I’m sure you’ve heard of hypnotism. You may have seen a show before where a hypnotist makes his volunteers do things they’d never do normally, such as act like a chicken. Many people wonder how hypnotism works, and why people act like they do when hypnotized.
Hypnotism is being in a trance like state where you have heightened imagination, are relaxed, and will obey most suggestions. Although many people think of hypnotism involving a sort of sleep it’s actually very different. When you are hypnotized you are alert. It’s closer to daydreaming than sleeping.
Most people believe that hypnotism is a way that accesses the subconscious mind directly. Usually, you are only aware of your conscious mind’s thoughts, but all it really does is process the subconscious mind’s thoughts and ideas. In hypnotism your conscious mind takes a backseat to your subconscious.
That explains why people are so uninhibited when hypnotized. The subconscious is the part of the brain that’s in charge of impulses and imagination. The conscious mind is a filter that acts as the brakes to keep all your thoughts from running wild. That’s why the hypnotized people will do bizarre things because it seems as if the subconscious is sending the message. When the hypnotist gives you suggestions you react instantly just like you do to your own thoughts.
Hypnotism is still a mystery for scientists. We can’t be completely sure that it does work like that, but it’s the theory that makes the most sense. Hypnotism is an amazing thing, and it could definitely benefit humankind.
Third paragraph, first sentence. Second 'that' should be changed to 'to'. It was bugging me.
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