From: hubermanlab
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is described as a state of highly focused attention, akin to gazing through a telephoto lens, where focus is intensified and the context is diminished. This state allows individuals to enter a realm of experience distinct from everyday consciousness. It is through this unique brain state that hypnosis facilitates profound neuroplastic changes — alterations in the brain’s wiring in response to thoughts and experiences — which can be harnessed therapeutically for a variety of mental and physical ailments [00:00:50].
Brain Activity in Hypnosis
Research conducted by Dr. David Spiegel and collaborators at Stanford University has identified specific neural changes that occur during hypnosis:
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Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex (DACC): During hypnosis, there is a notable decrease in activity in the DACC, a part of the brain’s salience network. The DACC acts as a conflict detector, drawing attention to potential threats. Reducing its activity during hypnosis likely aids in sustaining focus and minimizing distractions [00:21:01].
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Functional Connectivity Changes: In individuals who are highly hypnotizable, there is an increased functional connectivity between the DACC and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) even outside of hypnosis. This connectivity underpins the capacity to concentrate intently and carry out plans without external interference [00:22:12].
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The Insula: Hypnosis is also characterized by enhanced connectivity between the DLPFC and the insula, which is crucial for mind-body control. This connection allows for a heightened ability to modulate bodily functions, such as pain perception or gastric acid secretion, as demonstrated in hypnosis studies involving imaginary culinary experiences [00:23:46].
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Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC): Another key finding is the inverse functional connectivity between the DLPFC and the PCC, which is part of the default mode network. Under hypnosis, reduced activity in the PCC is associated with a decrease in self-referential thought, aiding the dissociation often experienced in this state. This can explain why individuals in hypnosis might not perceive activities in the usual evaluative manner [00:24:55].
Clinical Implications
These neural mechanisms illuminate why hypnosis is effective in treating a range of conditions. By modifying neural activity and connectivity, hypnosis enables individuals to alter their perceptions of pain, reduce stress, and reprocess traumatic memories more effectively. It also plays a role in facilitating cognitive flexibility, removing the mental barriers that often hinder therapeutic processes [00:40:02].
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Pain Management: Hypnosis can be a powerful tool for pain management, even in clinical settings like surgery, where it significantly reduces perceived pain and discomfort [00:53:01].
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Stress and Trauma: By allowing individuals to confront and reframe traumatic experiences under a dissociative yet controlled state, hypnosis aids in the therapeutic processing of trauma [00:42:22].
Conclusion
Hypnosis, through its unique ability to alter brain states, offers a window into the incredible adaptability and potential of the human brain. Understanding its neural underpinnings not only demystifies the process but also heralds new avenues for therapy and mental health interventions. As research continues to expand our knowledge of hypnosis and its effects on the brain, it increasingly solidifies its place in both clinical and therapeutic settings [01:47:00].