Neuroscience

Hypnosis has been practised for centuries, but its applications — or rather, our perception of it — have changed significantly over time. 

Hypnosis has been depicted in various forms, from magicians hypnotising audience members for entertainment to its portrayal in films for thrill or suspense. However, these cultural depictions often detract from the reputation hypnotherapy deserves as a science-based alternative solution for managing emotional issues, such as addiction and stress. 

Research indicates that how the brain processes information and the suggestions received during hypnosis can affect both our internal and external thought processes.

Fiction has often taken creative liberties in explaining the effects of hypnosis on the brain and mind control, leading to negative and misinformed perceptions about hypnotherapy and its advantages.

As a clinical hypnotherapist with over twenty years of experience, I have witnessed many individuals benefit from hypnotherapy. 

Accessing The Subconscious Mind

Literature relating to the Greek, Roman, and Egyptian civilisations mention hypnotherapy, suggesting hypnosis has been practised for thousands of years. 

In 1843, Scottish surgeon Dr James Braid coined the term ‘hypnosis’, recognising that the mind enters a highly suggestible state when deeply focused.

As a therapeutic method, hypnosis involves guided meditation and concentrated attention to assist individuals in reaching a heightened state of awareness. In this highly receptive mental state, a hypnotherapist can suggest positive cues that enable clients to achieve their desired objectives. 

To comprehend the science behind hypnosis, it is essential to first understand the subconscious mind. Imagine your mind as an ocean — your conscious mind is like the surface waves, while the subconscious is deep below, vast and largely unexplored. 

The subconscious mind never rests. It stores memories, emotional intelligence, and significantly influences our thoughts, actions, and experiences. 

Understanding the Neuroscience of Mental Health and Hypnotherapy

So, what is the science behind hypnosis? It’s important to understand the neurological changes that occur during the state of hypnosis. A 2017 study revealed how hypnosis affects the brain, with researchers using fMRI to study the brain in a hypnotic state.

Here are some brain regions that are are affected when a person is hypnotised:

Default Mode Network (DMN)

There is a decrease in activity within the DMN, which is often linked to self-reflection, rumination, and mind-wandering. In a hypnotic state, focus shifts from internal reflection to becoming more open to the hypnotherapist's external suggestions. 

Research (by McGeown et al., 2009; Deeley et al., 2012) indicates that this reduction in activity is primarily observed in the following DMN regions: the posterior cingulate cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex, and other prefrontal areas.

Prefrontal Cortex

There is increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, especially in the functional connectivity between the dorsal prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the insula in the Salience Network (SN), which is involved in processing sensory information and emotions. 

These neural activities show enhanced concentration and emotional control, allowing hypnotherapists to incorporate positive cues while helping to rewire the negative emotions.

Theta (4-7 Hz) and Alpha (8-12 Hz) Waves

The theta waves are associated with a state of deep relaxation and alpha waves are synonymous with relaxed wakefulness and show greater activity under hypnosis. This suggests that a hypnotised individual is in a receptive state, both calm yet alert, making them more conducive to therapeutic interventions.

Hippocampus

This part of the brain is involved in memory formation. During hypnosis there is increased activity allowing for memory recall, which helps a therapist intervene and change the impact of past experiences.

Amygdala

The amygdala is a part of your brain that is involved with processing emotions, activated when your brain feels ‘threatened’. The feeling of anxiety or stress in any situation is due to this. 

During hypnotherapy, there is reduced activity in the amygdala which allows your hypnotherapist to access the subconscious thoughts from which the fear stimuli are generated. This contributes to emotional regulation and helps to manage disorders like phobias and anxieties.

Insula

The insula, present in the salient network of the brain, is involved in processing bodily sensations, self-awareness and emotions. During a state of hypnosis, there is altered activity in the insula which allows for changes in bodily perception, helping with pain management.

The Effectiveness of Hypnosis

It’s important to understand that hypnotherapy doesn’t ‘fix’ problems but offers people the tools to start making small changes that provide long-lasting solutions. 

Hypnotherapy allows an individual to reach a state of heightened relaxation and calm, making them more suggestive to change than in their conscious state. However, the hypnosis effect on the brain will vary from person to person, and so will the outcomes. Those that are receptive, open and willing to make positive change often see the best results.

The brain is extremely complex, and we’ve been unable to unearth even half of the mysteries it holds. Despite this, as technology has advanced, scientists have been able to study the science behind hypnosis and demystify it as an abstract conjecture. 

How Hypnotherapy Can Transform Lives

As a clinical hypnotherapist with over 20 years of experience, I have seen firsthand how impactful hypnotherapy can be. The benefits are profound, making it a valuable resource for individuals facing various emotional challenges.

Some of the most common issues addressed through hypnotherapy include:

• Stress and Anxiety Management: Studies show that participants who undergo hypnosis for anxiety reduction experience an average 70% decrease in anxious feelings, equipping them with coping skills for daily stress.

  
  

• Addiction Recovery: People battling addiction often achieve success through hypnotherapy. For instance, a 2018 review indicated that 78% of smokers who used hypnosis reported a significant reduction in cravings.

  
  

• Weight Loss: Research indicates that those who participated in hypnotherapy for weight loss experienced a 30% greater reduction in weight compared to traditional dieting methods alone.

  
  

• Sleep Improvement: Hypnosis is an effective tool for individuals struggling with insomnia, helping them achieve deeper and more restful sleep. One study found that participants using hypnosis reported a 50% improvement in sleep quality.

  
  

• Pain Management: Many individuals have successfully used hypnosis for chronic pain relief. Research shows that approximately 75% of participants reported reduced pain after engaging in hypnotherapy.