Hypnosis and Ultradian Cycles: A New State(s) Theory of Hypnosis?

Abstract

The similarities between the behavioral characteristics of ultradian cycles (a multioscillatory system of psychophysiological processes involving many parasympathetic and right-hemispheric functions which have a 90-minute periodicity throughout the 24-hour day) and those of the “common everyday trance” lead the author to propose a new state(s) theory of hypnosis. The background for this proposal developed over eight years of observing the clinical, hypnotherapeutic techniques of Milton H. Erickson, whose work appeared to utilize a similar 90-minute periodicity. The ultradian theory of hypnotherapeutic healing proposes that (1) the source of psychosomatic reactions is in stress-induced distortions of the normal periodicity of ultradian cycles, and (2) the naturalistic approach to hypnotherapy facilitates healing by permitting a normalization of these ultradian processes. Research problems involved in the validation of these proposals are discussed, and the author's initial clinical approaches to utilizing ultradian cylces to facilitate hypnotherapy and posthypnotic suggestion are outlined.