just too comfortable to move, and your initiative seems paralyzed. + +Let us assume, at this point, that you have finally succeeded in getting +the foot test to work. You are now ready for the hand levitation +test--No. 5. In this test, the goal is to get your hand to slowly rise +and touch your chin. Once it touches your chin, you enter into a still +deeper state and lower your hand slowly to your side. This test is +actually combined with the hand tingling test--No. 3. Since you have +been successful with test No. 3, the rest is rather simple. This time as +you work test No. 3, aim for a light, pleasant feeling in your right +hand. Once you get this reaction, you give yourself suggestions that +your right hand will now rise and touch your chin. As soon as it does, +you will fall into a deeper state and lower your hand. Here are the +suggestions that you can use: "As I count to ten and even before I reach +the count of ten, I shall have an irresistible impulse to slowly raise +my hand to my chin. As I progress with the counting, my hand will slowly +rise, and the impulse will become stronger and stronger. As soon as my +hand touches my chin, the impulse will leave. I will then lower my hand +and fall into a very deep hypnotic state. I shall be fully aware of what +is happening, my surroundings, and will be able to give myself +beneficial posthypnotic suggestions." + +At this point you start counting to ten, giving yourself suggestions +that your right hand which already has a light feeling will begin to +slowly rise to your chin. Time the counting to coincide with the actual +physical act of raising your hand. You are trying to feel an involuntary +urge to raise your hand. The movement itself should also be of an +unconscious rather than conscious nature. A conscious raising of your +hand to your chin is not what you are looking for in this test. Should +you experience difficulty in attaining the first movement of your hand, +you can give yourself assistance by consciously and slowly raising your +hand just to get it started. The rest of the movement, as mentioned, +must be automatic. Should you find it necessary to start your hand +rising, use the feed-back technique to continue the movement. You can +give yourself the following suggestions: + +"One ... My right hand is beginning to rise. Two ... My right hand is +very, very light, and I am getting an irresistible urge to slowly raise +it. Three ... This feeling is getting stronger and stronger. Four ... My +right hand is rising more and more. Five ... My hand is rising toward my +chin. Six ... As soon as my hand touches my chin, I shall fall into a +deeper and sounder state of hypnosis. Seven ... My hand is rising closer +and closer toward my chin. Eight ... The feeling of lightness is +becoming stronger and stronger. Nine ... My right hand is about to touch +my chin; as soon as it does, I'll fall into a very deep hypnotic state. +Ten ... My right hand is touching my chin; I'm falling deeper and +deeper into a sound hypnotic state; I'll now slowly lower my hand and +continue falling into a deep, sound, pleasant state of hypnosis. The +light feeling has left my hand." + +You should not attempt to memorize the exact phraseology for any of the +tests. You are to merely use the suggestions that have been written out +for you as a guide. The timing of the suggestions is the paramount +consideration in attaining successful results. Don't be impatient. Take +as much time as you need. Should you find yourself unsuccessful after +ten or fifteen minutes, drop the test and come back to it another day. I +haven't found that working at a specific test all day long accomplishes +the end result. + +It is best to work for a specific period every day. In this way, the +conditioned response pattern is established for the success of the tests +as well as the success of the posthypnotic suggestions that you have +given yourself. You should bear in mind that if you have been successful +in achieving the first five tests, you have reached a medium state of +hypnosis, and posthypnotic suggestions will be extremely effective. In +the next chapter, you'll learn, psychologically, how to go even deeper +into hypnosis. You'll learn those psychological factors that are +important to know and that can contribute to your development into an +excellent hypnotic subject. Following this, the subsequent chapter will +give you further tests and instructions for developing into a +somnambulistic subject. + + + + +Chapter 8 + +What You Should Know About Becoming An Excellent Subject + + +Becoming an excellent subject follows the same general rules for +becoming proficient in any other endeavor. It depends upon your +motivation, persistence and willingness to devote time and study to the +subject. Let us agree that most individuals can learn to play a musical +instrument to some degree. This degree is usually sufficient for their +own needs. To become a virtuoso, however, it is necessary to study the +instrument and devote a great deal of energy and time to practice. The +same example could be given for most undertakings. Anyone can learn to +hit a golf ball, but being able to control the direction and distance +and become a skilled golfer is quite another matter. + +If you have been successful in accomplishing the first five tests, you +can consider yourself a good hypnotic subject. Becoming an excellent +subject entails following the same procedure used in accomplishing the +first five tests. Some may proceed very easily into the somnambulistic +state, and others may have a difficult time reaching this deepest stage. +Understanding some of the psychology involved and assuming the right +psychological frame of mind for the attainment of the somnambulistic +state is more important than just working blindly in an attempt to get +the somnambulistic tests to work. Being irritable, disgusted and +despondent because of your inability to go further into hypnosis is not +the answer and will only lead to frustration and failure. The reader is +not to assume he will be a difficult subject. If you have come this far, +you'll be able to continue in the same manner. The topic under +discussion now is brought up to prepare readers for any contingency that +may arise. It's like having a life preserver on a boat. You hope you +never need it, but you should be prepared to use it in case of an +emergency. + +It is natural to assume that if you are willing and trying to go into +the lethargic, cataleptic or somnambulistic state, you will be able to +do so in a relatively short period of time. Unfortunately, this is by no +means the case. Many of the principles of learning and conditioning can +be applied to hypnosis, but with many subjects these laws do not seem +applicable. Let us assume you wanted to learn to become an excellent +typist. This is a reasonable goal and all that is necessary is to +continue practicing until you have reached the proficiency you set out +to achieve. This proficiency would, as a rule, follow application of the +laws of learning and conditioning. + +This isn't always so in a subject's attempt to become somnambulistic. +When the subject progresses from one stage to another in a classical +manner, the theory works admirably, but what happens when a subject +cannot seem to progress any further? He has reached a plateau and is +unable to climb higher. He seems to have reached a psychological +impasse or stalemate. It is easy to say that the subject is thwarted by +a subconscious block and let it go at that. This, however, doesn't help +him in his dilemma. It's like telling the stranded motorist that the +reason his car has stalled is because the motor isn't running. The +following information will be helpful to those who haven't been able to +reach the first stages of hypnosis, as well as those who apparently can +go only so far. Actually, the same principles are involved. + +If the subject doesn't respond or responds to a limited degree, there +evidently is a cause or reason for this poor response. In order to +continue this discussion, it will be necessary for us to agree that the +resistance can be either conscious or unconscious. If the subject +insists that he is trying to "let go," has nothing to hide, is not +afraid of hypnosis, understands what is involved and has strong +motivation, we can only assume that the resistance must be unconscious. +Usually, it will be necessary to work through this unconscious +resistance before the subject responds. If the subject is conditioning +himself, this will involve a great deal of introspection, and even then +it is an extremely difficult job. One doesn't usually have proper +insight into one's own emotional make-up. The end result is that one can +only rationalize about his behavior. + +Let us explore some interesting aspects of hypnosis with a view toward +helping you if you are having difficulty responding the way you desire. +I have had the following paradoxical situation happen many times. A +subject calls my office, requesting to be conditioned for self-hypnosis. +He further requests that he be allowed to bring along a member of his +family or a friend for the hypnotic session. These individuals usually +ask if I object to this procedure. I interpreted this request as a sign +of distrust during my early career as a professional hypnotist. I was +affronted by the idea of the unspoken insinuation verbalized by this +request. Didn't they trust me? Between trying to defend myself and +assuring them that there was no need for another person being present, +since my secretary could observe the procedure, I usually "won" the +argument but lost the client. As I developed understanding into the +needs of these persons, I began to realize that the request was not +directed at my integrity, but was a safeguard for their ego. + +[Illustration] + +Here is an interesting sidelight that has happened frequently in regard +to the foregoing situation. I would request the subject to sit near my +desk and tell the onlooker to sit in back and to the side of the +subject, away from the subject's view so as not to distract him. In this +situation, I invariably place the hypnodisc on a spinning, portable +phonograph turntable and turn it upright for the subject to look at. The +hypnodisc, which is made of stiff cardboard, looks like a 12-inch +phonograph record and has concentric heavy lines drawn on it. As it +spins, the subject feels he is being pulled toward the center. At the +same time, it causes his eyes to become very tired. I have included a +drawing of it on this page for those who are not familiar with this +hypnotic device. The revolving hypnodisc causes a physiological +reaction and must work with everyone. You feed back certain known +physiological responses for the successful attainment of hypnosis. + +The onlooker has no choice but to look at the hypnodisc as well. As I +suggest to the subject that his eyes are becoming heavy and tired and +that soon he'll have an irresistible impulse to close them, the onlooker +is naturally hearing the same suggestion. Because this person feels +apart from the hypnotic situation, there can be no conscious resistance. +Since these defenses are not hampering the attainment of hypnosis, the +onlooker may readily fall under hypnosis. More than once, the onlooker +has confided to me that he was getting a better night's sleep, was +feeling wonderfully well or had derived other benefits since coming to +my office as an "observer." The exact situation happens when the stage +hypnotist is hypnotizing subjects on the stage. Many times a person in +the audience who had no intention of becoming hypnotized becomes +influenced in the same manner. Incidentally, these individuals make the +best subjects. + +There are interesting theories as to why a subject responds or does not +respond to hypnosis. I think the reader would find some of these +theories interesting and perhaps gain some insight into his own hypnotic +behavior. These theories are based primarily on a psychoanalytical +approach to hypnosis. + +The most prevalent theory is that the hypnotist represents either the +father image (paternal or fear hypnosis) or the mother image (maternal +or love hypnosis). The father usually represents an authoritarian +figure. The subject's identification can be on a conscious or +subconscious level. Let us suppose the subject has ambivalent feelings +toward his father. Because of this, he may not respond. Here is an +opportunity to frustrate the authoritative (father) figure. The only +trouble with this theory is that if there is an excellent relationship +between the father and subject, it doesn't necessarily mean that the +subject will respond easily. The stage hypnotist invariably uses a +strong, authoritative approach with a great deal of success, but this +approach generally does not work best in private practice. + +I have found that for the majority of subjects the maternal approach +works best. Perhaps the process of hypnosis awakens early unconscious +memories of being put to sleep as a child. Some techniques that are used +in hypnosis are quite similar to this. The subject, who is lying down, +is told to close his eyes and is spoken to in a quiet, reassuring, +monotonous tone of voice. The hypnotist is seated near him. The +hypnotist even uses the same words that the subject has heard as a +child: "Sleep. Go to sleep. When you awaken, you'll feel wonderfully +well." In fact, I use some special music that I had recorded for +inducing hypnosis. The first musical selection is Brahms' "Lullaby." +Children's music boxes invariably contain this selection, and the melody +cannot help but activate a pleasant nostalgia. It is a memory associated +with love and tenderness. This brings us to the fact that hypnosis may +offer the subject a chance to escape from the reality of pressing +problems into a state of complete irresponsibility. In fact, one theory +of hypnosis equates the hypnotic state as a form of unconscious +regression and need for submission. + +The male subject may have a strong, positive identification with his +mother rather than his father. It is part of the unresolved Oedipus +complex. He sees his mother as a kind, loving individual, always ready +to help. Even if the mother did something socially unacceptable, the +individual would defend her vehemently. The father who might do +something wrong would rarely be excused. Just the opposite is true with +the female subject. When asking the female child, "Whose girl are you?", +the answer is invariably, "Daddy's girl." When asking the male child, +"Whose boy are you?", the answer is invariably, "Momma's boy." We accept +this transference of identification as a normal process of growing up. +When it isn't normally resolved, it can account for severe personality +problems. One might assume, therefore, that a woman hypnotist could +better hypnotize a male subject, and a male hypnotist could better +hypnotize a female subject, but this is not true except for cases such +as we have just mentioned. + +One school of thought feels that there is a strong submissive tendency +in all of us and hypnosis gratifies this wish. The individual's need for +dependence is also met. In this case, the hypnotist becomes omnipotent, +being able to alter feelings that ordinarily distress the individual. +Normally, adults, when confronted by a particularly upsetting +experience, might want to be held closely by an intimate friend or +member of the family. Don't we frequently put our arm around a friend in +grief trying to comfort him? The inner strength which is created by +hypnosis within the total personality structure of the subject lessens +dependency upon the hypnotist, much in the same fashion that we need the +doctor less as we start to recover from an illness. Self-hypnosis +further lessens dependency for no authoritarian figure is used. + +The subject's attitude towards authority is important to know. It is +well-known that officers in the army are more difficult to hypnotize +than noncommissioned men. The enlisted man, by a process of +indoctrination and conditioning, is taught to obey and follow orders +without reasoning. The transference of authority to the hypnotist is +readily accomplished because of this conditioning process. The army +doctor, when treating patients psychologically, replaces his army jacket +with a regular white medical jacket to increase rapport. + +One interesting theory is that the subject responds as he thinks the +hypnotist would like him to. This is termed "role playing." When asking +a subject under hypnosis his name, you usually get a very slow, +deliberate answer, as though the subject were in a trance. You tell him +that he can answer in a normal speaking voice and tempo and his further +replies are to be in the same manner as his waking state. + +Another theory along these lines is that the subject acts as he believes +a hypnotized person would act. This, too, is role playing, but it does +not explain analgesia, such as when the dentist hypnotizes the patient +and proceeds to drill a tooth. No one (with the possible exception of a +highly neurotic psychic masochist) is going to endure excruciating pain +just to please the doctor. + +One theory about hypnosis states that it