How does hypnosis work?
Hypnosis is essentially a state of heightened suggestibility; in this state one is taken away from the distractions around us. Consequently, left with the capacity to fully absorb all positive inner experiences of words, feelings and imagery. In todays, present world the term ‘increased focused’ or ‘ awakening state’ is used. Naturally, we have all experienced this, it is quite a human experience to be fully present into a good book, music film, driving, painting, and/or meditating.
The Unconcious VS Conscious
Knafo. G., & Weinberger, J. (2024): Exploring the Role of Conscious and Unconscious Processes in Hypnosis: A Theoretical Review" provides a comprehensive examination of various theories that attempt to explain hypnosis, focusing on the interplay between conscious and unconscious he authors analyze key theories, from historical origins to recent models centered on cognition, social factors, and attributions.
A central theme that is noted throughout these theories is in ‘the unconscious mind’ plays a major role in hypnosis, acting like a "gatekeeper" that controls how information moves between conscious and unconscious awareness.
What happens in the brain?
Left: Logic, rational, abstract, critical VS Right: Creative, intuitive, emotions, feelings
Williamson. A., (2019), explains the brain has two cerebel hemispheres broken down into left and right During, our normal waking state and everyday processes our left brain tends to be dominant and could be linked to our ‘ conscious mind’. On the other hand, our right sphere becomes active during creativity, through emotions or symbols/images; this could be seen as our ‘unconscious mind’. Neuroimaging research has demonstrated that subjective changes in response to suggestion are associated with corresponding changes in brain regions related to the specific psychological function in question. When someone imagines something in hypnosis (colour, sound, physical activity and pain), recent neuroscience findings show us that similar areas of the brain are activated as when the person has that experience in reality.
Overall, hypnosis uses imagery words to bypass the cognitive level and access at a more emotional right sphere. For example, an anxious patient using their thoughts/imagination to create catastrophic scenarios which generates more anxiety and panic. Alternatively, through a hypnotic process, one can engage and direct their creative imagination towards a more helpful and supportive mechanism.
Read more: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6357291/
What does Hypnosis feel like?
Although everyone differs due to their unique individual experience, most people state:
· A warm relaxing feeling
· Body completely heavy and relaxed
· Increased focus
· Feeling alert
· Feeling in full control
What positive experience will you have ?
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