Chapter 18 - Nervous Reactions

I shall try to explain why from a physiological standpoint hypnotism is possible. Of course, we shall try to show how the rules of the mind cause such physical reactions as are involved. You must remember that we are dealing with matter which is activated by ideas.

It strikes me as a strange thing that there are so many medical works dealing with the human anatomy, which fail to relate how, or intimate that, ideas activate the nerve centers of the brain and are transformed into actions. Of course, many actions are merely reflex actions and could be performed without an idea to activate the nerve centers, but when we think about doing something or saying something that is an idea and our brains and nerve centers convert that idea into action. It is something similar to conversion of electricity into power by a motor except it is done through the nerves, brain cells and muscles instead of through wires and magnets and wheels.

How is all this accomplished and what does it have to do with hypnotism? Just this: Ideas create certain stimuli in the brain cells and each different idea creates a distinct stimuli. Now, for the sake of brevity, let us not try to distinguish between ideas, thoughts, feelings, impulses, volition, etc., but let us class all mental reaction as ideas, except strictly reflex actions. That will simplify our discussion. Now, each stimuli operates in a sane and normal person upon certain chains of brain cells and neurons in a regular and orderly manner to create a similar impression or activation in each individual according to that individual's interpretation of the ideation. Just as an illustration of what I mean: We know that to an ordinary person, a certain color of light creates the color sensation which is known as green; but to a person who is color-blind, the light does not create this sensation of color. We call this color blindness. Heat creates the same sensation in the body of every normal person. A will to grasp an object with the right hand creates the same muscular reaction in every normal person, but in one who has a brain injury to that part of the brain involved, or nerve injury, the reaction would not be the same as in a healthy, normal person.

Now, the sense organs pick up outside stimuli and transmit it to the brain cells where the complex stimuli or nerve currents are assimilated and combined in the cerebral cortex. These nerve currents are activated stimuli. Light creates a certain nerve current. Sound creates another nerve energy. Such specific nerve energies are transported to that particular part of the brain by the nerves to which that particular sensory impulse belongs. Sound goes to the auditory centers. Taste, sensations of heat, cold, pain and smell, to particular brain centers designed for their reception. In turn, these impulses are relayed to the cortex and there acted upon by the reflex nerve centers which determine the reaction appropriate, according to the stimulus received. This nerve reaction is one either acquired by study, experience, or through a natural reaction or reflex nerve centers. There is a difference and one depends on the natural instincts, while the acquired one depends on many things, such as reason, prejudice, sympathy, love, hate, greed, etc. But there is no cause for hair splitting at this stage of the discussion and we do not need to differentiate between one cause of mental reaction and the other. Just remember that the reaction is caused by an impulse transmitted to certain parts of the brain and that this impulse may be a spoken word, or just an idea which causes the activation of the brain cells. There is a question here of whether any brain activity is original or merely reflex, but we are not concerned with this issue. Just remember that spoken words which go into the ear are transmitted to certain brain centers, relayed to the cortex, and that the reflex centers there and elsewhere in the brain translate the words into action. Whatever is the cause of the reaction, the impulses are brought into the brain by the afferent nerves and the decided action is carried from the brain by the efferent nerves. Now, the afferent and efferent nerves have little switchboards in their lines. Some of them have several. These little switchboards are called synapses. These synapses seem to be controllable and may be opened or closed by some faculty of the brain. Incoming and outgoing stimuli set up an electrical current around the synapses and they close, carrying the stimuli through, or they open and refuse passage. The operation is not fully understood. Many of the nerves go in and out through the thalamus which is located over the end of the spinal column and about the lower center of the brain. The thalamus seems to be a control center of the brain, a central relay station. Synapses in the thalamus connect with nerves going to different parts of the brain. All such impulses do not go through the thalamus but some go through other centers. In a sane person, these synapses relay the incoming impulses to that part of the brain to which they belong. Impulses are sent back indicating the proper action to be taken. Suppose your finger touches a hot stove. The afferent nerves carry an impulse to the brain and the hand is snatched away. (Some of the reaction is in the spinal cord.) Or, if it is a hot day, and hands touch a cold object which you desire to hold because of its cooling effect, the nerves carry the cooling message to the brain which sends back an impulse to hold on to the cooling object. Now, just suppose that a person is hypnotized and told that a hot object is cool and very soothing; that he cannot feel heat, but can feel the cooling effect of the object; that he desires to cool himself by holding it. The object will feel cool to him. He will hold it even though it burns his flesh. Somewhere along the nerve line, the synapses have blocked and switched sensations so that a cold sensation is experienced instead of hot, and a desire to hold instead of release is given. Anaesthesia may be caused by the same blocking and switching of stimuli. Where is this switching and blocking instigated? It is obvious that it is done in the brain control centers and that the ideation is the power which does it.