allows the subject an +opportunity of identifying with the hypnotist, whom he sees as a +powerful figure. Through this identification, the subject is able to +gain inner strength. On the other hand, the subject might rebel against +the submissive nature of the hypnotic setting. This could easily create +anxiety which, in turn, could create hostility resulting in resistance +of various kinds. As a result of this, the subject might begin to +criticize the hypnotist, find fault with the way he (the subject) is +being handled, question the judgment of the hypnotist, or doubt the +effectiveness of the hypnotic procedure. + +Many investigators assert that the "rapport," meaning the relationship +between the subject and hypnotist, is all important. This is true and +the relationship can and does have many ramifications. In psychotherapy, +the term "transference" is used to denote this relationship. The +relationship is further described as a good or bad transference. There +is also a countertransference which indicates the reaction of the +therapist to the patient. Naturally, in order for the subject to +respond, there must be good rapport. + +I have tried to indicate that there are complexities that may arise in +the hypnotic setting. There are many conflicting theories as to why a +subject does or does not respond. There are no set rules to follow, and +one's intuition, experience and judgment help solve any problem that +arises. + +Let me relate another frequent incident. I have had subjects come to me +after they were unable to be hypnotized by several other professional +hypnotists. They have complained that the hypnotists weren't "good +hypnotists" because they couldn't hypnotize them. After all, they ask, +hadn't they been willing subjects? My usual answer is that the fault, if +there is one, is not with the hypnotists and really not with the +subjects. It is a matter of exploring what has happened and then +deciding on a course of action to insure success. + +I am firmly convinced that the subject responds when he is positively, +without equivocation, ready to do so. He keeps testing the response to +make sure he is in control. He fears a reduction in his voluntary level +of reality attachment and control. Unresponsiveness proves to him that +he has this control. As long as he does this, which is a natural +response, he never lets go sufficiently to attain hypnosis. Hypnosis, +as we know, is a very sensitive state. It requires complete faith and +trust in the hypnotist. If it is lacking, the subject never does +respond. The phenomenon of hypnosis is entirely subjective in nature, +and its success lies within the total personality structure of the +subject. If there is resistance to hypnosis itself or to deepening the +state, the subject by his own honest evaluation and verbalization of his +resistance can do much to become a better subject. Hypnosis must begin +with the acceptance by the subject of certain basic fundamentals that we +have already discussed rather than of the forcefulness of the hypnotist. +The deepening of the hypnotic state lies in the intensification of the +conditioned response mechanism once it has been initiated. + +You should not expect to achieve immediate results although sometimes +this does happen. As you continue to work with perseverance, +intelligence and enthusiasm, you will definitely achieve the goals that +you have set for yourself. It is well to remember that you guide +yourself toward the somnambulistic state, depending upon your belief and +acceptance of those principles that have been outlined for you. + +I have attempted to point out some of the salient points and theories to +keep in mind in your attempt to develop into an excellent hypnotic +subject. Some of these only pertain to the situations where the +hypnotist works with the subject. Many of the problems inherent in this +setting are not applicable to the situation where the subject is +hypnotizing himself. Both settings have their advantages and +disadvantages. As long as you proceed to follow the instructions given +you, you can feel assured that you will finally achieve self-hypnosis. + +It should be emphasized that it is vital to adopt the right frame of +mind in your attempt to achieve self-hypnosis, particularly a deep +state. If you approach hypnosis with a "prove-it-to-me" attitude, +nothing is going to happen. Self-hypnosis requires practicing a set of +mental exercises or mental gymnastics. To acquire the ultimate from this +training requires systematic conditioning. The word "training" is used +quite extensively in hypnotic literature. The use of the word implies +that hypnosis can be attained by a training period. The literature +speaks frequently of a subject being trained to respond in a certain +way. Obviously, this means over a certain period of time. It also means +you train yourself to become a good hypnotic subject. It is a skill that +all can acquire. + +There are four books dealing specifically with self-hypnosis that I +would recommend to you for further reading. They are: _What is Hypnosis_ +by Andrew Salter, _Hypnosis and Self-Hypnosis_ by Bernard Hollander, +M.D., _Autogenic Training_ by Johannes H. Schultz, M.D., and +_Self-Hypnosis--Its Theory, Technique and Application_ by Melvin +Powers. + + + + +Chapter 9 + +Techniques for Reaching the Somnambulistic State + + +As indicated in the last chapter, the attainment of the somnambulistic +stage of hypnosis can represent an extremely intricate procedure. +Because of certain inherent characteristics of this stage, it is easier +to attain by hetero-hypnosis. However, this does not preclude the fact +that it can be reached without the aid of a hypnotist. More important +than the testing and deepening procedures that I shall outline for you +in this chapter are an _understanding_ and an _awareness_ of some of the +complexities involved, first in achieving the hypnotic state, then +deepening, and, finally, reaching somnambulism. There are no absolute or +final answers to many of the problems that can arise. You can become +entangled with rationalization so easily when you want the facts to fit +a particular theory. I point this out to the reader because, as the +subject goes deeper, the procedure can become more complicated. + +There are many interesting phenomena which can be elicited in the +somnambulistic state. They are of interest for the most part, to +students of abnormal behavior and are pertinent from an academic +viewpoint. They do not fall within the province of this book or of +hypnosis for therapeutic purposes and might lead the reader astray. +Should readers be interested in further hypnotic phenomena, I refer them +to _Modern Hypnosis_ by Leslie Kuhn and Salvadore Russo, Ph.D., +_Experimental Hypnosis_ by Leslie LeCron, _Time Distortion in Hypnosis_ +by Milton Erickson, M.D. and Lynn F. Cooper, M.D., and _Hypnotism--An +Objective Study in Suggestibility_ by Andre M. Weitzenhoffer, Ph.D. + +As discussed previously, some individuals experience difficulty in +attaining the deeper hypnotic states. My advice is to be patient and to +continue working with yourself. It is not imperative or vital to reach +the somnambulistic stage for therapeutic results. It is a misconception +on the part of many students that they must go into the deepest state +possible to obtain results. Dramatic changes can come about at all +levels of hypnosis. The somnambulistic state is necessary in +hypnotherapy when there is a need for the patient to relive some +traumatic episode. It is also useful when the patient is reluctant to +consciously discuss certain aspects of his problem. Many +hypnotherapeutic techniques such as amnesia, hypermnesia, progression, +paramnesia, automatic writing, dream induction, regression, production +of experimental conflicts and crystal or mirror gazing require a +somnambulistic state. For those of you interested in hypnotherapy, I can +recommend no finer book than _Hypnotherapy of War Neuroses_ by John G. +Watkins, Ph.D. In this book, the theory of hypnotherapy has been +diagramatically presented for easy comprehension and shown to be an +amalgamation of concepts and practices from various schools of thought. + +Most students of hypnosis equate the phenomenon of amnesia with the +somnambulistic state. The mistake they make is in trying to achieve +amnesia. It's similar to the dog trying to catch his tail. It is +impossible for the subject to effectively suggest amnesia to himself. If +he remembers what he was supposed to forget, he has failed. If he truly +doesn't remember what he was supposed to forget, he doesn't even +remember the amnesia suggestion and can take no satisfaction from his +success because he is not aware that he has accomplished the +posthypnotic suggestion. Unless an elaborate set of posthypnotic +suggestions are worked out, it is an impossible test for self-hypnosis. + +I know the reader is anxious to begin his conditioning for the +somnambulistic state, but there are still a few pertinent remarks which +should be remembered before proceeding further. The reader should not +memorize verbatim any of the tests involved in proving the +somnambulistic state. All that is necessary to remember is the general +form and the goal you seek. The goal is to increase your suggestibility +which, in turn, means deepening of the hypnotic state. After each step, +you are to give yourself suggestions that you will go still deeper the +next time. You should also designate a specific length of time to work +with self-hypnosis. The suggestions are as follows: "I shall work with +self-hypnosis for 15 minutes. At the end of that time, I shall open my +eyes and wake up feeling wonderfully well. I'll be wide awake and +refreshed. In case of any danger, I'll be able to awaken immediately and +act accordingly." + +Some hypnotists tell their subjects to "make your mind a blank." I +suppose what they really mean is that you must try to think of only what +the hypnotist is saying. Have you ever tried to make your mind a blank? +Try it for a moment. It's an impossibility. Should the hypnotist +persist along these lines, he'll never be successful. It is the wrong +approach. The subject, because of his inability to comply with this +suggestion, is fighting a losing battle. It is also almost impossible +for the subject to concentrate only on what the hypnotist is saying. Any +word the hypnotist says can start a conscious as well as unconscious +train of thought. Therefore, in reality, this, too, is impossible. +However, it really isn't necessary that the subject keep his thoughts +concentrated solely on what is being said so long as they are kept in +the general area. At times, the more you try to concentrate, the more +your thoughts become scattered. Suppose I say to you, "Forget the +address 8721 Sunset Boulevard." What happens? The more you try to forget +it, the more you remember it. Therefore, don't be concerned if you +experience stray thoughts during the induction and deepening of +hypnosis. You are now ready to continue with further tests. The first +five tests should be mastered before continuing. + +Test No. 6 is referred to as the "fly" test. In this test, once under +hypnosis, you picture that a fly is crawling on the back of your right +or left hand. Once you feel the fly, you know you are deeply hypnotized. +You might even get an urge to move your hand and flick the fly off your +hand. When this happens, you know, of course, that you are deeply +hypnotized. Here is a sample of the type of suggestions to give: + +"As I count to ten and even before I reach the count of ten, I shall +feel a fly crawling on the back of my right hand. This illusion will +seem very real to me. One ... My right hand is completely relaxed. Two +... I feel completely at ease. Three ... I am beginning to feel a +pleasant tingling feeling on the back of my right hand. Four ... This +feeling is becoming strong. Five ... It feels as though a fly is moving +on the back of my hand. Six ... I have had this same feeling before. +Seven ... I can feel the fly. Eight ... The feeling is very definite. +Nine ... As I flick my hand the fly will disappear (If you have felt the +fly, move your hand). Ten ... It is gone." + +Test No. 7 is known as the "cigarette" test and naturally is only for +those of you who smoke. In this test, you give yourself posthypnotic +suggestions during the hypnotic state, awaken yourself, and then note +the effects of the posthypnotic suggestions. If the cigarette tastes +bitter or has a repugnant taste or odor, and if you furthermore find it +impossible to smoke more than three puffs, necessitating your putting +out the cigarette, you know the posthypnotic suggestions are working +perfectly and that you are an excellent hypnotic subject. Here are the +suggestions to give yourself while you are under hypnosis: + +"When I count to three, I shall open my eyes and wake up feeling +wonderfully well and shall have a strong desire to smoke a cigarette. +Upon lighting the cigarette, I shall notice that there is a very bitter, +strong and repugnant taste to the cigarette. As I continue to smoke the +cigarette, the distasteful effect will become stronger and stronger. +Even though I realize that I have given myself these posthypnotic +suggestions, they will exert a strong force outside of my conscious +control, and I shall find it necessary to extinguish the cigarette after +three puffs. As I now count to three, I shall open my eyes and wake up +feeling fine. One, two, three." + +Test No. 8 is called the "sun" test. In this test, you picture yourself +in a bathing suit, shorts or playsuit at the beach or some other +familiar place taking a sunbath. You imagine that it is a beautiful +summer day. As you see yourself relaxed, you imagine that a cloud is +blocking out the sun, but as you count to three, the cloud will move +away and you will feel the warm, pleasant glow of the sun's rays on your +face and hands. Here are the suggestions you can use: + +"As I count to three, I shall feel the warm, pleasant rays of the sun on +my face and hands. One ... The cloud is moving, and I can begin to feel +the warm, pleasant rays of the sun. Two ... The cloud is moving more and +more, exposing more and more of the sun. I can feel the warmth of the +sun's rays. Three ... The cloud has moved away from the sun, and I can +feel the full, warm strength of the sun. It is a pleasant feeling, but +as I continue to count to five, the warm feeling will dissipate. Four +... The warm feeling is leaving. Five ... The warm feeling has left, and +I feel perfectly normal in every respect." + +A variation of this test is to see yourself lying comfortably in front +of a fireplace. In this instance, you imagine someone is adding wood to +the fire. As this is done, you feel the warm glow of the fire more and +more. Should you use the fireplace technique, try to incorporate the +sound of rain into the picture. If you "hear" rain you have created a +positive auditory hallucination and can consider yourself an excellent +subject. + +You can also visualize a situation where you would be cold. This is not +as pleasant as the picture that one can conjure up about a fireplace and +thus creates a bit more resistance since no one wants to feel +uncomfortable. + +Test No. 9 is the "breeze" test. It can be combined with the previous +test. After you attain the feeling of warmth, you give yourself a count +of three (or whatever number you want), suggesting that you will feel +the cool ocean breeze (if you are at the beach) on your face and hands. +You can even carry this step further, suggesting that you'll even smell +the odor of the salt water. This is known as an olfactory illusion and +should you be able to create this effect, you can be sure that you are a +somnambulistic subject. Here are suggestions you can use: + +"As I count to three, I shall gradually feel the cool ocean breeze +coming over the waves. It will be a very pleasant feeling. One ... I am +beginning to feel the cool ocean breeze, especially on my face and +hands. Two ... The breeze is becoming stronger and stronger. Three ... I +can definitely feel the cool ocean breeze. As I continue to count to +five, I shall smell the pleasant, healthy aroma of the salt water. Four +... I am beginning to smell the salt water. Five ... I can definitely +smell the salt water." + +Now you give yourself appropriate suggestions that the feeling +(illusion) will vanish as you awaken or at a specific count. It can be +as simple as this: "As I count to three, I shall open my eyes and awaken +feeling very refreshed. The feeling of the cool ocean breeze and smell +of the salt air will have vanished completely." At this point you count +to three and open your eyes. + +Test No. 10 is the "handclasp" test. This is used frequently to test the +depth of hypnosis. You fold your hands with your fingers tightly +interlocked and place your palms together. You then give yourself a +hypnotic suggestion that at the count of three, it will be impossible +for you to unlock your hands. After you try and are unable to unlock +your hands, you continue counting to five, suggesting that you will be +able to do so when you reach the count of five. Incidentally, you should +remove any ring