Hypnosis has been used mainly as a therapeutic tool which provides many benefits to a lot of people. Throughout the centuries, the use of hypnosis has changed lives and crossed borders across different cultures and beliefs.

Probably the most common concern about hypnosis is safety. Is this safe? Most experts emphasize that the use of hypnotism either auto-hypnotism or one performed by a qualified clinician is generally safe. The use of common sense is necessary in order to attain maximum safety. Don’t hypnotize yourself while driving or carrying out tasks which require your full attention and alertness. Hypnosis is a natural state of mind, something which is never dangerous. With hypnosis, there is nothing to fear. On the other hand, this is something which provides a person a tool to utilize the powerful subconscious side of his mind.

Those who practice self hypnotism may want to test the depth of hypnosis they attain during practice sessions and convince themselves that they are really under hypnosis. One way to test their trance is the eye closure test. According to hypnosis practitioners, an eye closure test is done by looking up towards the forehead while your eyes are closed during the trance. While doing this, tell yourself that you are going to count to three after which you will be unable to open your eyes. An example of a common suggestion line should go like this, “I’m going to count to three and then I will be unable to open my eyes. My eyes will close tighter the harder I try to open them.” Furthermore you can count and suggest yourself this, “One- my eyelids are sticking together, tightly together, sticking fast. Two- it’s as though they are welded together now becoming one piece. I couldn’t even separate them apart. Three- they are locked together tightly now. Tight, tight together I can’t even separate them apart.” The words tight or locked should be repeated while you are trying to open your eyes. Once you realize that you cannot open your eyes, stop trying. These suggestions should be given in a slow fashion allowing them to become effective. The eye closure test is often used to convince the subject that he is indeed under hypnosis at the same time determine the depth of trance. This test is one of the most commonly used hypnotic convincer because this only involves a small group of eye muscles which is very helpful in evading the critical factors. A similar test which is also used to determine the depth and occurrence of hypnosis is the handclasp test. This test is quite similar with the eye closure test. The subject usually clasped his hands tightly together with fingers interlaced and palms squeezed tightly together. Similar words of suggestions are often given replacing hands for eyes.

Finally, a lot of people are drawn to use hypnosis in order to curb their bad habits like smoking. Some people use this as a tool to end their obesity, boosts their morale, help them end their phobias, motivate themselves, cure irritable bowel syndrome, and many more countless therapeutic applications. They either employ the aid of a qualified clinician or use self hypnosis. Using hypnotic convincers like the eye closure test and handclasp tests are important tools to convince yourself or the subject that indeed hypnosis occurred.