An interesting question. The hypnotic state is a mental state of mind, that can be measured with a brainscanner. It is very similar to the state you enter just before you fall asleep and right before you wake up. I can verify this description from my experience with self-hypnosis. Even though I can describe this, some people remain skeptical for some reason.

To me it's not a question of wether hypnosis exists or not, because I have experienced it myself. Because of that, I like to tell skeptics to think of it as gravity. Who would ask the question if gravity exists? Probably nobody, because we all live with it everyday. It's exactly the same with hypnosis, we all utilize the hypnotic state everyday for learning purposes. And by using it more purposefully for other parts of our lifes, there are many benefits to me reaped.

If you are still doubtful that hypnosis exists, I would suggest that you try Betty Ericksons technique for self-hypnosis. When you do, expect your experience to be nothing like you imagine it. How hypnosis feels is different for each individual, but it will most likely feel just like it does before you fall asleep. For the skeptic i must also say that hypnosis is not at all dangerous, it's perfectly safe. Go ahead and get your first experience with a hypnotic state that you induced yourself.