you may be wearing before trying this test. Here are the +suggestions you can follow: + +"As I complete the count of three, I shall try to unlock my hands but +will be unable to do so until I count to five. One ... My hands are +locked tightly together. Two ... My fingers are locked tighter and +tighter. Three ... It is impossible for me to unlock my hands until I +count to five. Four ... As I reach the count of five, I shall be able to +unlock my hands very easily. Five ... I can now unlock my hands very +easily." + +Test No. 11 is the "arm" test. Here is another test used frequently to +test the receptiveness to hypnosis. Make a tight fist and extend your +arm in front of you as far as possible. Visualize your arm as one solid +mass, as stiff and rigid as a bar of steel. After your arm is extended, +give yourself a hypnotic suggestion that you will be unable to bend your +arm when you complete the count of three. As you continue to count to +five, you will be able to bend your arm very easily. Here is a form of +suggestion you can use: + +"As I reach the count of three, I shall try to bend my arm, but it will +be impossible to do so until I count to five. No matter how hard I try, +it will be absolutely impossible. One ... My arm is stiff and rigid as a +bar of steel. Two ... I can feel the rigidity in my arm. Three ... It is +impossible for me to bend my arm until I count to five. Four ... I can +feel the stiffness slowly leaving. Five ... I can now bend my arm easily +and it feels normal in every respect." + +Test No. 12 is the "eye" test. This is probably the most widely used +test in hypnosis. Many subjects equate the inability to open the eyes +with hypnosis. Many assume that if they can open their eyes, they have +not been hypnotized. I must emphatically point out that this is not +true. The subject can fail the eye test and yet have been under +hypnosis. In the deep, somnambulistic state, the subject can open his +eyes without affecting the depth of the hypnotic state. In fact, this is +done many times in getting the subject to do automatic writing, crystal +gazing, mirror gazing, hypnodrama and revivification. In carrying out +posthypnotic suggestions in any state, the subject is frequently told +that he will open his eyes and carry out the suggestion. + +I have found that there is more anxiety connected with the eye test than +with any other test. I feel that it is a normal reaction and one that +must be anticipated by the hypnotist as well as the subject. +Occasionally, while hypnotizing a new subject, he will open his eyes. +This can happen when the subject feels he is losing consciousness. His +ability to open his eyes proves to him that he is in control. One of the +main fears that the subject has is his belief that he will lose +voluntary control of himself. The fact that he can open his eyes lessens +his anxiety. + +If there seems to be too much threat to the individual, I use a method +that you can follow. Instead of suggesting that the subject will be +unable to open his eyes at a specific count, I suggest that he will be +so relaxed that it will be too much effort to open his eyes until a +further count is given. Actually, what could take less effort? Here are +suggestions you can use: + +"As I count to three, I shall try to open my eyes, but I shall be unable +to do so because I feel so relaxed. It will just take too much effort to +open my eyes until I reach the count of five or tell myself to awaken. +One ... My eyes are closed, and I am in a very deep state of hypnosis. +Two ... My eyelids are stuck tightly together. Three ... It is now +impossible for me to open my eyes. I shall be able to open them though +at the count of five. Four ... I shall be able to open my eyes very +easily at the count of five. Five ... I can now open my eyes and wake +up feeling alert and fully refreshed." + +In accomplishing the eye test, you try to create a vivid picture of +yourself being completely and fully relaxed. If you really exerted a +great deal of effort, you could open your eyes, but because of the +pleasantness of the completely relaxed state, you prefer not to do so. +It can be likened to your enduring the cold winter air when you are half +asleep in bed instead of getting up to close the window which has been +left open too much. You can, of course, get up and close the window, but +it becomes a matter of expending too much energy. Instead, you choose to +endure the discomfort or suggest that your spouse close the window. + +For the following three tests, you give yourself the suggestions as +outlined in the previous tests. It should be pointed out again that at +the conclusion of the test, you give yourself a suggestion that you will +feel normal in every respect. + +Test No. 13 is the "music" test. This test involves creating an auditory +hallucination. Give yourself the suggestion that at a specific count you +will hear your favorite song. It will last for one minute and then fade +out. + +Test No. 14 is the "dream" test. It is incorporated in a great deal of +hypnotherapy. The subject is told that as the hypnotist counts to three, +the subject will have a dream lasting for several minutes which he will +remember. This dream, furthermore, will call his attention to an +important incident that he has long forgotten, yet which will be +relevant to his problem. In self-hypnosis, you suggest to yourself that +at a specific count you will have a very pleasant dream lasting for +several minutes, at the end of which time you will awaken feeling +refreshed. For those readers further interested in producing dreams, I +can highly recommend a very fascinating book called _The Experimental +Production of Dreams During Hypnosis_ by Professor David Ballin Klein. + +Test No. 15 is the "anesthesia" test. This is conducted by telling +yourself that you will not feel the pain associated with the act of +pinching yourself. You suggest that you will feel the pressure of your +fingers but will not feel the pain involved. _I urge the reader not to +stick pins in himself to test the anesthesia. This can be dangerous, +lead to infection and cause other harmful results._ You should also not +dig your nails into your skin to make sure that you don't feel pain. + + + + +Chapter 10 + +A New Approach to Self-Hypnosis When All Else Fails + + +Let us assume that you have tried diligently to learn self-hypnosis for +a month or more but have failed. You have worked faithfully following +the instructions outlined in this book and other books on self-hypnosis, +but somehow the state of hypnosis eludes you. Should you give up in +despair, or is there still hope for you? Let me assure you that you can +still become an excellent subject. Let us examine several areas of this +problem and a new approach that will help you achieve your ends. + +You must, first of all, ask yourself if you are feeling better and +whether you have made strides in the direction you desire while giving +yourself suggestions in whatever stage of hypnosis you have achieved. If +your evaluation is affirmative to any degree, you can expect even +greater results. "But," you may say, "how can I expect greater results +when I haven't achieved self-hypnosis?" My answer is you may be +achieving self-hypnosis and not know it! The change to the self-hypnotic +state from the waking state can be imperceptible. Many times, prior to +testing subjects under hypnosis, I ask them if they think they are in +the hypnotic state. The answer is invariably no. When asking the +subjects for a cogent reason for this answer, they usually exclaim that +they are aware of what is going on and do not feel any different than +they did before I started working with them. They are amazed to find +that various tests work so perfectly. + +Some subjects do not respond to hypnotic tests no matter how long you +work with them. For these persons, I usually de-emphasize the need for +passing the tests and concentrate on the therapeutic results which are +desired. This approach lessens anxiety and usually results in a +deepening of the hypnotic state. It is my feeling that many subjects +resist any tests as the implication is that once the tests work, the +subject is under complete control of the hypnotist. The subject may fear +this supposed subjection on one hand and yet want it on the other hand. +These forces can work unconsciously, and thus the attainment of hypnosis +becomes a very intricate, perplexing and trying procedure. Even though +this may be so, I can assure you that the problem and attainment of +hypnosis can be resolved. It is only a matter of motivation on the part +of the subject. This is the main ingredient necessary for successful +hypnosis. + +Let me now explain a technique which has worked admirably for many who +have been frustrated because of their inability to achieve +self-hypnosis. It involves _pretending you are hypnotized_ and going +through the motions of the various tests _as though you were a perfect +subject_. You will recall that one theory of hypnosis is that the +subject behaves in a manner that he believes is in keeping with hypnotic +behavior. This role playing is the basis for our unique approach. As +the subject continues this procedure, he takes on the conditioned +response mechanism necessary for self-hypnosis. Let us look at the +following examples of role playing. + +During the war, many soldiers who wanted to leave the army would pretend +something was wrong with them. They would convince the authorities of +the authenticity of their "illness," and since nothing seemed to make +them better, they eventually were separated from the service because of +the incapacitating disorder. But what happened to many of these +malingerers after they were released from the service? I'm sure you know +the rest of the story. The constant malingering was transformed by this +role playing into a conditioned response pattern, eventually bringing +about the very undesirable condition responsible for their leaving the +service. I saw some of these individuals and more than once they told me +that they had unwittingly hypnotized themselves into having the ailment. +They wanted me to dehypnotize them. They actually turned out to be very +easy subjects as they had become highly suggestible. Unfortunately, +their super-ego structure was weak, they had difficulty in identifying +strongly with anyone, and the relationship in hypnosis was superficial +and without depth. + +I am going to relate another example which I hope will help you +understand the role-playing technique for self-hypnosis. I have had the +following experience many times in giving hypnotic demonstrations before +various organizations. For some reason, even though I carefully ask that +only those who desire to be hypnotized volunteer as subjects for the +hypnotic demonstrations, an individual who has no intention of +cooperating comes up on the stage to poke fun at the hypnotist. In +giving public demonstrations, I usually work with about ten subjects +and simultaneously give them the same suggestions and posthypnotic +suggestions. Once the subjects are hypnotized, I work with them with +their eyes open. Using this technique, with each subject carrying out a +posthypnotic suggestion, intensifies the responses of other subjects. +There is also competitiveness to become the best subject. + +In the meantime, the individual who is really not under hypnosis has let +the audience know about it by winking or making a grimace when I was not +looking at him. Observing laughter and other audience reactions which +are not in keeping with what is happening at the precise moment during +my lecture is my cue that I have an egocentric person on stage. You +might ask, "Can't you tell when someone is faking?" It is extremely +difficult many times to do so. Once you are aware of it, however, you +give certain tests to the group. The exhibitionist doesn't know how to +respond each time and you soon pick him out. + +Even when I know specifically who it is, I do not dismiss him. +Interestingly, it is invariably a man. I continue with the +lecture-demonstration; but I let the audience know that I am aware of +the situation. This is the interesting part of this example. The +bumptious subject, by giving himself autosuggestions to comply with +various posthypnotic suggestions, is actually engaging in our technique +of role playing. The inevitable happens. He finds himself hypnotized +despite his obvious intention not to be affected in any way. Any +hypnotist can recount similar incidents. + +What can you learn by the example just presented? What if you purposely +set about doing the same thing in your attempt to achieve self-hypnosis? +The obvious answer is that the technique has a good chance of working, +and as a result you will achieve self-hypnosis. This method has worked +with many recalcitrant subjects. To follow this plan, go back to chapter +six, "How To Attain Self-Hypnosis," and use the role-playing technique. +You'll be pleasantly surprised at how this approach will act as a +catalyst. Remember, once you obtain the eye closure, give yourself +whatever therapeutic suggestion you desire plus the posthypnotic +suggestion that the next time you will fall into a deeper and sounder +state of hypnosis at the count of three or any other cue you desire. + +I know you may protest using the role-playing technique with the +question, "If I'm not under hypnosis, why give myself therapeutic +posthypnotic suggestions to condition myself to go under hypnosis at a +specific count?" You may further protest that you are only fooling +yourself. My answer is, "What if you are?" What is lost by doing it? You +have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Are you not really +interested in the end result and not the means? The attainment of the +self-hypnotic state is not in itself the end result; it is a means to +help you achieve your goal. + +Don't many people carry or wear good-luck charms of a religious or +nonreligious nature? Don't we accept these items in our society? The +four-leaf clover and rabbit's foot as symbols of good luck have been +part of our culture for a long time. We are all sophisticated enough to +know that they do not have an intrinsic value, but don't they do +something for our mental attitude? This same pattern is precisely what +you are to follow in using the role-playing technique. If you believe, +expect and imagine that you will be successful in this approach to +self-hypnosis, I can assure you that you will. + +May I urge you not to reject this novel and unorthodox approach. Many +have had excellent results when other methods, even those of a +professional hypnotist, have failed. Some of you may recognize this +approach as another means of applying the visual-imagery technique. +Whatever you choose to call it, I reiterate you can expect good results. +It is only necessary that you follow the instructions and adopt the +right attitude. By the right attitude, I mean that you should adopt the +conviction that you are going to achieve self-hypnosis even though you +might have experienced difficulty up to now. Hypnosis is a conviction +phenomenon. + +It is possible you may say you are not suggestible. Actually, your lack +of response proves your suggestibility. You have been influenced by +negative suggestions. Everyone is suggestible to some degree. You have +become extremely suggestible to conscious or unconscious stimuli which +are definitely affecting your ability to respond. You need only use this +latent suggestibility and make it work for you. What would you say about +the suggestibility of a person who doesn't want to talk about hypnosis? +This person has never read a book on hypnosis and absolutely doesn't +want you or anyone else to hypnotize him. Would you believe this person +is a potentially good hypnotic subject? I can tell you by practical +experience that once this person allows himself to be hypnotized, he +turns out to be a perfect subject. Responding to either end of the +suggestibility scale is indicative of success with hypnosis. It becomes +a matter of manipulating this suggestibility skillfully in order to +achieve results. + +Let me give you another example which may help. Which one of the two +lines drawn on this page is longer? Line AB or line CD? + +[Illustration] + +What is your answer? Did you think both were the same? Take a ruler and +actually measure them. You'll find line AB longer than CD. "But," you +reply, "every other time both lines were the same." This is a familiar +optical illusion which is used many times in basic courses in +psychology. It is known as the Muller-Lyer illusion. My contention is +that if you said, "Both are the same size," you are potentially a good +subject. You respond perfectly to previous conditioning; thus, you are +responding as anticipated. If, on the other hand, you picked line AB, +you are normally suggestible. If you honestly picked line CD, you are +extremely cautious and respond best to "reverse psychology." Once again +you are highly suggestible, but toward one extreme. + +[Illustration] + +[Illustration] + +Here's another interesting experiment. Would you say that lines AB and +CD were perfectly straight? I'll let you figure out what your response +means to this test by yourself. You can take a ruler to determine if the +lines are straight. + +We all respond unconsciously to stimuli of some sort. Word association +tests are based on this principle. Aren't your reactions automatic to +the following terms: democratic party, republican party, communist +party, mother, father, movie star? If I mention the name of a famous +person, city or country, the same immediate unconscious reaction takes +place. Let's try it. Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight D. +Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Albert Einstein, Albert Schweitzer, Eleanor +Roosevelt, Boston, New York City, Hollywood, Miami Beach, United States, +England, France, Italy, Israel, Africa, Russia, China, India and South +America. The response and image keep changing, don't they? + +I am trying to point out that this reaction is automatic because of +previous conditioning. I could mention almost anything and the same +automatic reaction would take place. The reaction would always be the +same unless something had happened to change or alter your response. Let +us mention the word hypnosis. Some sort of reaction must take place. +This can either be positive, negative, or neutral for our purposes. You +really don't have to think about your response as it is automatic. The +point to remember is that a definite response has taken place which will +either help or hinder your attainment of hypnosis. If the response +should be negative, it can be changed by gaining knowledge and actual +experience in hypnosis. It is natural to have a bit of uneasiness when +first experiencing or thinking about being hypnotized. After all, you +haven't been exposed to hypnosis in a therapeutic setting and couldn't +have formed a favorable reaction. Your response is probably derived from +a fictionization of hypnosis. The initial task of the hypnotist is to +create, by educating the prospective subject, a favorable attitude so +that the subject allows himself to be hypnotized. + +What does this mean specifically to you if you are having difficulty +learning self-hypnosis? It means that through repeated exposures, you +will finally respond. You will realize there is no need for anxiety in +regard to your response. This inner feeling will, in turn, have a +cumulative, favorable effect upon your unconscious which will result in +your finally responding to hypnosis. + +Suppose you still maintain and insist that you are not suggestible and +wonder if you will ever respond to hypnosis. Furthermore, the assurance +I have given you up to this point doesn't seem to convince you. If you +have tried diligently to achieve self-hypnosis, you cannot be blamed, +but let's try an experiment to test your suggestibility. It is well to +ponder my statement that if you do not respond, it is a sign of being +suggestible, but in a negative sense. Lack of response is a +manifestation of this negative suggestibility. My contention is that you +are definitely suggestible. Let us see what happens to you in trying the +following classical experiment. It is called the Chevreul's Pendulum +test. + +Draw a circle with about a six-inch diameter and mark it as shown in the +illustration. + +[Illustration] + +Next, take a ring and attach a string to it. If you have a locket, it +will do as well. The hypnotist uses a crystal ball and chain for this +experiment. Hold the end of the string or chain and keep the ring or +whatever object you are using about three inches above the center of the +circle. + +Now, concentrate and fix your gaze on the ring, crystal ball, or locket. +Mentally suggest to yourself that the object will begin to revolve in a +circular manner following the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4. Picture in your +mind's eye that this circular motion is becoming wider and wider. Work +at this image for several minutes. Did the object begin turning to the +right following the numbers? Did the circle become larger and larger? If +it did, you are absolutely suggestible, are influenced by your own +suggestions and, therefore, if you follow instructions, can learn +self-hypnosis. You can be trained to acquire this skill. + +If the experience did not work, try it again. Concentrate harder and try +to visualize more intently the object revolving in a circular manner. +You are not to rotate the object consciously or help it in any way. The +action must stem from your subconscious. The thought of the crystal ball +or ring revolving in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction +invariably causes an involuntary muscular reflex action to take place. +This phenomenon is known as an ideomotor action. Usually, as the subject +concentrates more intensely, the reflex action becomes more profound, +causing greater unconscious movement of the hand which, in turn, is +transmitted to the object in the form of larger circles and greater +momentum. The time required for the successful accomplishment of this +test depends upon the degree of suggestibility of the subject. An +interesting action is to see the object revolve in an opposite direction +than suggested. It gives a clue to the personality structure of the +individual. + +The Ouija board works on the same principle as the Chevreul's Pendulum +test. Many times the aspirant will remark, "I swear I didn't make it +move!" Mentalists find hidden objects in an audience using basically the +same approach, combined with clever techniques of distraction. The term +given for this is "muscle reading." + +This is the point in question. If the crystal ball, ring or locket moves +without conscious direction, you have successfully influenced your +subconscious mind. Self-hypnosis involves the same procedure. The goal +is to consciously cause a subconscious reaction. If the experiment does +not work with your eyes open, try it with your eyes closed for about +five minutes. You will be pleasantly surprised with the results. Should +you want to prove to yourself that you are suggestible with your eyes +open, practice the technique every day for a week or two. The idea of +the practice sessions is to reinforce and increase the response of the +unconscious movement until you develop proficiency. It follows the laws +of the conditioned reflex theory expounded by Dr. Ivan P. Pavlov +(1849-1936), the famous Russian psychologist. If, after several weeks, +you should still not be successful, use the role-playing technique. +Consciously make the object revolve. After a while, it will move +automatically whenever you attempt the experiment. + +When this happens you will have proof of your suggestibility. It is +highly improbable that you will not be successful. It would be a rare +occurrence. By the same systematic efforts, I can assure you that you +can achieve self-hypnosis. If you are still not affected favorably, you +might consider one of the psychological means of inducing hypnosis. The +next chapter will discuss this topic. + +I would recommend Pavlov's book called _Conditioned Reflexes_. Pavlov's +book will further explain and clarify the concept of the conditioned +response mechanism. It covers necessary conditions for the development +of conditioned responses, their formation by means of conditioned and +direct stimuli, plus a tremendous amount of material which will help you +in your understanding of the significance of the role-playing technique +in relationship to learning self-hypnosis. + + + + +Chapter 11 + +Psychological Aids and Their Function + + +Psychological or mechanical aids are used to help put the subject in a +state of hypnosis. The use of the aids helps increase the suggestibility +of the subject toward hypnosis. The two most widely used hypnotic aids +are the crystal ball and chain and the 12-inch hypnodisc. One reason is +that these two items have no other use or function outside of the area +of hypnosis. Therefore, when the hypnotist proceeds to use one of these +hypnotic devices, it must follow that a certain mental set, readiness, +or receptivity must follow as a result of its introduction into the +hypnotic setting. If the subject is uneasy about the hypnotic setting or +his response, the introduction of the hypnotic aid can mobilize the +subject's defenses which may be on a conscious or unconscious level. +Generally, the mental set which follows helps augment whatever hypnotic +suggestions are given. Certainly the same mental set would not follow if +the hypnotist used a paper clip as a means of helping with the induction +of hypnosis. It would only start the subject wondering about the +relationship of the paper clip to hypnosis. It obviously isn't in +keeping with what the subject expects. + +It is important to utilize the subject's expectation as to what he +believes takes place in the setting as long as this expectation does not +hinder the induction of hypnosis. The mere act of turning down the +lights or drawing the curtains before the hypnotist begins to work with +the subject is a non-verbal suggestion which can be considered as a +psychological aid. The subject knows that the hypnotist is ready to +begin at this point. Actually, it isn't necessary to darken the room at +any time to induce hypnosis. Doesn't the stage hypnotist work with +glaring lights? The room is darkened (and I might add that I use this +procedure myself) mainly for the psychological effect. If I feel that +this procedure might cause anxiety, I proceed with the room undarkened. + +In discussing psychological aids, it is agreed that we are primarily +interested in seeing the subject feel better or achieve whatever goals +he seeks through the intelligent application of self-hypnosis. If a +hypnotic aid will help the subject achieve hypnosis, we can concur it is +justified. It is not to be considered a subterfuge. If the physician +administers a placebo to a patient with the remark, "Here is a new +medication that can help your condition" and if this technique does help +alleviate the patient's condition, it is considered good medicine. + +You know beforehand that in using the 12-inch hypnodisc, the subject's +eyes must begin to water, his eyelids must get heavy, and eventually he +must close them. Even before you begin to use the hypnodisc, you suggest +that these conditions will take place. During the induction of hypnosis, +as these reactions are noted by the subject, a favorable, psychological +attitude automatically develops which, in turn, helps further +suggestions. If the subject reacts favorably to suggestions A, B, and C, +it follows that he is more prone to accept suggestions D, E, and F which +are therapeutic in nature. The subject can relate better to the latter +suggestions when he has seen proof of his initial suggestibility. This +approach works better than beginning immediately with the latter +suggestions. The build-up of suggestions convinces the subject he is in +a heightened state of suggestibility and can benefit from the +therapeutic suggestions of the hypnotist or his own. Perhaps this needed +assurance is so helpful because it eliminates the anxiety of the subject +concerning his suggestibility. He seeks and needs the satisfaction of +knowing he has attained the prerequisites necessary before any +therapeutic program can benefit him. The subject's prerequisites need +not be actually related to the hypnotic process, per se, but merely +match his preconceived ideas about what is necessary. Let me give you an +example. + +Many subjects feel that they must experience amnesia before they can +benefit from hypnotic suggestions. This premise is inaccurate since +favorable and lasting results can be achieved in any degree of hypnosis, +depending, of course, on the nature of the problem. Let me relate +several interesting occurrences that take place every so often in my own +practice as a professional hypnotist. A subject who is responding well +to hypnosis, but not to the point of amnesia, insists that he will not +benefit until he is "knocked out" and doesn't remember what happened. +Trying to convince him otherwise proves fatal. He just refuses to accept +whatever explanation you give him. My own method is not to insist that +the subject is wrong, but somehow to use his misconception in a +constructive manner. After getting him into a cataleptic state, I +suggest that I am going to stop talking for five minutes, during which +time he is to mentally repeat "sleep" as he slowly and deeply inhales +and "deep sleep" as he slowly exhales. At the end of this time, he'll be +in a very deep hypnotic state. Instead of remaining quiet for five +minutes, I take ten minutes. I then begin to whisper suggestions to the +subject to determine if he is still under hypnosis or asleep. If he is +asleep, I let him remain asleep for a still longer period of time, after +which interval I awaken him. I ask him if he remembers what I said to +him during the time he was deeply hypnotized. If he says, "No," I +remark, "Very good." I further point out to him that he has now +experienced amnesia and will now make rapid strides. The subject, on the +other hand, is pleased to see that I now agree with him, and, in fact, +the interesting result is that he does make excellent progress because +his preconceived requirements have been met. It should be pointed out +that I keep working with the subject until such time that he falls +asleep. The transition from hypnosis to sleep is normal. It is easy for +the subject to fall asleep because he is so relaxed. + +Let me tell you of a similar experience. Before telling you of this +psychological technique, it is only fair to point out that the +professional hypnotist varies his approach from subject to subject, not +only to suit the needs of the subject but to break the monotony of using +only a few successful procedures. His experimentation helps develop not +only new procedures, but new concepts relative to the general nature of +hypnosis and its many ramifications. I was interested to see what would +happen to a subject if he thought he was deeply hypnotized without ever +giving him verbal suggestions or reassurance that he would feel better +or overcome his problem. Of course, if the technique did not work +quickly, I would drop the procedure for a more orthodox approach. +Instead of trying to really hypnotize the subject, my aim is to get him +to sleep. Once he is asleep, I let him remain so for about 30 minutes. +Without having ever given him a therapeutic suggestion, I awaken him and +inquire if he remembered what happened. If the answer is, "No," I tell +him I'll "hypnotize" him again next week and this concludes the visit. +When he returns next week, I ask him, "How did you feel during the +week?" The answer is generally, "Much better." I keep repeating this +procedure until such time that the individual has attained the goals +that he seeks. + +I know that the reader may be surprised that I would divulge such an +unconventional procedure. The principle is the same as the physician +using a placebo. I do so to illustrate the point that I made earlier in +this chapter that so long as certain of the subject's requirements are +met, whether valid or invalid, the subject's suggestibility is greatly +enhanced. Naturally, the unsuspecting subject equated the period of not +remembering, which was, as we know, true sleep, with the somnambulistic +state. Actually, he was helped by self-hypnosis because he felt he would +now make progress because he proved to be such an excellent subject. It +is true, he was not using self-hypnosis as has been outlined in this +book, but he had now achieved a heightened state of suggestibility +(hypnosis) and was using this state to further his own ends. + +The attainment of self-hypnosis can be an intricate and elusive +procedure as I have already pointed out. The purpose of the entire book +is to instruct, point out and give you the necessary understanding and +knowledge required to achieve this end. Without this understanding, this +can become a very frustrating effort. It is hoped that by understanding +and being aware of some of the ramifications of hypnosis, you will be +able to achieve your goal in the quickest possible time. It should also +be pointed out that no two subjects react in the same way and that +different methods and requirements are necessary to suit the individual. +It is a mistake to try to make the subject adhere to a rigid +methodology. The greater flexibility of the hypnotic procedures, the +greater the chance for success. Let me, at this time, further discuss +some of the hypnotic aids that are used in the induction of hypnosis. + +We have already discussed the use of the hypnodisc and crystal ball and +chain. The same principles are involved in any other object which is +used as a means of fixation or of tiring the eyes. Hypnotic phonograph +records and hypnotic tape recordings represent new devices that have +been instrumental in conditioning subjects for self-hypnosis. The +subject plays the record or tape on his phonograph or tape recorder and +is conditioned over a period of time to respond to hypnosis at a given +signal or phrase. He, in turn, can change this key phrase to one of his +own choosing. Should you own or have access to a tape recorder, I would +suggest recording an induction of hypnosis