I am not a medical doctor or practitioner; however, I do strongly advocate learning. Information helps us make better decisions. I urge you not to pass up a learning experience when it is presented to you (as one such as this).
The olfactory nerve is the first cranial nerve (CN I) and is instrumental in our sense of smell; it interacts with a variety of structures that allow smell to become integrated with memory, emotions and taste.
The optic nerve is the second cranial nerve (CN II) responsible for transmitting visual information.
The facial nerve is the seventh cranial nerve (CN VII) and carries nerve fibers that control facial movement and expression. The facial nerve also carries nerves that are involved in taste to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue and the ability to produce tears.
The vestibulocochlear nerve consists of the vestibular and cochlear nerves, also known as cranial nerve eight (CN VIII). Each nerve has distinct nuclei within the brainstem. The vestibular nerve is primarily responsible for maintaining body balance and eye movements, while the cochlear nerve is responsible for hearing.
The parietal lobe is the middle part of the brain and helps a person identify objects and understand spatial relationships (where one’s body is compared with objects around the person). The parietal lobe is also involved in interpreting pain and touch in the body.
Why did I make this post? To explain which parts of the brain control our five senses – smell, sight, taste, hearing and touch.
Do these hinder or deepen hypnosis? You tell me:
If someone makes popcorn in the house, you will smell it. Perhaps that may influence your session in that you may be hungry for popcorn when you wake. If someone bakes; however, your grandmother my appear in your session when you least expect it.
You can effectively ‘turn off’ your sight just by closing your eyes. Of course, this can/will heighten your other senses, especially if they are closed for a significant period of time.
Taste is linked to smell (see above). During a session, your hypnotist may describe a taste with such accuracy and detail, you may be able to taste it.
If a session is straight forward without anything but voice, chances are good, this type of session may be more effective for some of you. However, if you like voice overlay, music, mono into stereo and a lot of post production, this type of session may appeal to you and be more effective for you.
Touch is pretty much left to you and your hypnotist’s discretion; in a comfortable position, moving freely or the sensation of being lifted or weighed down.
One thing that you cannot find in medical journals is the energy shared between your hypnotist and yourself. It can be very professional and in a clinical setting or it can break scientific law as we know it and span geographical barriers as if they were nonexistent. Both are out there. Make the connection.