Now, what is the difference in the nerve reactions? In the one, the true and natural nerve connections were made, but in the other, false nerve connections were made, switched over by suggestion. The nerve impulses were misdirected, resulting in a false or unnatural reaction or they were blocked altogether.

Right here, we could be drawn into an argument as to what is the right and wrong nerve connection and correct nerve reaction. Let us compromise by saying that the right nerve connection and reaction is that which experience of the individual and laws of self-preservation have fixed as proper under the stimuli applied. As an illustration: We jerk our hand away from a hot stove. That is the correct reflex reaction based on a correct nerve connection. To hold on and be burned would be incorrect.

Remember, that a specific nerve stimuli or energy is taken to a specific region of the brain and creates a specific nerve reaction under ordinary conditions. Thus, if the optic nerve is stimulated, it activates the optic region of the brain resulting in light flashes. If the auditory nerve is stimulated, it makes sound impressions. But if the control centers relay such impulses to the wrong brain centers, the effect would be different. Or, perhaps, the relay of sensation is, to a point or points, beyond the sensory center out, or negating its reaction. No one knows just where it is done. If the relay is blocked, there would be no sensation. The control and operation of these relay stations is not fully understood by scientists, but they do know that they operate to block or relay nerve stimuli. I will leave the further discussion of these nerve relay stations to the physio-psychologist. If the student desires a more complete knowledge of the nervous system and the brain structure, I would advise a study of the modern works on the subjects.

The nerve switch points mentioned above seem to be under the control of some brain center or centers. All function automatically, but some are subject to control and are apparently under the control of the cerebral cortex through multiple coordinating and interlocking nerve webs through the brain. As stated before, ideation stimuli direct the nerve force about the complicated nervous system, except where such direction may be a reflex action or sub-conscious action only.

When complete control is obtained through hypnosis, part of the cerebral cortex (remember, this is the seat of the conscious mind) is cut out (see Page 88) and the control centers are dominated by the sub-conscious without interference from the cerebral cortex, or at least that part of it in which consciousness exists. Now, this control by the sub-conscious mind permits the direction of nerve currents according to the ideation stimuli applied by the hypnotist through the senses. This control is of the nature of reflex action. For example, he commands anaesthesia in the right hand by appropriate words. The sensory or pain nerves are cut out by the synapses and the sense of pain is lost in the right hand. He commands that no sound can be heard except his own voice. No other sounds are recognized as such because the control centers have switched off all except particular sounds and sounds other than the ones admitted to passage are not recognized as sounds. If any suggestion fails to obtain the desired results, the degree of reaction and stimuli in the control centers is not sufficient. There may be a different degree of reaction in each person when exactly the same suggestions are given to each person. Every person has a different nervous reaction from every other person to the same kind of nerve stimuli. This is true with chemicals as well as with suggestions. Alcohol affects each person differently. Some became intoxicated on a less amount than others. This is just an illustration of difference in chemical reaction on the human nervous system.

Now, where does all this lead us as students of hypnotism? To just this: Apparently, the suggestions by the hypnotist are converted by the brain cells into stimuli which ordinarily originates in the cerebral cortex during consciousness. That is to say: There is action without ideation by the consciousness. Any command coming through to the sub-consciousness is acted upon according to the interpretation placed upon it by the correlated coordinating centers of the brain. This is lower than conscious brain reaction, but is more complicated than merely reflex action, because it involves or may involve, a limited reasoning faculty.