and playing it back to +yourself in this manner as though you were hypnotizing someone else. + +I have produced three different hypnotic records and a 30-minute +hypnotic tape containing the three records which are sold commercially. +One record, called the Musical Hypnotic Record, has a very pleasant, +relaxing musical background as the voice of the hypnotist induces +hypnosis. The second record, called the Metronome Hypnotic Record, +incorporates the monotonous and lulling beat of an electric metronome in +the background. The subject is instructed to mentally repeat "sleep" as +he slowly inhales and "deep sleep" as he slowly exhales in rhythm with +the beat of the metronome. While the subject is concentrating on this +activity, the voice of the hypnotist induces hypnosis. The third record, +called Self-Hypnosis Record No. 3, contains only the voice of the +hypnotist inducing hypnosis. It features a unique approach and +technique. + +I have had a great deal of correspondence with those who have used these +phonograph records and the hypnotic tape for conditioning themselves for +self-hypnosis. The results are quite interesting and run the range of +immediate results to no results. One person wrote that one of the +records hypnotized him at the first playing and conditioned him for +self-hypnosis, whereas he had failed to respond to hypnosis after many +visits to one of the country's foremost authorities. I have had similar +experiences after having failed to hypnotize a subject despite many +attempts. I can only speculate that the subjects in these cases +unconsciously resist the hypnotist because they feel a personal threat. +Since the record is impersonal, they are better able to relax and +subsequently be hypnotized. Interestingly, this occurred when the +subject was convinced that he was a very difficult subject. It would +seem that only then was the conditioned response pattern finally +established. The basic function of the hypnotic records and hypnotic +tape is to establish a conditioned response pattern to a given stimulus. +In time, most subjects are conditioned by the intelligent and systematic +use of these recordings. + +Let me describe another varied approach to achieving self-hypnosis. One +of the chief assets of a good hypnotist is to be flexible in his +approach in hypnotizing his subjects. As I have already pointed out, it +is necessary many times to adopt a technique that is suitable to the +subject and not to make the subject adapt himself to the method of +induction. + +We know that with somnambulistic subjects any procedure will put the +subject under hypnosis immediately. The hypnotist gains complete control +of his subject as the subject is able to put himself in the proper +psychological frame of mind for hypnosis. Unfortunately, most subjects +do not respond at the first session or sessions because of conscious or +subconscious fears that must be gradually eliminated. Once you get the +subject to relax, or "let go," he will naturally succumb to hypnosis. +This is the problem that confronts all hypnotists. + +Merely suggesting to the subject to relax is not sufficient, as a rule, +to bring about this desired mental state. The subject, at this point, +cannot easily turn on or off his mental and physical feelings. Even if +we have the subject lie down, this does not assure the hypnotic state as +the subject can still be tense. Our main problem is to get the subject +relaxed. Our situation is similar to the physician telling his patient +to go home and forget about a certain problem. I'm sure you'll agree +that the advice is virtually impossible to follow. + +One of the major stumbling blocks in hypnotizing a subject or in +self-hypnosis lies in the fact that although we use terms such as +"relax," "let yourself go," and others, the subject cannot readily put +the meaning of these words into effect. It is difficult for most people +to let go when we live in a society that beckons us to "look sharp," "be +sharp," "be alert," "be on the ball" and "make every minute count." +Emphasis on productivity does not lend to a society of relaxed +individuals. + +In my long experience as a professional hypnotist, I have tried many +novel innovations for inducing hypnosis and teaching individuals +self-hypnosis. Some have met with a great deal of success and others +have failed. It is, furthermore, difficult to determine the causal +factors for success or failure. We can only theorize. + +I have used the following unorthodox technique for about a period of 15 +years. Exceptionally good results have been attained with it, although +it must be admitted that it is not infallible. It is suggested to you as +another good technique. In order to help the subject relax, I have been +using a phonograph record or tape that I recorded containing the +continuous sound of various degrees of rain. One side has a half hour of +very soft, light rainfall such as you have experienced in listening to +rain falling on grass, canvas or a tent top. The other side or track +contains a half hour of rain effects such as one would hear in a heavy +downfall with loud splatterings of water on the pavement. The record and +tape were originally designed to help insomnia sufferers and later +incorporated into the hypnotic procedure. + +The subject is instructed to close his eyes and listen to the sound of +the rain while picturing himself relaxing near a warm, glowing +fireplace. As you can note, the subject again incorporates the +visual-imagery technique. The relaxing effect thus produced over a +period of time enhances his chances of success in attaining a deep, +hypnotic state. + +There are many other interesting and unique devices and aids you can use +for inducing hypnosis. Rather than present them all in this book, I have +fully described them and their technique of operation in a 144-page +illustrated catalog. This catalog not only contains a list of hypnotic +aids, but a description and listing of over 450 hypnotism and self-help +books. Upon request, I shall be pleased to send it to you. Write to: +Melvin Powers, 12015 Sherman Road, No. Hollywood, California 91605 and +ask for Hypnotic Catalog No. 7. Should you have any questions on +self-hypnosis or hetero-hypnosis, I shall be pleased to answer you. + + + + +Chapter 12 + +The Nature of Hypnosis + + +Although the nature and phenomena of hypnosis are still incompletely +understood, there are a multitude of theories which attempt to explain +its mechanism and results. The most that can be done at this time is to +explore various views which are held by leading authorities at present. +It can be said, however, that a majority of authorities agree that +hypnosis ensues as a result of natural laws which have been incorporated +in the human organism since the beginning of man as he is today. + +The older theories show almost as much disparity as today, but for the +purposes of history it is probably necessary to enumerate only the +"animal magnetism" of Frederick Anton Mesmer, and a mention of the +"hysteria syndrome" of Jean Martin Charcot. Both names loom large in the +history of hypnosis. Mesmer, an 18th century physician, believed that +hypnosis occurred as a result of "vital fluids" drawn from a magnet or +lodestone and which drew their unique qualities from the sun, moon and +stars. Charcot, as well as Pierre Janet and others, was convinced that +hypnosis was a form of hysteria and that only hysterics could be +hypnotized. The former (Mesmer) thought further that metal became imbued +by the solar qualities, and his system is also known as metalogy by +which he meant the proper application of metals. Naturally, these +theories have been largely abandoned today, although there are still a +few who think that hypnosis is a form of hysteria. + +Some pioneers, notably Dr. William S. Kroger, a psychiatrically-oriented +obstetrician and gynecologist who limits his practice to hypnotherapy, +believe hypnosis is a conviction phenomenon which produces results that +parallel the phenomena produced at Lourdes and other religious healing +shrines. His formula is that faith, hope, belief and expectation, all +catalyzed by the imagination, lead inevitably to hypnosis. He, like +Emile Coue before him, is convinced that you cannot "will" yourself to +be hypnotized, and that whenever the will and the imagination come into +conflict, the imagination wins out. This fits in perfectly, of course, +with the author's already discussed visual-imagery technique which +requires a high degree of imagination. Dr. Kroger, like a few others, +has proved to his own satisfaction that all hypnotic phenomena can be +produced at a non-hypnotic level. + +A large number of hypnotists, including the author, has come to believe +that hypnosis is a semantic problem in which words are the building +blocks to success. Not just any words, but words which "ring a bell" or +tap the experiential background of the subject. This is why "sleep" +continues to be in the lexicon of the hypnotist even though hypnosis is +the antithesis of sleep. The word is used because hypnosis superficially +resembles sleep inasmuch as the eyes usually are closed, the body in a +posture of complete relaxation. Actually, the mind is hyperacute. +Pavlov, however, believed that there was an analogy between sleep and +hypnosis in that each involved cerebral inhibition. Words, of course, +would be of little use without the added effect of his conditioned +reflexology. + +Probably the most widely held theory is that hypnosis is a transference +phenomenon in which the prestige of the hypnotist and his relationship +to the subject plays an important role. This theory is bolstered by the +fact that all schools of psychotherapy yield approximately the same +results even though the methods differ. This would logically indicate +that the relationship between the therapist and the subject was the +determining factor. The only trouble with this theory is that it does +not explain self-hypnosis. On the other hand, we know that a strong +interpersonal relationship is necessary for hypnosis. + +In the opening chapter of the book, I explained that hypnosis was a +state of heightened suggestion in which the subject adopted an +uncritical attitude, allowing him to accept suggestions and to take +appropriate action. This is excellent as far as it goes, but it does not +explain how suggestion works. This is the crux of the hypnotic dilemma +and the answer is far from solved. Hypnotists are much like those who +use electricity every day of their lives, but have no idea of the nature +of electricity. It is enough for them to know it has been harnessed for +their use. + +If there is one thing virtually certain about hypnosis it is that some +parts of the brain are inhibited and other parts expanded by the +process. Pin-point concentration is given as the reason for this +selective procedure which narrows the horizon of the subject to what the +hypnotist (or he, himself) is saying, screening out all other stimuli. +But why is this high order of concentration so easy under hypnosis when +Asians, notably the Chinese, have been trying for centuries to +concentrate on one subject for as long as four or five seconds. We do +not know the mechanics of this metamorphosis of an ordinary brain into +an organ of concentrated power. According to Janet, this is accomplished +through the formation of a group of unconscious memories and activities +which takes over the usual stream-of-consciousness type of thinking. It +is implied that the process may be atavistic. + +One of the newer theories--one held by Dr. Lewis R. Wolberg, a +psychoanalyst--is that hypnosis is a psychosomatic process in that it is +both physiological and psychological in character. Physiologically, +Wolberg believes that hypnosis represents an inhibition of the higher +cortical centers, and a limitation of sensory channels such as takes +place in sleep. He also believes that the psychological process operates +through transference. Others agree that it is a transference process, +but that it is more of an extension of the subject's own psychic +processes which is enlarged to include the voice of the hypnotist or his +own thoughts or voice. Incidentally, an excellent book along these +theoretical lines is _Hypnotism--An Objective Study in Suggestibility_ +by Andre M. Weitzenhoffer, Ph.D. + +The newest theory in the field is of particular interest to those +reading this book inasmuch as it postulates that all hypnosis is +self-hypnosis, that the patient always hypnotizes himself and that it is +a wise hypnotist who knows who is hypnotizing whom. This is a logical +conclusion and it disperses any ideas that hypnotic patients become +dependent on their therapists. Actually, hypnotists today always teach +their subjects self-hypnosis so that any chance of dependency is +obviated. + +Milton V. Kline, professor of psychology at Long Island University, +postulates that hypnosis is primarily retrogressive. He has written that +the organism functions differently on various levels of behavior +(regression), and that the behavior breaks down into component parts. +The theory that regression can spotlight personality disorders found in +more infantile states is also widely held. He also is a proponent of the +idea that hypnosis is an abnormal manifestation of a normal process, an +opinion he shares with many. + +Dr. Kline thinks that retrogression and regression alter perceptions and +feelings, and, in the case of the latter, causes us to go backward in +time to the point where re-education may be employed. This is a +legitimate use of regression although it is not used so much these days +to uncover past traumatic incidents. Actually, regression, by +duplicating the exact earlier age, manner of speech and thought, etc., +makes us once more as little children, a condition to be desired for +certain forms of therapy. + +An atavistic theory, held to some extent by Dr. Jerome M. Schneck, +clinical associate professor of psychiatry, State University of New York +College of Medicine, is that hypnosis should be equated with states of +immobilization on the basis of his observation that some subjects equate +hypnosis with "death." He suggests this is comparable to the +"death-feint" of animals to avoid danger. Others, primarily Europeans, +have pointed out the analogy between the hypnotic state of animals and +man. + +Another widely-held theory is that hypnosis is a state of dissociation, +meaning that it constitutes a group of unconscious memories and +activities which may be dredged up to replace the stream of +consciousness. Automaticism, of course, is inherently part of this view, +and is presumed to negate volition. Activity of the cerebrum, which +controls the conscious and voluntary system, is rendered +non-operational. + +My own thoughts on the matter are that hypnosis results from, first of +all, a good transference; secondly, from a conditioned reflex; thirdly, +from the person acting as a hypnotized person (role playing), and, +fourthly, from a suspension of the critical faculties. Along the +last-named line, I believe that hypnotic suggestions have an autonomy of +their own which supersede all else in the hypnotic situation. There are +many more theories I believe are partially correct, but the ones named +will do for the purposes of this volume. Incidentally, all the hypnosis +theories presented are equally applicable to self-hypnosis except where, +as in transference, it is obvious a therapist is needed. + +In conclusion, the author would like to take issue with those who +believe that it is the monotonous intonations of the therapist that +cause the subject to lapse from the deeply relaxed state into true +sleep. I have observed many times, by comparing verbalization with +silence, that the former gives the subject's mind a focal point of +attention which prevents him from entering a sleep state where +hypnotherapy is impossible. Like the man who cannot sleep because of an +active mind, sleep and myriad thoughts and suggestions are incompatible, +and I believe, once a hypnotic state has been attained, that the subject +is kept awake (unless definite sleep suggestions are given) by the +therapist's series of suggestions. We have discussed the effect of the +experiential background at length, and surely nothing connotates sleep +more than closing one's eyes--test No. 1. And so, in my view, you are +doing two things when you talk to the subject; you are giving him +helpful suggestions, but you are also keeping him awake and hyperacute +so that these suggestions will sink in. + + + + +Chapter 13 + +Practical Applications of Self-Hypnosis + + +With hypnosis on the march, there is practically no limit to its uses in +the field of medicine, and new applications are being discovered every +day. It should not be necessary to add, however, that some of these uses +should remain as they are--in the hands of professionals with years of +experience in the area. One of the themes of this book has been that +laymen should use hypnosis discriminately and intelligently. No +responsible therapist would ever recommend masking or removing a symptom +which was indicative of organic disease. For that reason, the practical +uses of self-hypnosis will be limited