Our brain works based on the beliefs and behaviors it has acquired through experiences and learnings over time. Hypnotism is a kind of therapy where the hypnotist brings our mind into an altered state of consciousness called Hypnosis and tries to modify the brain’s behaviors and perceptions.
What is the Hypnosis state?
During hypnosis, our mind is in a deeply relaxed state and focused on a specific thought or feeling without any distraction. Here, the activity of the brain region dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) in the prefrontal cortex is heavily reduced. This region is responsible for critical thinking and evaluation. There is also reduced activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN) of the brain, which is responsible for self-awareness and mind-wandering.
Once the activities of these regions are reduced, it becomes easy for the hypnotist to bypass our conscious mind and access our subconscious mind. In this state, our brain is more open to accepting new ideas and suggestions. Using this state, the hypnotist will make some suggestions to us verbally which our brain will easily accept and modify itself.
Falling into the Hypnosis state
Falling into the hypnosis state involves guided relaxation techniques, such as focusing on a particular object, listening to the hypnotist’s soothing voice, or following rhythmic breathing patterns. As we relax deeply, our mind enters a trance-like state, leading to hypnosis.
What is the goal of Hypnotism?
The goal of hypnosis is to facilitate positive changes in a person’s thoughts, behaviors, or emotions by accessing their subconscious mind. It is often used for pain and stress management and quitting a bad habit like smoking. For instance, altered sensory processing can lead to effective pain management without medication. And changes in brain activity associated with emotional regulation can help reduce anxiety and stress.
For example, to manage stress, the hypnotist might suggest, “Whenever you encounter stress, you will automatically feel a wave of relaxation, allowing you to handle the situation calmly and effectively.”
What is possible and what is not possible with hypnosis?
Hypnosis can help in achieving altered behaviors and perceptions. We can even make someone see or hear things that are not real during hypnosis. The level of effectiveness depends on the expertise of the hypnotist.
But, even during the hypnosis state, our mind still has some protective mechanisms. We cannot make someone do something that goes against their core beliefs and values. If the hypnotist makes suggestions that are too strange, the mind will reject the suggestion and the person will come back into consciousness.
Reference Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnosis
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-hypnosis-2795921