aleptic (medium
state); and the somnambulistic (deep state).

As you deepen the hypnotic state, you can accomplish the progressive
tests that I shall outline for you. I'll also number these tests for the
convenience of having a reference. Deepening the hypnotic state requires
the same type of practice or conditioning as the first two steps. Let
us call eye closure--No. 1, and swallowing--No. 2. We are now ready to
proceed to the "hand tingling" test--No. 3.

You have just completed tests No. 1 and 2; you are in a completely
relaxed state. Now give yourself the following suggestions: "As I count
to ten and even before I reach the count of ten, I shall feel a light
tingling or numb feeling in my right hand." As you slowly begin the
count of ten, you keep repeating suggestions to the effect that your
right hand is beginning to tingle. Once again, you practice the
technique of visual-imagery, tapping your experiential background for
this feeling. You can recall how it feels when your hand goes to sleep.
Once you get an initial feeling of lightness, tingling or numbness,
reinforce this feeling by the feed-back technique as you did with the
eye closure test. As you practice this procedure, it will work with
greater effectiveness. The following is a very important point to
remember. Be sure that you give yourself a posthypnotic suggestion that
the tingling, light or numb sensation will disappear as you continue to
count to 15. For example, "As I count to 15, the tingling feeling in my
right hand will disappear, and I shall experience only normal
sensations. Eleven ... The tingling feeling is leaving. Twelve ... Now
it is leaving faster. Thirteen ... I can feel my hand returning to
normal. Fourteen ... The tingling feeling has left. Fifteen ... My right
hand feels perfectly normal." You could try a variation of this test by
saying your nose or one of your toes will itch at a specific count. Once
this test is accomplished, you are ready for the "foot" test--No. 4.

You will remember that the key to achieving a greater depth of hypnosis
lies in visualizing yourself going deeper with each attempt and
accomplishing progressive hypnotic tests. Keep this in mind. For a
moment, let us go back to the hand tingling test--No. 3. Once you have
been successful in accomplishing this test, use the visual-imagery
technique to see yourself successfully responding to the foot test. When
you have actually accomplished test No. 4, you see yours