to measures that can be taken +safely by the layman. The only possible exception to this will be +instructions on how to curb obesity, but even here it is suggested that +a physician be consulted before embarking on a weight-reducing program. + +The foremost use of hypnosis has been for relaxation, and it becomes +more and more important as world tensions, anxiety and strain increase +daily and millions seek vainly to "get away from it all." Inasmuch as +all methods of hypnosis discussed in this book utilized relaxation as +the first step, it should not be necessary to go over this material. +Simply review the many induction techniques. + +Lung cancer has become a very real threat to many people today, and the +professional hypnotist is besieged with men and women who wish to +curtail or quit smoking. This is easier said than done because smoking, +although there are no physical withdrawal symptoms when one stops, is a +strong, conditioned reflex and cannot (except in rare instances) be +accomplished by the will alone. The best way to stop smoking is to make +it an impossibility, and that is exactly what you do when you follow the +method touched on in an earlier chapter. + +All of us have tasted or smelled certain foods or medicines that +nauseate us. The subject who wishes to quit smoking is asked to conjure +up the vision and the actual taste and smell of the substances which +upset his stomach and offend his nostrils, transferring its properties +to cigarettes. This, of course, must be done under hypnosis. The subject +then conditions himself in the following manner: One ... This cigarette +tastes and smells just like (mention name of repugnant substance). Two +... It is the most vile and repugnant taste I have ever encountered, and +I shall not be able to continue after the third puff. At the third puff, +I will develop a paroxysm of coughing. Three ... I cannot smoke the +cigarette any longer, and I will have to put it out. + +This sounds like a simple procedure, and yet it has worked for +thousands. Some switch to chewing gum or candy, but the cure essentially +lies in substituting one conditioned reflex for another. This is +comparatively easy with hypnosis because, unlike narcotics, barbiturates +or alcohol, smoking is purely a psychological addiction. There is no +need for tapering off. + +Stopping drinking, unlike smoking, doesn't involve merely the creation +of a physical aversion to the drug. The patient's entire personality +should be changed and more mature viewpoints substituted for the +unrealistic and infantile viewpoints which lead to the addiction in the +first place. The subject should give himself suggestions that he will be +able to "face up" to the problems of every day life without recourse to +the crutch of alcohol. It is a well-known fact that nothing is as bad as +we think it is going to be once we confront it. + +One of the strange aspects of drinking is that it is actually a form of +self-hypnosis, and the cure lies in substituting a new viewpoint for the +old. This fact can be demonstrated by the fact that drinking is begun in +the first place so that the individual can be "one of the boys" or +because it is the thing to do. Those who do not drink, at least as a +social lubricant, according to this code, are "squares." Because of +this, self-hypnosis must be directed toward reorienting one's sense of +values. Sober reflection should convince anyone that the truly +intelligent person does not drink to excess. + +Nail biting is an unsightly habit, one that may even hinder one's social +acceptance. The help lies in a therapeutic approach similar to that for +cigarettes. + +It is not hard to predict that many of those reading these pages are +suffering from overweight. With 30 million Americans in this category, +it has become one of the nation's chief health problems, and it is the +predisposing factor in many other diseases such as heart trouble, +diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. If you are overweight, it is +well to remember that (unless you are one in a million) you cannot +blame your glands. The plain truth is that you eat too much. + +We know today that overeating for some is an emotional problem, stemming +from feelings of rejection and insecurity. Individuals who feel unloved, +whether this is truly the case or not, make up for this lack to +themselves by stuffing in large quantities of food. It would even appear +that these people are masochistic, making themselves even more unloved +by their gross gastronomical habits. A big factor in overweight in women +is "raiding the refrigerator" while doing their housework. Most of them +do this so unconsciously that they swear they eat less than most people. + +There are a number of appetite-curbing drugs on the market today, but +they should not be necessary for anyone who has acquired self-hypnosis. +If you have learned to visualize yourself (visual-imagery) in different +situations, you will have no trouble in picturing yourself having a +slim, attractive figure, exactly as you were when you felt you looked +your best. Keep this figure ever in mind and use it along with +conditioning yourself against certain fatty and starchy foods. A trick +used by some hypnotherapists is to have the subject purchase a dress or +suit several sizes too small and then work toward being able to wear it. +This actually has worked in many cases because it adds the element of +competitiveness to the procedure. + +Not all people overeat because of emotional problems. Some come from +families where "licking the platter clean" was the rule because food was +scarce. Others come from rich families where overeating by the parents +established a habit pattern in the children. Certain races and +nationalities look on fat as a badge of wealth and prestige, and +children in such an environment are likely to be deliberately overfed. +Regardless of the reason for overweight, however, the use of +self-hypnosis is one of the answers to the problem. + +Simple headaches, arthritis, neuritis and other painful symptoms yield +readily to hypnotic suggestion. If physicians have given up on the +problem and placed a subject on a maintenance drug dosage for pain, +hypnosis can potentiate the drugs or even obviate them. + +Two of the major uses of hypnosis are in childbirth and for intractable +pain of cancer or some other incurable diseases. Although patients +usually start with hetero-hypnosis, they are put on self-hypnosis as +soon as possible, and there are many cases of women waiting too long and +having their babies at home painlessly through self-hypnosis. The father +invariably is the only one excited in such cases. The mother knows that +she is an excellent subject and has been instructed in prenatal classes +about every contingency that could arise. Inasmuch as stopping the birth +pangs is similar to stopping other pain, the method should be learned so +that it can be accomplished in a minimum of time. + +The best way to stop pain is to let your right arm slowly rise while you +are under hypnotic suggestion. Do not help it. If the suggestions are +strong enough, it will "float" up. As soon as the arm is straight +overhead, you should give yourself the suggestion that it is as rigid +and unbending as a bar of steel. Following this, a suggestion is given +that the hand is beginning to tingle and become numb. As soon as the +numbness has spread through the entire hand, it will be insensible to +pain. The hand is then placed against the part of the body where pain +exists, and you will feel the numbness flowing from the hand to the +affected area. This happens as a result of your suggestions and is the +method followed by most subjects. Only a deep somnambulistic subject is +able to remove pain by direct suggestion to the painful part. + +There are many people today using self-hypnosis in the realm of sports, +and an entire book has been written on improving one's golf game with +this method. It is called _How You Can Play Better Golf Using +Self-Hypnosis_ by Jack Heise (Wilshire Book Company--Publishers). + +Dr. Huber Grimm, team physician of the Seattle University basketball +team, recently related the results when Dave Mills, a six-foot five-inch +junior forward, asked for his help because he "froze" during +competition. He had been benched on the eve of the West Coast Athletic +Conference tournament in San Francisco. Spectators made Mills so fearful +that he was afraid he would make mistakes--and in this frame of mind, of +course, he did. Under hypnosis, Dr. Grimm suggested to Dave that he +would be unaware of the spectators, be completely relaxed and would play +exceedingly well. Dr. Grimm asked coach Vince Cazzeta to allow Dave to +play and the result was astounding. Mills scored 60 points and cleared +63 re-bounds, and his brilliant play led to his selection on the +all-tournament team. + +"All I did was free his spirit," Dr. Grimm reported. "He was in need of +confidence, and I gave it to him through hypnosis." The Associated Press +told the story as follows: "Dave Mills, a vacuum cleaner off the +back-boards, led a fast-breaking Seattle University team to victory last +night. It was hard to recognize Mills as the same player who has been +with the Chieftains all year." + +Dr. William S. Kroger, a pioneer in hypnosis, undertook to improve the +batting of a professional baseball player with equally sensational +results. The player had been "beaned," and his fear of a recurrence was +so strong that he became "plate shy." He had changed his batting stance +so that he always had "one foot in the bucket" so that he could back +away from the plate more quickly. He was given a posthypnotic suggestion +that such an event happening again was exceedingly remote, and this was +amplified by suggestions of confidence that he would immediately start +slugging as well as ever. His batting average soared immediately. + +Dr. Michio Ikai, professor of physiology at Tokyo University, and Dr. +Arthur H. Steinhaus of the George Williams Laboratory of Physiologic +Research in Physical Education, Chicago, have proved that track men can +far surpass their best previous times under hypnosis. Their tests, +incidentally, proved that there is no danger of an athlete going beyond +his physiologic limit while bettering his former marks. They attribute +the superior performances to the removal of inhibitions, which +psychologically prevent an athlete from doing his best. This report was +made before the International Congress on Health and Fitness in the +Modern World held in Rome during the last Olympic games. + +All reports, as a matter of fact, show that athletic performances are +improved by psychological, not physical, means, and that built-in +automatic reflexes protect the athlete against the danger of +overexertion at all levels of awareness--hypnotic or non-hypnotic. + +Psychologists are using hypnosis more and more to facilitate +concentration and learning, and it is likely this use of the ancient +science will become even more popular than its medical applications. The +reason one learns so quickly under hypnosis is because of time +distortion which allows you to obtain the equivalent of many hours of +study in a relatively short length of time. + +Undoubtedly, you have had experience with time distortion in your daily +life. Remember how slowly time goes when you are not interested in what +you are doing and how fast it speeds by when you are? And the drowning +man, who sees his whole life go by, is an excellent example of this. +Enough people have been saved to know that this actually happens. The +point is that the subconscious mind does not record the passage of time +the same way as the conscious mind. + +The conscious mind records time physically, by means of a clock. It is +objective and tells you that a thought or movement requires a certain +number of seconds, minutes, hours or days. + +Your subconscious mind has an entirely different concept of time that +has nothing to do with the physical world. It is called subjective +because your own sense of the passage of time is used. + +Personal time varies according to the circumstances in which you find +yourself. Haven't you noticed that when you are happy or extremely +interested in something, time passes quickly? On the other hand, if you +are sad or anxious, time seems to drag. + +This is called time distortion. When you continue in a happy state, time +is automatically shortened. When you are in a state of unhappiness, pain +or anxiety, time automatically lengthens. This explains why the drowning +man can review his entire life within seconds. Psychologists know this +is possible, because your subconscious mind contains a complete record +of everything that has happened to you since birth. Therefore, in +moments of extreme distress your subconscious has the ability to distort +and manipulate time. + +If you have ever encountered danger or had a narrow escape, you probably +experienced time distortion. Everything about you went into slow motion, +and time seemed to stand still until the action was over. At that point, +objective time started up again and everything returned to normal. + +Many of you no doubt read an Associated Press report from Chicago on +February 11, 1958, which reported how movie actress Linda Darnell had +used hypnosis to help her with her first stage role. She had been asked +to do the part on short notice and had no time for preparation. Miss +Darnell telephoned her California physician for aid. He flew to Chicago. + +Overnight, through hypnosis, Miss Darnell learned her part and astounded +the cast by knowing everyone's lines. Not only did she learn the part, +but she was coached in the character of the artist she was portraying. +As a result, "Late Love" was a hit play. Miss Darnell was under the +impression she had been learning the part for a week although only about +48 hours were involved and these hours were not continuous. After her +first performance, she said: "I never felt so secure about playing a +role in my life. Hypnosis helped me feel the part completely." + +Imagine how much more we are going to be able to learn when study under +hypnosis becomes widespread. And the best part of it is that the +learning is in your mind for a long time. Forgetting or mental blocks +that interfere with your recall of the information at any time, are +reduced to a minimum. + +In conclusion, I should like to recommend the entire field of +self-hypnosis to everyone. It is a therapy which is positive, dynamic +and constructive. An excellent example of this is contained in the +autobiography, _Rachmaninoff's Recollections_. In this book, immortal +Rachmaninoff describes in detail his success in overcoming a severe case +of mental depression. He had stopped composing and kept to himself, +seldom leaving his room. After meeting with failure, using the available +therapeutic remedies available at that time, he was persuaded by his +relatives, the Satins, to seek the help of a hypnotist called Dr. Dahl. +With much reluctance, he agreed to see Dr. Dahl and be treated +specifically with hypnosis. Rachmaninoff's own words read as follows: +"Although it may sound incredible, hypnosis really helped me. Already at +the beginning of the summer I began again to compose. The material grew +in bulk, and new musical ideas began to stir within me--far more than I +needed for my concerto. I felt that Dr. Dahl's treatment had +strengthened my nervous system to a miraculous degree. Out of gratitude, +I dedicated my second concerto to him. As the piece had a great success +in Moscow, everyone began to wonder what possible connection it could +have with Dr. Dahl. The truth, however, was known to Dr. Dahl, the +Satins, and myself." + +Does this story sound incredible? You have the word of one of the +world's greatest musical composers that hypnosis alleviated his severe +despondency. This is proof that the emotions of the individual can be +changed by the ideas he builds up about himself. + +Dr. Leland E. Hinsie, professor of psychiatry, Columbia University, +writing in his book, _The Person in the Body_, (W. W. Norton & Co.) +states, "In some persons the fear of disease is often the only damaging +evidence of disease, yet it can be so strong as to disable the person in +all his daily activities." The entire field of psychosomatic medicine, +which deals with the interrelationship between body and mind, has as one +of its basic tenets that suggestion not only can cause psychological +personality disorders, but many physical disorders as well. + +It is, therefore, logical to conclude that the systematic use of +positive mental attitudes in an organized, progressive, self-improvement +program can be a vital influence in helping you lead a healthier life, +both emotionally and physically. + +Many people in need of help are at a loss as to where they can locate +reputable hypnotherapists in their area. You may consult your family +physician, county medical society or mental hygiene society. The +chairman of the psychology department at your nearest college or +university would usually have this information. I maintain a file of +over 4,000 doctors located all over the world who practice hypnosis and +would be pleased to refer