Simply put, hypnosis is a procedure that helps people imagine a variety of experiences that seem very realistic.
Little is known about brain activity during hypnosis. However, research shows that people with this disorder have decreased activity in areas of the brain associated with self-referential thoughts and daydreaming, as well as increased connections between parts of the brain associated with attention and action. This means that people under hypnosis are in a state where they suppress inner thoughts and other distractions.
So what makes people susceptible to hypnosis? It is actually impossible to force a person to hypnotize. In this procedure, willingness to participate, positive attitude, motivation and expectations, as well as the ability to put aside the fact that the situation is imaginary, are extremely important. It’s like being completely absorbed in a show and forgetting you’re in the theatre.
The relationship with the therapist also plays a decisive role in the effectiveness of hypnosis. If you don’t want to engage with it or you think hypnosis won’t work, then it won’t work.
All people react differently to suggestion. There is scientific evidence to show that women are slightly more susceptible to hypnotic suggestions than men, and that hypnotizability peaks in late childhood and early adolescence.
In terms of neurobiology, hypnosis affects our self-control functions. It changes how our brain tracks our actions. Therefore, when the hypnotist asks you to raise your hand, this will still be your action, even if it seems to you that it is rising on its own.
The purpose of hypnotherapy is to change negative emotions, perceptions and actions. Hypnosis can also be used to prepare for or replace exposure therapy. This is a way to treat phobias or anxiety.
There are also self-hypnosis techniques. For example, you may learn to create a state of relaxation associated with some type of movement. Such suggestions reduce anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. It starts working while we rest.
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Source: Ferra
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