Actually, we all keep hypnotizing ourselves at least 15 -20 times a day when we indulge in activities like watching TV continuously. Sometimes gaping at the set with our mouth open when something interesting is being shown in rapt attention.

Any monotonous sequence of events make them boring for the brain and eventually it starts producing a hormone called serotonin which induces an alpha or drowsy state of mind. We are all living a life of a robot, a mechanical life which is very frustrating. Such frustration is an indication to 'Go forward' but where is the big question. It could be a change in our job, venturing into a new hobby or developing new skills which could be something as simple as starting to read.

The preconditions to hypnosis are:

• Congenial environment with no extreme temperature.
• Soothing background music
• Faith in the hypo-therapist
• Fixation of attention
• Progressive relaxation
• Removing all prejudices and myths about hypnosis.

A congenial environment for hypnosis is very important because all our five senses become hyperactive under hypnotic condition hence strong smells or extreme emotions should be avoided while attempting hypnosis. Room should be free from insects and dust as all of these could pose as hurdles preventing the subject from going into deep trance.

Soothing subliminal or alpha music should be used to make the subconscious mind of the subject receptive to Hypo-therapist's suggestions as these suggestions help people to go into a deeper trance.

Faith in the hypo-therapist is the prime condition. It is very important for hypnotists to form a rapport with their subject by presenting a very pleasant demeanor and displaying a genuine concern for the client's problems. Any kind of manipulation or greed alerts the auto pilot in the client's subconscious mind which says, "Don't trust this person". Clients may ask for reference from the hypnotist, if in doubt, to reconcile their faith and ensure that they are not in the hands of a quack.

Fixation of attention to backward counting or going down the staircase (described later) is the best way to bore the brain as our mind does not want to rest even for a second and is always up to tricks all the time. One can fix one's mind on breathing or an object or a moving pendulum depending on what the hypnotist prefers. It is found that the pendulum is very effective in hypnotizing people for the first time.

Progressive relaxation is the key to all hypnosis. Some people may know to relax themselves if they are in the habit of practicing yoga or meditations for many years. Highly stressed people have their sympathetic nervous system always on alert resulting in stress related diseases. Progressive relaxation is like "Shavasana" in yoga in which we relax each and every muscle of our body right from the feet to the tip of the head physically and mentally affirming:

"My feet are totally relaxed."
"My shin muscles are totally relaxed"
"My thighs are totally relaxed" and so on.

Any auto suggestion would result in the subconscious carrying out the orders immediately. Removing preconceived concepts is very important before attempting to hypnotise anyone. Often there are doubts regarding the hypnotic session as our movies have depicted how the subject literally dance to the tune of hypnotist. Thus tarnishing the image of this excellent science-hypnosis.

The technique of "Conversational Clinic" is used to understand and form a rapport with the client through the art of communication using effective persuasive words or other forms of pleasing non-verbal language. By logically removing all fears and misconceptions of hypnosis rapport can be developed with the client. The subject can be taken deeper into subconscious level to get best results.

We have given the preconditions above, even precautions are important while using techniques of hypnosis. Hypnotist can get into serious trouble if he overlooks certain factors of the patients' health condition related to:

• Heart condition
• Hysterical behavior
• Rape fantasy
• Neurotic behavior
• Oversensitive subjects

It is very important to know the subject's medical background like heart condition and other psychological disorders because under hypnosis due to visualizations and affirmations it is possible that blood pressure may go up or come down drastically creating situation of instant heart attack. One should investigate thoroughly the medical history of the subject by asking a series of questions and deducing the deep inner motivating factor for hypnosis as it gives clues to the therapist. In case the client starts feeling uncomfortable or moans or displays a back and forth swing of the torso, it is a signal that he is feeling uneasy and one should bring him or her out of hypnosis immediately.

Hysterical behavior can be treated by conversing with the subject. It is advisable to attempt hypnosis after 2-3 meetings with the patient. Extreme mood swings should be carefully observed specially during the initial meetings.

Neurotic and oversensitive people can become violent under hypnosis causing both material and physical harm to the hypnotist. This could be very embarrassing. If the client is questioned regarding the kind of medication undertaken the hypnotist would know whether the client is under treatment for neurosis It is better to avoid the hypnosis session with such subjects. Thorough knowledge of mental illnesses and their medications would be an additional asset to the hypnotists. They can also take the help of a clinical psychologist.

Some of the oversensitive humans could be great actors. They might be able to easily show extreme emotions during a simple conversation. When they are asked to recall a funny incident they may laugh abnormally or when asked to recall a sad incident they might weep uncontrollably. Hypnosis involves a lot of visualisation and constant recall of past lives and events. It might be ideal not to indulge in such cases as any attempt to either hypnotise or teach hypnosis to such folks might produce poor results.