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.