It has been demonstrated that by stimulation of the occipital visual cortex visual sensations are experienced. So it may be possible that the suggestions of visions by the hypnotist create the stimuli needed for the visions suggested by him, by stimulating the brain cells supplying the nerve force necessary for the reactions called for by the suggestions given. This would be similar to a vivid dream in which objects and persons dreamed about seem real. In other words, the ideas supplied by the suggestions are converted into proper motor impulses and are relayed to the proper nerve centers for action. We might compare this reaction to the conversion of water power into electricity and the relaying of it miles away to motors or lights by automatic switches without an attendant, who lies asleep near the central control board, waiting for a bell to ring calling him to take charge of the switchboard. By hypnosis, the attendant may be caused to direct the current into any particular line or to disconnect it altogether.
Let us discuss the point made above more fully because I am afraid that my point will not be fully understood. We have learned how to hypnotize by following certain formulae. We have learned some of the rules of the mind and how the brain centers are controlled and operated by ideas; how these ideas affect the body. We have also learned how nerves have switch points in them called synapses and how these synapses relay or block nerve messages from one point to another in the brain or body. We have also learned that these relay points are under the control of the mind to a certain extent and that the control and motivation is exerted through conversion of ideas into nerve force. Let me illustrate further what I am saying. . . . You well know that when you wish to move your right hand, you do not say to your right hand, "Move." A nerve force activated by the idea is sent to your hand by the motor centers of your brain and your hand moves. If someone says to you, "Move your foot," your foot does not hear the command. You hear it and your brain translates the words into nerve force and, as in the case where you wished to move your hand, the nerve impulse is set to your foot muscles and your foot moves. In either case, you may elect to move or not to move your foot. The election is done by your conscious mind. But suppose you are hypnotized. There is no election, but the same forces move your foot. The centers of volition are cut out and do not influence the act of moving your foot; neither do they hinder it.

This brings us to the question as to why does the hypnotized subject fail to do an act which is suggested, but contrary to his religious or moral standards, if volition is cut out by hypnosis? The only answer to this question is: The subconscious brain centers have been so strongly conditioned by the contrary ideation, the inhibition, that the contrary reflex action is indicated instead o£ the suggested one. The stimuli is stopped and overcome before it can compel action as suggested. This is a reflex action similar in effect, if not otherwise, to jerking the hand from a hot stove, or withdrawing a foot from a tickling straw while asleep. The inhibition causes a contrary reflex action stronger than the stimuli of the suggested action. The contrary reflex may be so strong that the subject awakens. As to just how this inhibition or suppression operates, is not yet fully understood by psychologists. They know that such action takes place but just exactly how it is accomplished, is not understood. For an example—a person has an impulse (idea) to steal an object, but he is stopped dead in his tracks by an inhibition. The action is suppressed. Another person has a driving impulse to steal. He cannot resist it. We call this kleptomania. Why the two different courses of action? It is because of the difference in the forces of impulse and inhibition. A person is hypnotized and told that he will be thirsty on awakening and will try to drink a glass of water but will be unable to get the glass to his mouth. On being awakened, he tries to drink, but cannot get the glass to his lips. The inhibition (suppression) is stronger than his motivation. The nerve impulse negativing the act is stronger than the stimuli to drink.

Now, to connect the above reasoning with the induction of hypnosis. When the hypnotist was putting the subject to sleep, all attention of the subject was riveted on one idea—sleep. This idea was forced upon the nerve centers of the subject until the ideation activated certain brain cells and nerve tracts and sufficient stimuli to cause sleep of the hypnotic variety was brought about. This sleep is different from normal sleep because of the difference in the ideation bringing it about. Different and sufficient stimuli to cause sleep of the hypnotic variety was brought about. Different nerve cells are affected. Different nerve cells stay active because they are kept active by the conversation of the hypnotist. If they are inactivated, then it becomes normal sleep, not hypnotic sleep. This normal sleep may happen to some subjects after they have been hypnotized, but it only happens after the subject has been left to himself for a time. It would not occur while he is being used as a performer. He may also arouse himself from the hypnotic sleep under some conditions. In hypnotic sleep, the subject sleeps with only part of his brain. The part which is the seat of the conscious mind is asleep, but that part which stimulates the body into walking, talking, certain kinds of mental activity, and all other acts done while under hypnosis, which are executed only when ordered to do so, remains awake. This may seem peculiar, but it is a natural mental state under the stimuli applied. This leaves room for all means of inducing hypnosis and it makes no difference how the stimuli to bring about hypnosis is applied to the subject.

