There are several outward signs of trance that can be observed in all subjects. These signs can not be simulated by the subject. The subject will exhibit at least one, and in many cases, multiple signs.
1) Body Warmth
Many subjects note a distinct change in body temperature. Many subjects feel cold, and others feel warm. This is attributed to the lower pulse rate and extreme relaxation of the subject.
2) Fluttering Eyelids
Virtually all subjects in trance exhibit a ‘fluttering of eyelids’. The subject is actually in a Rapid Eye Movement (R. E. M.) state.
3) Reddening of the Eyes
All subjects will demonstrate a reddening of the eyes once they’ve entered trance. This phenomenon is attributed to the relaxation of the muscles in the eyes of the subject, allowing a greater flow of blood through the veins.
4) Increased Lacrimation
Many subjects, upon entering trance, will exhibit an increased ‘tearing of the eyes.’ This is attributed to the relaxation of the muscles surrounding the tear ducts.
5) Eyes Rolling Back
Many subjects, upon entering trance, will experience their eyes rolling back in their head. It will appear as if the subject is looking up through the top of his head.
6) Reduction of the swallow reflex
People swallow one or two times per minute. However, under hypnosis, this natural swallowing rhythm can cease entirely. Even if the swallow reflex doesn’t completely halt, there is often a noticeable decrease in its frequency.
Conversely, an uptick in swallowing may indicate nervousness in the subject.
A technique to assist the hypnotist to put the subject into a trance more easily.
I am going to give you a signal so you can enter into hypnosis more easily.
I am going to count from one to three. At the count of three, you will open your eyes, remaining deeply relaxed.
When I say “Sleep now” and snap my fingers, that will be the signal for your eyelids to close down and you will go deeper into hypnosis.
All right. One. Two. Three. Open your eyes. (Snap finger)
Sleep Now! Close them down and go deeper asleep. (Repeat both several times)
Testing is used to test the depth of the trance.
Optional: place your right thumb on the bridge of the subjects nose and apply slight pressure
I’m going to count from five down to one.
As I do, you’re eyelids lock so tightly closed that the more you try to open them, the tighter they’re locking closed.
Five, your eyes are pressing down tightly.
Four, pressing down and sealing shut.
Three, sealing as if they were glued.
Two, they’re locked shut. The more you try to open them, the tighter they’re locking closed.
Okay, try to open your eyelids now and find them locking tighter and tighter. That’s fine. You can stop trying now. Just relaxed and go deeper.
Testing is used to test the depth of the trance.
This time I’m going behind you to raise your hands … and start moving them around each other. (Start spinning their hands around each other)
Now, as I release your hands, continue the motion of your own accord. (Release their hands)
Moving, spinning, turning.
Moving, spinning, turning. Even faster now.
Moving, spinning, turning. That’s good.
As your hands are turning, I want you to think about your heart. Your heart beats automatically in response to the needs of your body.
In the same way, your hands are turning automatically so that the more you try to stop the motion, the faster they’re turning.
I’m going to touch your forehead. The instant I do, your hands spin in the opposite direction.
(Touch forehead) Back the other way, moving, spinning, and turning. And as they’re turning, you’re going much deeper in sleep.
This time I touch your forehead, your left arm drops limply down to your side; Your right arm continues the movement.
(Touch forehead) Left arm drops; right arm continues, and as it’s moving you’re going deeper and deeper into hypnosis.
This time I touch your forehead; right arm drops limply down; you go much deeper.
(Touch forehead) Drop it down and go deeper. That’s fine.