Chinese hypnotist works his magic on Port Macquarie

“ONE. Two. Three. Sleep.”

They were the four magic words that had a Port Macquarie audience in stitches on Sunday as Chinese Hypnotist Haiming Jiang hit the stage at the Glasshouse.

With a theatre full of giggle-hungry patrons of all ages, it was the professionally trained clinical and stage hypnotist’s first time visiting the region.

“My happiest time is being on the stage hypnotising people. It’s so much fun,” Haiming told News Of The Area.

“My show isn’t just entertaining… it’s also educational, because I am also a confidence coach.”

Audience members were on the edge of their seats waiting for Haiming to ask them to join him on stage.

“I don’t pick who participates,” he said. “I just ask who would like to come up on stage.

“With around 300 people attending, there will always be about 10 percent wanting to be hypnotised.

“I set out 25 seats and once filled, we start the show.”

Twenty-seven willing locals jumped onto the stage for their chance to go under Haiming’s spell.

After five-minutes of hypnotism relaxation practice, more than half discovered they couldn’t quite make the fall.

Haiming said this is to be expected.

“If people are unable to be hypnotised, they just go back to their seat and enjoy the show.

“But there will always be people who will be hypnotised.”

Seated on stage, the remaining brave and willing underwent a myriad of feats, all springing into action upon hearing Haiming’s clear instructions.

There were musical charades that hit a high note, failed bilingual translations, and everything from forgotten names to yelling at the audience (and each other).

What seemed high-energy to spectators, however, is quite a relaxing experience for those hypnotised.

“They really concentrate on what I say,” Haiming said.

“[It] is kind of a dreamlike state.”

While many left filtering out embarrassing videos and funny photos, the feeling from participating was nothing but positive.

“By the end of the show, I always give them a positive suggestion. I tell them to… ‘imagine a better version of you’.”

Exiting the Glasshouse, one participant was asked how the experience felt.

“It was really surreal. I could hear everything that was going on during the show and I knew that I wanted to laugh at some of it, but I just couldn’t”, she said.

“Now I’m quite tired. I feel really relaxed and happy. It was a really great experience.”

From Port Macquarie, the Chinese Hypnotist was due to cast his spell on Coffs Harbour on Wednesday.
By Rikki WALLER