Hypnosis is a psychological condition in which some people may be induced to show various differences in behavior and thinking. Although some individuals experience an increase in suggestibility and subjective feelings of an 'altered state of consciousness', this is not true for everyone. In fact, some supposed hypnotic indicators and subjective changes can be achieved without relaxation or a lengthy induction, a fact that increases the controversy around hypnosis.

Intense debate surrounds the topic of hypnosis. Some scientists have disputed its very existence, while many therapists insist upon its value. One potential source of controversy is the wide variety of theories of hypnosis that traditionally have been split into 'state' and 'non-state' camps. This controversy may be decreasing as modern brain-imaging techniques offer hope for an increased understanding of the nature of hypnosis and the value of both perspectives is increasingly recognized.

The applications of hypnosis vary widely. Two distinct applications of hypnosis are its use in entertainment and health applications. The popular perception of the hypnotic experience is that of the entertainment version. The stage hypnotist uses a variety of methods to relax and focus the subjects, eventually making it appear to the audience that the subject is asleep or, popularly termed, in a trance. During the performance, the subjects seem to obey the commands of the hypnotist to engage in behaviors they might not normally choose to perform.

More on [ Hypnosis ]

NPR Topics: Performing Arts

Jimmy Smits on Patriotism, Politics and Hollywood
Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0400
Acclaimed actor Jimmy Smits will host the 28th annual broadcast of A Capitol Fourth on PBS this July 4th. But before his primetime duties, the actor stops by NPR to discuss his television career and why he's proud to be an American. Smits also discusses the possibility of his own run for public office.
George Carlin, Speaking Blue to Power
Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:01:00 -0400
Linguist Geoff Nunberg reflects on the life and language of the late comedian George Carlin, who died last month. In the 1970s, Carlin observed: "There are 400,000 words in the English language, and there are seven of them you can't say on television. What a ratio that is: 399,993 to seven. They must really be bad." Then he proceeded to say them.
Revisting Carole King's 'Tapestry'
Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0400
When Carole King's album Tapestry came out in 1971, it became one of the best-selling albums of all time and marked her as one of pop's most talented songwriters. King's masterpiece has been reissued as a 2-disc Legacy Edition by Sony. Music historian Milo Miles takes a look at the landmark work.

Guardian Unlimited: Culture Vulture

Culture Vulture: The last post
Fri, 27 Oct 2006 10:39:13 -0000
If you're here on Culture Vulture and looking in bewilderment for one of our regular features - today's Readers recommend, for instance - then never fear. We've been making some exciting changes to Guardian arts online, among which are a...
Not just a pretty phrase
Mon, 23 Oct 2006 17:10:55 -0000
Artemis Fowl author Eoin Colfer's one-man show is punchy and witty, but Lyn Gardner wonders what happened to the traditional deskbound, enigmatic author.
Best of the literary blogosphere
Sat, 21 Oct 2006 00:22:03 -0000
The announcement of Orhan Pamuk's Nobel laureateship was greeted with a largely positive response from literary bloggers. "It's going to be harder to complain about this one than recent winners - we certainly can't," concedes The Literary Saloon, before...

Subscribe to Performing_Arts RSS feed