Hypnosis Techniques: Fractional Relaxation

This is one of the most common and effective techniques used in self-hypnosis, hypnosis, and occasionally meditation. Its purpose is to help focus the mind and relax the body.

This technique involves relaxing the different areas of the body, one area at a time, till the body is completely relaxed. The attentiveness required by the subject helps to focus his/her mind to the exclusion of all else. Here's how a simple fractional relaxation technique would go:

Relax the scalp area from the top of your head down to the nape of your neck.
Relax your forehead and eyes.
Relax your cheekbones and ears.
Deeply relax your jaw and mouth (make sure your teeth and lips are slightly parted).
Relax your neck and shoulders.
Relax your upper arms; your elbows; your forearm; your hands; and your fingers.
Relax your upper back and chest area.
Relax your abdominal area, your stomach, and your lower back.
Relax your hip and pelvic area.
Relax your thigh muscles down to the knees.
Relax your calf muscles.
Relax your feet and toes.