How can you tell if someone is in a deep hypnotic trance? Several physical and behavioral changes indicate the onset of trance, commonly referred to as deep trance indicators in NLP. Some of these signs are subtle and require keen observation skills, while others are more noticeable. Not all signs need to be present at once for hypnosis to be occurring.
Physiological Changes
A person in deep hypnosis often exhibits physical signs similar to those seen when falling asleep, including:
- A slight drop of the head
- Slumping shoulders
- Changes in breathing patterns
- Shifts in muscle tone, including subtle micro muscle adjustments
Skin Changes
The key factor in recognizing trance through the skin is noting changes, rather than assuming a specific skin appearance always signifies hypnosis. Possible indicators include:
- A softening or drooping effect in the skin
- Subtle variations in skin tone or coloration
Eye Movement and Expression
- Rapid eye movement (REM)
- A glazed or flickering gaze
- Altered facial muscle tone
- Shifts in jawline relaxation
- A softening in the overall facial structure
Body Movements and Microexpressions
If you find yourself exhibiting some of these signs—such as while driving and experiencing “highway hypnosis”—it may indicate you are entering a trance state and need to regain focus. Some key indicators include:
- Involuntary micro-movements, such as twitching
- A slower heart rate (which can be observed through subtle pulse changes in the throat)
- Lip licking, which is an easily noticeable cue
- Increased swallowing reflex
By recognizing these subtle physiological and behavioral shifts, practitioners can gauge the depth of a person’s trance and adjust techniques accordingly.