you to doctors located in your locality. + +The following national organizations maintain a specialized list: + + American Academy of Child Psychiatry + 335 S. Franklin St. + Wilkes-Barre, Pa. + + American Academy of Psychoanalysis + 750 Park Avenue + New York 21, N. Y. + + American Group Psychotherapy Association + 2 E. 103rd St. + New York 29, N. Y. + + American Psychiatric Association + 1700 18th St., N. W. + Washington 9, D. C. + + American Psychological Association + 1333 16th St., N. W. + Washington, D. C. + + American Speech and Hearing Association + 10801 Rockville Pike + Rockville, Maryland 20852 + + National Association for Mental Health + 10 Columbus Circle + New York 19, New York + + National Association for Retarded Children, Inc. + 99 University Place + New York 3, New York + + National Council on Alcoholism, Inc. + 2 E. 103rd St. + New York 29, N. Y. + + National Health Council + 1790 Broadway + New York 19, N. Y. + + National Institute of Mental Health + U. S. Public Health Service + Bethesda 14, Maryland + + Veterans' Administration + Psychiatry & Neurology Service + Department of Medicine + + + + +THE POWERS HYPNOTIC EYES + + +[Illustration] + +Here is an original technique that can be used very successfully in +inducing hypnosis. The technique consists of using two glass eyes with +eyelashes that close as you rotate the mechanism that holds the eyes in +place. This action is similar to closing your eyes when falling asleep. +You suggest to the subject as you hold these two eyes between your thumb +and first finger that his eyes will become extremely heavy and tired as +the eyes that you are holding begin to close. You then gradually begin +to rotate your hand which causes the eyes to partially close. The +subject, finding it extremely difficult to look at the eyes, begins to +close his own eyes in unison with those that you are holding. You +continue giving suggestions of hypnosis and before you know it the +subject is under hypnosis. The eyes are the size of human eyes and are +colored blue with brown eyelashes in order to give the exact effect of +looking into real eyes. + +The advantage comes in the fact that the subject begins to blink his +eyes immediately and you suggest to him that this is the beginning of +the hypnosis. It is just about impossible to look into anyone's eyes +without blinking and this technique accomplishes this purpose. Using +this knowledge, you incorporate it into your technique and induce the +deep hypnosis accordingly. You can, of course, use this technique for +self-hypnosis as well. + +The Powers Hypnotic Eyes (1 pair) $1 + + + + +HYPNOTIC CRYSTAL BALL & CHAIN + + +[Illustration] + +I have had many requests for a hypnotic crystal ball and chain. I +finally have been able to secure these and am offering them now for the +first time. The crystal ball measures one inch in diameter and is +actually made of genuine methacrylate which is crystal clear. A ten inch +chain is secured to the crystal ball. You use this device the same as +the regular crystal ball but this time you incorporate the pendulum +effect which naturally causes the quick tiring of the eyes. + +Professional Size--Hypnotic Crystal Ball & Chain $2.00 + + + + +THE HAND HYPNODISC + + +[Illustration] + +The hand hypnodisc is the size of the hypnodisc illustrated in this +circular. It is rigid with a special lens-like plastic surface. The +miniature hypnodisc is held between the first finger and thumb like the +crystal ball and is used incorporating the techniques of the large +hypnodisc as well as the crystal ball. + +As you slowly revolve this hypnodisc, the lens-like surface causes a +series of optical illusions to appear before the eyes of the subject. +These moving illusions are ever present as you change the slightest +distance of the hypnodisc from the subject. + +This remarkable effect is achieved by the use of countless plastic +linear lenses which separate the multiple images laminated behind them, +permitting a different picture to change continuously as you change the +angle of view or distance. Naturally this device is extremely helpful in +capturing the full attention of the conscious mind of the subject and +helps you to achieve the hypnotic state in the shortest possible time. + +Send for +THE HAND HYPNODISC + +Price $1 + + + + +POWERS HYPNOTIC CRYSTAL BALL + + +[Illustration] + +The Powers hypnotic crystal ball is extremely useful as an aid in +inducing the hypnotic state. It is desirable to use it as an object of +concentration for your subject while he is being hypnotized. + +The crystal ball lends an air of "mysticism" to the attainment of the +hypnotic sleep and for some of your subjects this is the best approach +in obtaining hypnotic control. There are individuals who will not react +to a strict scientific approach to hypnosis and it is with these +subjects that the use of such a device as the crystal ball is of +inestimable value. + +The crystal ball is held between your thumb and first finger, about +twelve inches from the subject's eyes and slightly above eye level. The +hypnotic crystal ball can easily be carried with you at all times. + +As you know, the employment of a crystal to induce the hypnotic sleep is +one of the oldest methods used in hypnosis. I personally favor this +device and my students as well as myself have always had excellent +results using this technique. + +Send for POWERS HYPNOTIC CRYSTAL BALL + +Price $1 + + + + +THE POWERS HYPNODISC + + +[Illustration] + +Copyright 1951 by Melvin Powers + +An effective yet inexpensive method of inducing hypnosis is with the aid +of the hypnodisc spiral. In my book, "Hypnotism Revealed," a picture of +the hypnodisc unit with the hypnodisc spiral attached is shown. Above is +a picture of my latest hypnodisc spiral. I am now offering the hypnodisc +spiral as a separate unit which can be used with your phonograph +turntable. + +The spinning spiral will cause a series of optical illusions, causing +immediate eye strain and fatigue. The subject feels that he is being +drawn into a deep, dark revolving cone. By your suggestions of hypnotic +sleep, you can place your subject in the somnambulistic state very +easily. With some subjects, hypnosis will take place almost +instantaneously. This technique is often employed in stage hypnotism. + +The use of the hypnodisc spiral is also an excellent method of achieving +self-hypnosis. As you concentrate on the revolving hypnodisc spiral, you +give yourself suggestions of hypnotic sleep. You will note the optical +illusions as they occur and the pleasant, relaxing feeling that +accompanies these illusions. Giving yourself further suggestions of +hypnotic sleep, you find that you are easily able to attain the desired +state of self-hypnosis. This method is one of the most successful and +popular techniques yet known for achieving hetero-hypnosis and +self-hypnosis. At the Wilshire School of Hypnotism, all students in the +self-hypnosis class are conditioned with the aid of the hypnodisc +spiral. + +During my lectures, I place the entire hypnodisc unit on the platform +without having the spiral revolve. Continuing with the lecture, I note +individuals in the audience gazing intently at the hypnodisc spiral. +Invariably before the end of the lecture, many will have put themselves +into a deep hypnotic state. This group self-hypnosis was achieved +without my mentioning anything about the hypnodisc. These individuals +assumed that the unit is used to induce hypnosis and their looking at it +with that thought in mind produced the hypnotic state. + +The hypnodisc spiral is printed on firm cardboard, measures twelve +inches in diameter, and has a hole in the center so you can place it on +your own phonograph turntable. It has the general appearance of a +twelve-inch phonograph record. I am sure that you will be pleased with +your purchase of the hypnodisc. + +The hypnodisc is also available with four of the white spiraling areas +colored in four different shades. The coloring is extremely interesting, +fascinating, and very effective in inducing hypnosis as the hypnodisc +revolves. The COLORED HYPNODISC sells for $3.00. + +Send for POWERS HYPNODISC + +Price $2.00 + + + + +CASSETTE TAPES + + + ONE HOUR HYPNOTIC RECORDS ON CASSETTE TAPE $10.00 + ONE HOUR HYPNOTIC RAIN RECORD ON CASSETTE TAPE 5.00 + TWO HOURS OF MENTAL POWER RECORDS ON CASSETTE TAPE 10.00 + + +ONE HOUR HYPNOTIC RAIN TAPE (33/4 IPS) + +One of the chief assets of a good hypnotist is to be flexible in his +approach in hypnotizing his subjects. As you know, it is necessary many +times to adapt a technique that is suitable to the subject, and not to +make the subject adapt himself to the method of induction. + +We know that with somnambulistic subjects any procedure will put the +subject under hypnosis immediately. The hypnotist gains complete control +of his subject just as fast as he wants. Unfortunately, most subjects do +not respond at the first session because of conscious or subconscious +fears that must be gradually eliminated. Once you get the subject to +relax, or "let go," he will naturally succumb to hypnosis. This is the +problem that confronts all hypnotists. + +Merely suggesting to the subject to relax or to "let go" is not +sufficient, as a rule, to bring about this desired state. The subject, +at this point, cannot turn on or off his mental and physical state of +being this easily. Even if we have the subject lie down, this does not +assure the hypnotic state, as the subject can still be tense. Our +problem is how to get the subject to relax. Our situation is similar to +the physician telling his patient to go home and forget about a certain +problem. I'm sure that you'll agree that the advice is virtually +impossible to follow. + +One of the major stumbling blocks in hypnotizing a subject, or in +self-hypnosis, lies in the fact that although we use words such as: +"relax," "let yourself go," and other similar terminology, the subject +cannot readily put the meaning of these words into effect. It is +difficult for most people to "let go" when we live in a society that +beckons us to "look sharp," "be sharp," "be alert," "be on the ball" and +"make every minute count." Emphasis on productivity does not lend to a +society of relaxed individuals. + +In my long experience as a professional hypnotist, I have tried many +novel innovations for inducing hypnosis. Some have met with a great deal +of success and others have failed. It is difficult to determine the +causative factors for success or failure. We can only theorize. + +I have used, over the last ten years, a technique that I shall describe +now. Exceptionally good results have been attained with it; however, it +is not infallible. It is suggested to you as another good technique. In +order to help the subject relax, I have been using a one hour tape +recorder recording containing the continuous sound of various degrees of +rain. One half hour has a rain effect of very soft, light rainfall, as +on grass, canvas or tent top. The other side contains a half hour of a +rain effect such as one would hear in a heavy downfall with prominent +patter of water on pavement. + +The subject is instructed to close his eyes and listen to the sound of +the rain while picturing himself relaxing near a warm, glowing +fireplace. The relaxing effect thus produced enhances our chances for +success in attaining a deep, hypnotic state. + +The tape will play on all standard recorders and comes recorded at a +speed of 33/4 IPS. The tape alone is worth $2.50. You therefore only pay +$2.50 for the actual recording. + +ONE HOUR HYPNOTIC RAIN TAPE $5 + + +HALF-HOUR HYPNOTIC RAIN RECORD (33-1/3 RPM) + +[Illustration] + +Should you not have a tape recorder we have a record (33-1/3 RPM) +containing the sound of 15 minutes of light rain on one side and 15 +minutes of heavy rain on the other side. The record sells for $5. + +HALF-HOUR HYPNOTIC RAIN RECORD $5 + + + + +A PERSONAL WORD FROM MELVIN POWERS + +PUBLISHER, WILSHIRE BOOK COMPANY + + + Dear Friend: + + My goal is to publish interesting, informative, and + inspirational books. You can help me accomplish this by + answering the following questions, either by phone or by mail. + Or, if convenient for you, I would welcome the opportunity to + visit with you in my office and hear your comments in person. + + Did you enjoy reading this book? Why? + + Would you enjoy reading another similar book? + + What idea in the book impressed you the most? + + If applicable to your situation, have you incorporated this + idea in your daily life? + + Is there a chapter that could serve as a theme for an entire + book? Please explain. + + If you have an idea for a book, I would welcome discussing it + with you. If you already have one in progress, write or call me + concerning possible publication. I can be reached at (213) + 875-1711 or (213) 983-1105. + + Sincerely yours, + MELVIN POWERS + 12015 Sherman Road + North Hollywood, California 91605 + + + + + + +MELVIN POWERS SELF-IMPROVEMENT LIBRARY + + +ASTROLOGY + + ASTROLOGY: HOW TO CHART YOUR HOROSCOPE _Max Heindel_ 3.00 + ASTROLOGY: YOUR PERSONAL SUN-SIGN GUIDE _Beatrice Ryder_ 3.00 + ASTROLOGY FOR EVERYDAY LIVING _Janet Harris_ 2.00 + ASTROLOGY MADE EASY _Astarte_ 3.00 + ASTROLOGY MADE PRACTICAL _Alexandra Kayhle_ 3.00 + ASTROLOGY, ROMANCE, YOU AND THE STARS _Anthony Norvell_ 4.00 + MY WORLD OF ASTROLOGY _Sydney Omarr_ 5.00 + THOUGHT DIAL _Sydney Omarr_ 3.00 + WHAT THE STARS REVEAL ABOUT THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE _Thelma White_ 3.00 + ZODIAC REVEALED _Rupert Gleadow_ 2.00 + + +BRIDGE + + BRIDGE BIDDING MADE EASY _Edwin B. Kantar_ 5.00 + BRIDGE CONVENTIONS _Edwin B. Kantar_ 5.00 + BRIDGE HUMOR _Edwin B. Kantar_ 3.00 + COMPETITIVE BIDDING IN MODERN BRIDGE _Edgar Kaplan_ 4.00 + DEFENSIVE BRIDGE PLAY COMPLETE _Edwin B. Kantar_ 10.00 + HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR BRIDGE _Alfred Sheinwold_ 2.00 + INTRODUCTION TO DEFENDER'S PLAY _Edwin B. Kantar_ 3.00 + SHORT CUT TO WINNING BRIDGE _Alfred Sheinwold_ 3.00 + TEST YOUR BRIDGE PLAY _Edwin B. Kantar_ 3.00 + WINNING DECLARER PLAY _Dorothy Hayden Truscott_ 4.00 + + +BUSINESS, STUDY & REFERENCE + + CONVERSATION MADE EASY _Elliot Russell_ 2.00 + EXAM SECRET _Dennis B. Jackson_ 2.00 + FIX-IT BOOK _Arthur Symons_ 2.00 + HOW TO DEVELOP A BETTER SPEAKING VOICE _M. Hellier_ 2.00 + HOW TO MAKE A FORTUNE IN REAL ESTATE _Albert Winnikoff_ 3.00 + INCREASE YOUR LEARNING POWER _Geoffrey A. Dudley_ 2.00 + MAGIC OF NUMBERS _Robert Tocquet_ 2.00 + PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BETTER CONCENTRATION _Melvin Powers_ 2.00 + PRACTICAL GUIDE TO PUBLIC SPEAKING _Maurice Forley_ 3.00 + 7 DAYS TO FASTER READING _William S. Schaill_ 3.00 + SONGWRITERS RHYMING DICTIONARY _Jane Shaw Whitfield_ 5.00 + SPELLING MADE EASY _Lester D. Basch & Dr. Milton Finkelstein_ 2.00 + STUDENT'S GUIDE TO BETTER GRADES _J. A. Rickard_ 2.00 + TEST YOURSELF--Find Your Hidden Talent _Jack Shafer_ 2.00 + WORLD WIDE MAIL ORDER SHOPPER'S GUIDE _Eugene V. Moller_ 5.00 + YOUR WILL & WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT _Attorney Samuel G. Kling_ 3.00 + + +CALLIGRAPHY + + ADVANCED CALLIGRAPHY _Katherine Jeffares_ 6.00 + CALLIGRAPHY--The Art of Beautiful Writing _Katherine Jeffares_ 5.00 + + +CHESS & CHECKERS + + BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO WINNING CHESS _Fred Reinfeld_ 3.00 + BETTER CHESS--How to Play _Fred Reinfeld_ 2.00 + CHECKERS MADE EASY _Tom Wiswell_ 2.00 + CHESS IN TEN EASY LESSONS _Larry Evans_ 3.00 + CHESS MADE EASY _Milton L. Hanauer_ 3.00 + CHESS MASTERY--A New Approach _Fred Reinfeld_ 2.00 + CHESS PROBLEMS FOR BEGINNERS _edited by Fred Reinfeld_ 2.00 + CHESS SECRETS REVEALED _Fred Reinfeld_ 2.00 + CHESS STRATEGY--An Expert's Guide _Fred Reinfeld_ 2.00 + CHESS TACTICS FOR BEGINNERS _edited by Fred Reinfeld_ 3.00 + CHESS THEORY & PRACTICE _Morry & Mitchell_ 2.00 + HOW TO WIN AT CHECKERS _Fred Reinfeld_ 2.00 + 1001 BRILLIANT WAYS TO CHECKMATE _Fred Reinfeld_ 3.00 + 1001 WINNING CHESS SACRIFICES & COMBINATIONS _Fred Reinfeld_ 3.00 + SOVIET CHESS _Edited by R. G. Wade_ 3.00 + + +COOKERY & HERBS + + CULPEPER'S HERBAL REMEDIES _Dr. Nicholas Culpeper_ 2.00 + FAST GOURMET COOKBOOK _Poppy Cannon_ 2.50 + GINSENG The Myth & The Truth _Joseph P. Hou_ 3.00 + HEALING POWER OF HERBS _May Bethel_ 3.00 + HEALING POWER OF NATURAL FOODS _May Bethel_ 3.00 + HERB HANDBOOK _Dawn MacLeod_ 3.00 + HERBS FOR COOKING AND HEALING _Dr. Donald Law_ 2.00 + HERBS FOR HEALTH--How to Grow & Use Them _Louise Evans Doole_ 3.00 + HOME GARDEN COOKBOOK--Delicious Natural Food Recipes _Ken Kraft_ 3.00 + MEDICAL HERBALIST _edited by Dr. J. R. Yemm_ 3.00 + NATURAL FOOD COOKBOOK _Dr. Harry C. Bond_ 3.00 + NATURE'S MEDICINES _Richard Lucas_ 3.00 + VEGETABLE GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS _Hugh Wiberg_ 2.00 + VEGETABLES FOR TODAY'S GARDENS _R. Milton Carleton_ 2.00 + VEGETARIAN COOKERY _Janet Walker_ 3.00 + VEGETARIAN COOKING MADE EASY & DELECTABLE _Veronica Vezza_ 2.00 + VEGETARIAN DELIGHTS--A Happy Cookbook for Health _K. R. Mehta_ 2.00 + VEGETARIAN GOURMET COOKBOOK _Joyce McKinnel_ 3.00 + + +GAMBLING & POKER + + ADVANCED POKER STRATEGY & WINNING PLAY _A. D. Livingston_ 3.00 + HOW NOT TO LOSE AT POKER _Jeffrey Lloyd Castle_ 3.00 + HOW