It is granted that the foregoing chapters set forth a radical departure from the accepted theories of hypnotism. However, the material has been gathered from many sources, including my own experiments and my own reasoning. My studies have continued over a period of forty-five years. I have realized that hypnotism is not a supernatural phenomena and that it is a natural mental reaction. If it were supernatural, I could not do it, because I am just another human being. I also realize that as long as it is regarded as black magic, or supernatural, it will be looked upon with fear and suspicion by the common people and with skepticism by the professional man. Until it is scientifically explained in the light of our present knowledge of the mind and nervous system, the professional man will be inclined to give it wide berth. He will not be inclined to take up any study that will make him appear ridiculous to his fellows and his possible patients. No one can blame him for not desiring to be classed with Mesmer by the Ben Franklins of our time. I am not holding these two men up to ridicule. They lived many years ago when medical knowledge was very limited and meager indeed. If those two men lived today, there would be a different story to write about both of them. They were both right but did not know it. Mesmer had discovered hypnotism and did not know how right he was. Ben Franklin, in condemning Mesmer's practices and cures as being just "imagination" stated a fact, but he did not realize the great import of his finding. He did not realize that imagination plays an important part in a great percent of man's ills and in hypnotism. But there is no excuse for men of their calibre making such errors today. I have therefore made an attempt to explain hypnotism in the light of reality and so that medical men can reconcile it with their latest knowledge of the nervous system and mental structure of man. I am sure that improvements on my theory may be made and if any man has a better idea, I would like him to advance it. I would like to read it. I am sure that the medical men, psychologists, scientists and others searching after the truth, will be glad to study any new theories advanced with reason and facts to back them.

It is expected that there will be opposition from the old school hypnotist because these theories take away the air of mystery and supernaturalism which they wished to cultivate. It deflates their ego. I expect criticism as long as I deal with such a controversial subject as hypnotism and it would not make any difference what theories I might advance. I challenge anyone to demonstrate that the theories advanced in the preceding chapters are not correct. If anyone believes they are not correct, let the correct ones be advanced and proved, not just advocated with the prejudices of professionalism.

I have never seen the theory of hypnotism advanced as I have explained it. I have never seen any medical work treat of the brain and nerve centers as a converter of ideas into action. The medical experts appear to forget the conscious part of man and treat of bone, muscle, blood, nerves, brain and stimuli. The works on psychology treat of thoughts, ideas, will, the ego, etc., and stop there. The two classes of scientists do not seem to meet long enough to disclose how ideas become actions. The one deals with the physical body and the other deals with the mental. They meet on no common ground. I did not have this prejudice or limitation on my thinking to contend with. These two branches of science seem to have a fear of treading upon each other's territory. Neither of them has ever advanced the truth that ideas do control matter of the body through the transformation in the brain from an idea to an action. In this one simple thought lies the deepest secrets of hypnotism, mysterious maladies, nervous diseases, magic healing and seemingly wonderful results achieved by so-called magic healers. Here too lies the secret of man's development from cave-dweller to what he is today.

I hope that the foregoing discussions have made my position clear. Not that I expect one hundred percent agreement by everyone. That would be too much to expect. It is to be hoped that the theories advanced will produce some real healthy discussion which will aid in the advancement of the cause of hypnotism, until every college will feel free to teach it and its allied subjects. When more people understand how to control their minds and nervous systems through the study of these subjects, there will not be so many neuresthenics and psychotics cluttering our hospitals and making home life for many of us a nightmare.

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