Hypnosis causes changes in the functioning of the brain.
Not all people can be hypnotized equally. This is because we have different brain structures.
We have all heard of hypnosis. But the image that has usually been given to this technique is of something mystical that drives you to do strange things, or something typical of charlatans who want to deceive us. What really is hypnosis? Does it really work? Why isn't it effective for everyone? Here we reveal it to you.
It is not true that during hypnosis you are at the mercy of the hypnotist, and that, for example, you are capable of killing a person while in a trance. First of all, your rational capacity continues to function, although in a different way.
Not all people can be hypnotized equally. And this is because they have different brain structures. In addition, hypnosis has effects at the brain level, causing changes in its functioning.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis can be defined as a state of consciousness during which a person has heightened attention and concentration, allowing them to explore their thoughts, talents, and experiences in ways not normally accessible to us. Many professionals in psychology and psychiatry consider it a useful, scientifically-backed technique with the ability to treat medical and psychological conditions.
Why can't all people be hypnotized?
Not all people are likely to be hypnotized, as some are more suggestible than others. For this reason, it is essential to know if a person can be hypnotized before starting hypnotherapy, since this technique may not work.
According to one study, people who cannot be put into a hypnotic trance have lower connectivity in areas associated with executive control (planning, organization, short-term memory ) and attention than highly hypnotizable people. That is, it is possible that these people are less able to allow themselves to be absorbed by day-to-day experiences, in which attention and action planning are coupled.
However, it has recently been seen that it is possible to improve the hypnotic capacity of people by stimulating certain areas of the brain.
What happens in the brain during hypnosis?
Less activity in the brain area related to rationality
According to a study, during the hypnotic process activity decreases in the brain area related to rational cognitive functions. That is, during hypnosis we make less use of rationality, and planning, we let ourselves go and stop worrying.
You may also be interested to learn about hypnosis here learn hypnosis online
Greater mind-body connection
Also in that study, an increase in the connections between two brain areas (dorsolateral cortex and insula) was observed, which allows the brain to process and control what is happening in the body. Hypnosis gives us more control over our own bodies.
Fewer connections between actions and action awareness
Another finding was the decrease in the connections between two areas involved in the awareness of action and of the action itself. When we are really committed and involved with something, we don't think about doing it or how, we just do it. That is, during hypnosis we are less aware of our actions. We are allowed to be more involved in the activities that are suggested to us or suggested to ourselves, saving us the mental resources that are put into action when we are fully aware of the activity.
However, it is not that control is lost, on the contrary, people feel much more control over their sensory, motor, and bodily functions. What happens is that they do it in an involuntary sense, as if they are simply observing themselves doing it but without participating.
Facilitates deep sleep
According to a study, listening to hypnotic audio before sleeping significantly increases the number of slow waves produced during deep sleep. This indicates that hypnosis also provides high levels of relaxation, improving the quality of sleep.
What can hypnosis be used for?
In patients who are easily hypnotizable, this technique has been shown to be effective in relieving chronic pain, labor pain, treating tobacco addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and improving
0