TO WIN AT DICE GAMES _Skip Frey_ 3.00 + HOW TO WIN AT POKER _Terence Reese & Anthony T. Watkins_ 2.00 + SECRETS OF WINNING POKER _George S. Coffin_ 3.00 + WINNING AT CRAPS _Dr. Lloyd T. Commins_ 3.00 + WINNING AT GIN _Chester Wander & Cy Rice_ 3.00 + WINNING AT POKER--An Expert's Guide _John Archer_ 3.00 + WINNING AT 21--An Expert's Guide _John Archer_ 3.00 + WINNING POKER SYSTEMS _Norman Zadeh_ 3.00 + + +HEALTH + + DR. LINDNER'S SPECIAL WEIGHT CONTROL METHOD _P. G. Lindner, M.D._ 1.50 + HELP YOURSELF TO BETTER SIGHT _Margaret Darst Corbett_ 3.00 + HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR VISION _Dr. Robert A. Kraskin_ 3.00 + HOW YOU CAN STOP SMOKING PERMANENTLY _Ernest Caldwell_ 3.00 + MIND OVER PLATTER _Peter G. Lindner, M.D._ 3.00 + NATURE'S WAY TO NUTRITION & VIBRANT HEALTH _Robert J. Scrutton_ 3.00 + NEW CARBOHYDRATE DIET COUNTER _Patti Lopez-Pereira_ 1.50 + PSYCHEDELIC ECSTASY _William Marshall & Gilbert W. Taylor_ 2.00 + REFLEXOLOGY _Dr. Maybelle Segal_ 2.00 + YOU CAN LEARN TO RELAX _Dr. Samuel Gutwirth_ 2.00 + YOUR ALLERGY--What To Do About It _Allan Knight, M.D._ 3.00 + + +HOBBIES + + BEACHCOMBING FOR BEGINNERS _Norman Hickin_ 2.00 + BLACKSTONE'S MODERN CARD TRICKS _Harry Blackstone_ 3.00 + BLACKSTONE'S SECRETS OF MAGIC _Harry Blackstone_ 2.00 + BUTTERFLIES 2.50 + COIN COLLECTING FOR BEGINNERS _Burton Hobson & Fred Reinfeld_ 2.00 + ENTERTAINING WITH ESP _Tony 'Doc' Shiels_ 2.00 + 400 FASCINATING MAGIC TRICKS YOU CAN DO _Howard Thurston_ 3.00 + HOW I TURN JUNK INTO FUN AND PROFIT _Sari_ 3.00 + HOW TO WRITE A HIT SONG & SELL IT _Tommy Boyce_ 7.00 + JUGGLING MADE EASY _Rudolf Dittrich_ 2.00 + MAGIC MADE EASY _Byron Wels_ 2.00 + STAMP COLLECTING FOR BEGINNERS _Burton Hobson_ 2.00 + STAMP COLLECTING FOR FUN & PROFIT _Frank Cetin_ 2.00 + + +HORSE PLAYERS' WINNING GUIDES + + BETTING HORSES TO WIN _Les Conklin_ 3.00 + ELIMINATE THE LOSERS _Bob McKnight_ 3.00 + HOW TO PICK WINNING HORSES _Bob McKnight_ 3.00 + HOW TO WIN AT THE RACES _Sam (The Genius) Lewin_ 3.00 + HOW YOU CAN BEAT THE RACES _Jack Kavanagh_ 3.00 + MAKING MONEY AT THE RACES _David Barr_ 3.00 + PAYDAY AT THE RACES _Les Conklin_ 3.00 + SMART HANDICAPPING MADE EASY _William Bauman_ 3.00 + SUCCESS AT THE HARNESS RACES _Barry Meadow_ 3.00 + WINNING AT THE HARNESS RACES--An Expert's Guide _Nick Cammarano_ 3.00 + + +HUMOR + + HOW TO BE A COMEDIAN FOR FUN & PROFIT _King & Laufer_ 2.00 + HOW TO FLATTEN YOUR TUSH _Coach Marge Reardon_ 2.00 + JOKE TELLER'S HANDBOOK _Bob Orben_ 3.00 + JOKES FOR ALL OCCASIONS _Al Schock_ 3.00 + + +HYPNOTISM + + ADVANCED TECHNIQUES OF HYPNOSIS _Melvin Powers_ 2.00 + BRAINWASHING AND THE CULTS _Paul A. Verdier, Ph.D._ 3.00 + CHILDBIRTH WITH HYPNOSIS _William S. Kroger, M.D._ 3.00 + HOW TO SOLVE Your Sex Problems with Self-Hypnosis + _Frank S. Caprio, M.D._ 3.00 + HOW TO STOP SMOKING THRU SELF-HYPNOSIS _Leslie M. LeCron_ 3.00 + HOW TO USE AUTO-SUGGESTION EFFECTIVELY _John Duckworth_ 3.00 + HOW YOU CAN BOWL BETTER USING SELF-HYPNOSIS _Jack Heise_ 3.00 + HOW YOU CAN PLAY BETTER GOLF USING SELF-HYPNOSIS _Jack Heise_ 2.00 + HYPNOSIS AND SELF-HYPNOSIS _Bernard Hollander, M.D._ 3.00 + HYPNOTISM (Originally published in 1893) _Carl Sextus_ 3.00 + HYPNOTISM & PSYCHIC PHENOMENA _Simeon Edmunds_ 3.00 + HYPNOTISM MADE EASY _Dr. Ralph Winn_ 3.00 + HYPNOTISM MADE PRACTICAL _Louis Orton_ 3.00 + HYPNOTISM REVEALED _Melvin Powers_ 2.00 + HYPNOTISM TODAY _Leslie LeCron and Jean Bordeaux, Ph.D._ 4.00 + MODERN HYPNOSIS _Lesley Kuhn & Salvatore Russo, Ph.D._ 5.00 + NEW CONCEPTS OF HYPNOSIS _Bernard C. Gindes, M.D._ 4.00 + NEW SELF-HYPNOSIS _Paul Adams_ 3.00 + POST-HYPNOTIC INSTRUCTIONS--Suggestions for Therapy + _Arnold Furst_ 3.00 + PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SELF-HYPNOSIS _Melvin Powers_ 3.00 + PRACTICAL HYPNOTISM _Philip Magonet, M.D._ 2.00 + SECRETS OF HYPNOTISM _S. J. Van Pelt, M.D._ 3.00 + SELF-HYPNOSIS Its Theory, Technique & Application _Melvin Powers_ 2.00 + SELF-HYPNOSIS A Conditioned-Response Technique _Laurence Sparks_ 4.00 + THERAPY THROUGH HYPNOSIS _edited by Raphael H. Rhodes_ 4.00 + + +JUDAICA + + HOW TO LIVE A RICHER & FULLER LIFE _Rabbi Edgar F. Magnin_ 2.00 + MODERN ISRAEL _Lily Edelman_ 2.00 + ROMANCE OF HASSIDISM _Jacob S. Minkin_ 2.50 + SERVICE OF THE HEART _Evelyn Garfiel, Ph.D._ 4.00 + STORY OF ISRAEL IN COINS _Jean & Maurice Gould_ 2.00 + STORY OF ISRAEL IN STAMPS _Maxim & Gabriel Shamir_ 1.00 + TONGUE OF THE PROPHETS _Robert St. John_ 3.00 + TREASURY OF COMFORT _edited by Rabbi Sidney Greenberg_ 4.00 + + +JUST FOR WOMEN + + COSMOPOLITAN'S GUIDE TO MARVELOUS MEN + Fwd. by _Helen Gurley Brown_ 3.00 + COSMOPOLITAN'S HANG-UP HANDBOOK Foreword by _Helen Gurley Brown_ 4.00 + COSMOPOLITAN'S LOVE BOOK--A Guide to Ecstasy in Bed 3.00 + COSMOPOLITAN'S NEW ETIQUETTE GUIDE Fwd. by _Helen Gurley Brown_ 4.00 + I AM A COMPLEAT WOMAN _Doris Hagopian & Karen O'Connor Sweeney_ 3.00 + JUST FOR WOMEN--A Guide to the Female Body + _Richard E. Sand, M.D._ 4.00 + NEW APPROACHES TO SEX IN MARRIAGE _John E. Eichenlaub, M.D._ 3.00 + SEXUALLY ADEQUATE FEMALE _Frank S. Caprio, M.D._ 3.00 + YOUR FIRST YEAR OF MARRIAGE _Dr. Tom McGinnis_ 3.00 + + +MARRIAGE, SEX & PARENTHOOD + + ABILITY TO LOVE _Dr. Allan Fromme_ 5.00 + ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MODERN SEX & LOVE TECHNIQUES _Macandrew_ 4.00 + GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE _Drs. Albert Ellis & Robert Harper_ 4.00 + HOW TO RAISE AN EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY, HAPPY CHILD _A. Ellis_ 3.00 + IMPOTENCE & FRIGIDITY _Edwin W. Hirsch, M.D._ 3.00 + SEX WITHOUT GUILT _Albert Ellis, Ph.D._ 3.00 + SEXUALLY ADEQUATE MALE _Frank S. Caprio, M.D._ 3.00 + + +METAPHYSICS & OCCULT + + BOOK OF TALISMANS, AMULETS & ZODIACAL GEMS _William Pavitt_ 4.00 + CONCENTRATION--A Guide to Mental Mastery _Mouni Sadhu_ 3.00 + CRITIQUES OF GOD _Edited by Peter Angeles_ 7.00 + DREAMS & OMENS REVEALED _Fred Gettings_ 3.00 + EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTION _Simeon Edmunds_ 2.00 + EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE--The First Encounter 6.00 + FORTUNE TELLING WITH CARDS _P. Foli_ 2.00 + HANDWRITING ANALYSIS MADE EASY _John Marley_ 3.00 + HANDWRITING TELLS _Nadya Olyanova_ 5.00 + HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR DREAMS _Geoffrey A. Dudley_ 2.00 + ILLUSTRATED YOGA _William Zorn_ 3.00 + IN DAYS OF GREAT PEACE _Mouni Sadhu_ 3.00 + KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE IN THE MASONIC TRADITION _Alex Horne_ 5.00 + LSD--THE AGE OF MIND _Bernard Roseman_ 2.00 + MAGICIAN--His training and work _W. E. Butler_ 3.00 + MEDITATION _Mouni Sadhu_ 4.00 + MODERN NUMEROLOGY _Morris C. Goodman_ 3.00 + NUMEROLOGY--ITS FACTS AND SECRETS _Ariel Yvon Taylor_ 3.00 + NUMEROLOGY MADE EASY _W. Mykian_ 3.00 + PALMISTRY MADE EASY _Fred Gettings_ 3.00 + PALMISTRY MADE PRACTICAL _Elizabeth Daniels Squire_ 3.00 + PALMISTRY SECRETS REVEALED _Henry Frith_ 3.00 + PRACTICAL YOGA _Ernest Wood_ 3.00 + PROPHECY IN OUR TIME _Martin Ebon_ 2.50 + PSYCHOLOGY OF HANDWRITING _Nadya Olyanova_ 3.00 + SUPERSTITION--Are you superstitious? _Eric Maple_ 2.00 + TAROT _Mouni Sadhu_ 5.00 + TAROT OF THE BOHEMIANS _Papus_ 5.00 + TEST YOUR ESP _Martin Ebon_ 2.00 + WAYS TO SELF-REALIZATION _Mouni Sadhu_ 3.00 + WHAT YOUR HANDWRITING REVEALS _Albert E. Hughes_ 2.00 + WITCHCRAFT, MAGIC & OCCULTISM--A Fascinating History _W. B. Crow_ 5.00 + WITCHCRAFT--THE SIXTH SENSE _Justine Glass_ 3.00 + WORLD OF PSYCHIC RESEARCH _Hereward Carrington_ 2.00 + YOU CAN ANALYZE HANDWRITING _Robert Holder_ 2.00 + + +SELF-HELP & INSPIRATIONAL + + CYBERNETICS WITHIN US _Y. Saparina_ 3.00 + DAILY POWER FOR JOYFUL LIVING _Dr. Donald Curtis_ 3.00 + DOCTOR PSYCHO-CYBERNETICS _Maxwell Maltz, M.D._ 3.00 + DYNAMIC THINKING _Melvin Powers_ 2.00 + EXUBERANCE--Your Guide to Happiness & Fulfillment + _Dr. Paul Kurtz_ 3.00 + GREATEST POWER IN THE UNIVERSE _U. S. Andersen_ 4.00 + GROW RICH WHILE YOU SLEEP _Ben Sweetland_ 3.00 + GROWTH THROUGH REASON _Albert Ellis, Ph.D._ 4.00 + GUIDE TO DEVELOPING YOUR POTENTIAL _Herbert A. Otto, Ph.D._ 3.00 + GUIDE TO LIVING IN BALANCE _Frank S. Caprio, M.D._ 2.00 + HELPING YOURSELF WITH APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY _R. Henderson_ 2.00 + HELPING YOURSELF WITH PSYCHIATRY _Frank S. Caprio, M.D._ 2.00 + HOW TO ATTRACT GOOD LUCK _A. H. Z. Carr_ 3.00 + HOW TO CONTROL YOUR DESTINY _Norvell_ 3.00 + HOW TO DEVELOP A WINNING PERSONALITY _Martin Panzer_ 3.00 + HOW TO DEVELOP AN EXCEPTIONAL MEMORY _Young & Gibson_ 4.00 + HOW TO OVERCOME YOUR FEARS _M. P. Leahy, M.D._ 3.00 + HOW YOU CAN HAVE CONFIDENCE AND POWER _Les Giblin_ 3.00 + HUMAN PROBLEMS & HOW TO SOLVE THEM _Dr. Donald Curtis_ 3.00 + I CAN _Ben Sweetland_ 4.00 + I WILL _Ben Sweetland_ 3.00 + LEFT-HANDED PEOPLE _Michael Barsley_ 3.00 + MAGIC IN YOUR MIND _U. S. Andersen_ 4.00 + MAGIC OF THINKING BIG _Dr. David J. Schwartz_ 3.00 + MAGIC POWER OF YOUR MIND _Walter M. Germain_ 4.00 + MENTAL POWER THROUGH SLEEP SUGGESTION _Melvin Powers_ 2.00 + NEW GUIDE TO RATIONAL LIVING + _Albert Ellis, Ph.D. & R. Harper, Ph.D._ 3.00 + OUR TROUBLED SELVES _Dr. Allan Fromme_ 3.00 + PSYCHO-CYBERNETICS _Maxwell Maltz, M.D._ 2.00 + SCIENCE OF MIND IN DAILY LIVING _Dr. Donald Curtis_ 3.00 + SECRET OF SECRETS _U. S. Andersen_ 4.00 + SECRET POWER OF THE PYRAMIDS _U. S. Andersen_ 4.00 + STUTTERING AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT _W. Johnson, Ph.D._ 2.50 + SUCCESS-CYBERNETICS _U. S. Andersen_ 4.00 + 10 DAYS TO A GREAT NEW LIFE _William E. Edwards_ 3.00 + THINK AND GROW RICH _Napoleon Hill_ 3.00 + THREE MAGIC WORDS _U. S. Andersen_ 4.00 + TREASURY OF THE ART OF LIVING _Sidney S. Greenberg_ 5.00 + YOU ARE NOT THE TARGET _Laura Huxley_ 3.00 + YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS POWER _Charles M. Simmons_ 4.00 + YOUR THOUGHTS CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE _Dr. Donald Curtis_ 3.00 + + +SPORTS + + ARCHERY--An Expert's Guide _Dan Stamp_ 2.00 + BICYCLING FOR FUN AND GOOD HEALTH _Kenneth E. Luther_ 2.00 + BILLIARDS--Pocket . Carom . Three Cushion _Clive Cottingham, Jr._ 3.00 + CAMPING-OUT 101 Ideas & Activities _Bruno Knobel_ 2.00 + COMPLETE GUIDE TO FISHING _Vlad Evanoff_ 2.00 + HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR RACQUETBALL _Lubarsky, Kaufman, & Scagnetti_ 3.00 + HOW TO WIN AT POCKET BILLIARDS _Edward D. Knuchell_ 3.00 + JOY OF WALKING _Jack Scagnetti_ 3.00 + LEARNING & TEACHING SOCCER SKILLS _Eric Worthington_ 3.00 + MOTORCYCLING FOR BEGINNERS _I. G. Edmonds_ 2.00 + RACQUETBALL MADE EASY + _Steve Lubarsky, Rod Delson & Jack Scagnetti_ 3.00 + SECRET OF BOWLING STRIKES _Dawson Taylor_ 3.00 + SECRET OF PERFECT PUTTING _Horton Smith & Dawson Taylor_ 3.00 + SOCCER--The game & how to play it _Gary Rosenthal_ 3.00 + STARTING SOCCER _Edward F. Dolan, Jr._ 2.00 + TABLE TENNIS MADE EASY _Johnny Leach_ 2.00 + + +TENNIS LOVERS' LIBRARY + + BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO WINNING TENNIS _Helen Hull Jacobs_ 2.00 + HOW TO BEAT BETTER TENNIS PLAYERS _Loring Fiske_ 4.00 + HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR TENNIS--Style, Strategy & Analysis + _C. Wilson_ 2.00 + INSIDE TENNIS--Techniques of Winning _Jim Leighton_ 3.00 + PLAY TENNIS WITH ROSEWALL _Ken Rosewall_ 2.00 + PSYCH YOURSELF TO BETTER TENNIS _Dr. Walter A. Luszki_ 2.00 + SUCCESSFUL TENNIS _Neale Fraser_ 2.00 + TENNIS FOR BEGINNERS _Dr. H. A. Murray_ 2.00 + TENNIS MADE EASY _Joel Brecheen_ 2.00 + WEEKEND TENNIS--How to have fun & win at the same time + _Bill Talbert_ 3.00 + WINNING WITH PERCENTAGE TENNIS--Smart Strategy _Jack Lowe_ 2.00 + + +WILSHIRE PET LIBRARY + + DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING _Gust Kessopulos_ 3.00 + DOG TRAINING MADE EASY & FUN _John W. Kellogg_ 3.00 + HOW TO BRING UP YOUR PET DOG _Kurt Unkelbach_ 2.00 + HOW TO RAISE & TRAIN YOUR PUPPY _Jeff Griffen_ 2.00 + PIGEONS: HOW TO RAISE & TRAIN THEM _William H. Allen, Jr._ 2.00 + + +_The books listed above can be obtained from your book dealer or +directly from Melvin Powers. When ordering, please remit 50c per book +postage & handling. Send for our free illustrated catalog of +self-improvement books._ + + Melvin Powers + 12015 Sherman Road, No. Hollywood, California 91605 + + +WILSHIRE HORSE LOVERS' LIBRARY + + AMATEUR HORSE BREEDER _A. C. Leighton Hardman_ 3.00 + AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE IN PICTURES _Margaret Cabell Self_ 3.00 + APPALOOSA HORSE _Donna & Bill Richardson_ 3.00 + ARABIAN HORSE _Reginald S. Summerhays_ 2.00 + ART OF WESTERN RIDING _Suzanne Norton Jones_ 3.00 + AT THE HORSE SHOW _Margaret Cabell Self_ 3.00 + BACK-YARD FOAL _Peggy Jett Pittinger_ 3.00 + BACK-YARD HORSE _Peggy Jett Pittinger_ 3.00 + BASIC DRESSAGE _Jean Froissard_ 2.00 + BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO HORSEBACK RIDING _Sheila Wall_ 2.00 + BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO THE WESTERN HORSE _Natlee Kenoyer_ 2.00 + BITS--THEIR HISTORY, USE AND MISUSE _Louis Taylor_ 3.00 + BREAKING & TRAINING THE DRIVING HORSE _Doris Ganton_ 2.00 + BREAKING YOUR HORSE'S BAD HABITS _W. Dayton Sumner_ 3.00 + CAVALRY MANUAL OF HORSEMANSHIP _Gordon Wright_ 3.00 + COMPLETE TRAINING OF HORSE AND RIDER _Colonel Alois Podhaisky_ 4.00 + DISORDERS OF THE HORSE & WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM _E. Hanauer_ 3.00 + DRESSAGE--A Study of the Finer Points in Riding _Henry Wynmalen_ 4.00 + DRIVING HORSES _Sallie Walrond_ 3.00 + ENDURANCE RIDING _Ann Hyland_ 2.00 + EQUITATION _Jean Froissard_ 4.00 + FIRST AID FOR HORSES _Dr. Charles H. Denning, Jr._ 2.00 + FUN OF RAISING A COLT _Rubye & Frank Griffith_ 3.00 + FUN ON HORSEBACK _Margaret Cabell Self_ 4.00 + GYMKHANA GAMES _Natlee Kenoyer_ 2.00 + HORSE DISEASES--Causes, Symptoms & Treatment + _Dr. H. G. Belschner_ 3.00 + HORSE OWNER'S CONCISE GUIDE _Elsie V. Hanauer_ 2.00 + HORSE SELECTION & CARE FOR BEGINNERS _George H. Conn_ 3.00 + HORSE SENSE--A complete guide to riding and care _Alan Deacon_ 4.00 + HORSEBACK RIDING FOR BEGINNERS _Louis Taylor_ 4.00 + HORSEBACK RIDING MADE EASY & FUN _Sue Henderson Coen_ 3.00 + HORSES--Their Selection, Care & Handling _Margaret Cabell Self_ 3.00 + HOW TO BUY A BETTER HORSE & SELL THE HORSE YOU OWN 3.00 + HOW TO ENJOY YOUR QUARTER HORSE _Williard H. Porter_ 3.00 + HUNTER IN PICTURES _Margaret Cabell Self_ 2.00 + ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF THE HORSE _S. Sidney_ (81/2" x 11") 10.00 + ILLUSTRATED HORSE MANAGEMENT--400 Illustrations _Dr. E. Mayhew_ 6.00 + ILLUSTRATED HORSE TRAINING _Captain M. H. Hayes_ 5.00 + ILLUSTRATED HORSEBACK RIDING FOR BEGINNERS _Jeanne Mellin_ 2.00 + JUMPING--Learning & Teaching _Jean Froissard_ 3.00 + KNOW ALL ABOUT HORSES _Harry Disston_ 3.00 + LAME HORSE--Causes, Symptoms & Treatment _Dr. James R. Rooney_ 3.00 + LAW & YOUR HORSE _Edward H. Greene_ 3.00 + LIPIZZANERS & THE SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL _W. Reuter_ (41/4" x 6") 2.50 + MANUAL OF HORSEMANSHIP _Harold Black_ 5.00 + MORGAN HORSE IN PICTURES _Margaret Cabell Self_ 2.00 + MOVIE HORSES--The Fascinating Techniques of Training + _Anthony Amaral_ 2.00 + POLICE HORSES _Judith Campbell_ 2.00 + PRACTICAL GUIDE TO HORSESHOEING 3.00 + PRACTICAL GUIDE TO OWNING YOUR OWN HORSE _Steven D. Price_ 2.00 + PRACTICAL HORSE PSYCHOLOGY _Moyra Williams_ 3.00 + PROBLEM HORSES Guide for Curing Serious Behavior Habits + _Summerhays_ 2.00 + REINSMAN OF THE WEST--BRIDLES & BITS _Ed Connell_ 4.00 + RESCHOOLING THE THOROUGHBRED _Peggy Jett Pittinger_ 3.00 + RIDE WESTERN _Louis Taylor_ 3.00 + SCHOOLING YOUR YOUNG HORSE _George Wheatley_ 2.00 + STABLE MANAGEMENT FOR THE OWNER-GROOM _George Wheatley_ 4.00 + STALLION MANAGEMENT--A Guide for Stud Owners _A. C. Hardman_ 3.00 + TEACHING YOUR HORSE TO JUMP _W. J. Froud_ 2.00 + TRAIL HORSES & TRAIL RIDING _Anne & Perry Westbrook_ 2.00 + TRAINING YOUR HORSE TO SHOW _Neale Haley_ 3.00 + TREATING COMMON DISEASES OF YOUR HORSE _Dr. George H. Conn_ 3.00 + TREATING HORSE AILMENTS _G. W. Serth_ 2.00 + WESTERN HORSEBACK RIDING _Glen Balch_ 3.00 + YOU AND YOUR PONY _Pepper Mainwaring Healey_ (81/2" x 11") 6.00 + YOUR FIRST HORSE _George C. Saunders, M.D._ 3.00 + YOUR PONY BOOK _Hermann Wiederhold_ 2.00 + YOUR WESTERN HORSE _Nelson C. Nye_ 2.00 + + +_The books listed above can be obtained from your book dealer or +directly from Melvin Powers. When ordering, please remit 50c per book +postage & handling. Send for our free illustrated catalog of self +improvement books._ + +Melvin Powers +12015 Sherman Road, No. Hollywood, California 91605 + + + +[Transcriber's notes: +The heading "Chapter 13" was missing in the original and has been added. + +In the same chapter there is a list of addresses for organisations. The +addresses for the American Group Psychotherapy Association and the +National Council on Alcoholism are the same in the original; it is +unclear whether this is intentional.] + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis, by +Melvin Powers + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SELF-HYPNOSIS *** + +***** This file should be named 22814.txt or 22814.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/2/8/1/22814/ + +Produced by Michael Ciesielski, Annika Feilbach and the +booksmiths at http://www.eBookForge.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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