Hypnosis has been used for centuries, but its uses — or rather, how we view it — have evolved significantly over time.
Hypnosis has been represented in a variety of ways, from magicians hypnotising audience members for on-stage entertainment to its use in films for thrills or suspense. But, these cultural references often rob hypnotherapy of the reputation it deserves as an alternative, science-backed solution for managing emotional issues, such as addiction and stress.
Research highlights that the way the brain interprets information and the suggestions we receive while hypnotised can influence both our internal and external thought processes.
Fiction has taken a lot of creative liberty when it comes to explaining the hypnosis effect on brain and mind control. This has often led to negative and misinformed connotations regarding hypnotherapy and its benefits.
As a clinical hypnotherapist with over two decades of experience, I have seen countless individuals benefit from the practice of hypnotherapy.
Today, we’ll explore the science behind hypnosis.
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 technique, hypnosis involves guided meditation and focused attention to help individuals reach a heightened state of awareness. This highly receptive mental state allows a hypnotherapist to suggest positive cues that empower clients to achieve their desired goals.
To understand the science behind hypnosis, we need to first understand the subconscious mind. Compare your mind to the ocean — your conscious mind is like the waves at the surface, while the subconscious lies deep below, vast and largely unexplored.
The subconscious mind never takes a break. It holds memories, emotional intelligence and strongly 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 reduced activity in the DMN, often associated with self-reflection, rumination and mind-wandering. During a state of hypnosis, there is a shift from internal reflection to becoming more susceptible to external suggestions of the hypnotherapist.
A study (by McGeown et al., 2009; Deeley et al., 2012) has shown that this decrease in activity is mainly noted in the following regions of the DMN, the posterior cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate cortex and other prefrontal regions.
Prefrontal Cortex
There is an 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 because of this.
During hypnotherapy, there is reduced activity in the amygdala which allows your hypnotherapist to access the subconscious thoughts from which the fear stimuli generate. 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.
Contact Susannah for a Personalised Hypnotherapy Session
Are you looking for a more permanent solution to overcome stress, combat the urge to give up smoking or address issues like IBS?
Hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Using hypnosis, I’ll help you remove the negative emotions and mental barriers that prevent you from leading a wholesome and empowered life.
My hypnotherapy process is empowering, holistic and future-focused, completed online, from the comfort of your own home.
Connect with me to learn more about my techniques and treatments.
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