What is Hypnosis?

What is Hypnosis?

The question, "What is hypnosis?" is often easier to ask than to answer. The complex nature of hypnosis has been the subject of an entire scientific discipline dedicated to understanding its intricacies. Most people associate hypnosis with a state of focused attention and increased suggestibility, but there is much more to it than meets the eye.

Few are aware that the ability to focus attention so intensely has neurobiological roots, making it an inherent ability of the human brain. Many everyday activities involve a form of hypnotic response through this focused attention. For instance, when you're deeply engrossed in a video game, watching TV, praying, reading, or even running, you can narrow your focus to such an extent that you temporarily ignore other stimuli in your environment.

Being suggestible, too, is rooted in our neurobiology. Our brains are equipped with mirror neurons—cells that help facilitate social interactions. These neurons allow infants to learn from their caregivers and enable people to imitate others’ behaviours, words, and emotions. In essence, hypnotic responding is a genetically inherited ability of the human brain, involving a motivated, intentional mode of information processing. This ability allows humans to alter their perceptions of the body, self, actions, and world to varying degrees.

When a hypnotist gives suggestions in a process known as heterohypnosis, they are not controlling the individual’s mind; rather, they are helping that person activate this innate ability to alter their own experience

You may have heard people claim, “No one can hypnotise me.” This statement typically reflects a discomfort with the idea that someone else could influence their mind against their will. However, it ignores the reality that we all experience forms of hypnosis in our daily lives. In fact, self-hypnosis—where we consciously or unconsciously repeat suggestions to ourselves—is common. It is very important to remember- that the hypnotist is NOT hypnotising you- but rather facilitating and guiding your own self-controlled experience.

Many definitions of hypnosis describe heterohypnosis, but self-hypnosis is equally valid and useful. Recent research has posited that in some instances it can be more powerful and profound than heterohypnosis.

Although hypnosis has long been a subject of controversy, most clinicians now agree that it is a powerful, effective therapeutic tool for addressing a range of conditions, including pain, anxiety, IBS and mood disorders. Hypnosis can also help people overcome harmful habits, such as smoking.

Stage Hypnosis

While clinical hypnosis is performed with the patient’s best interest in mind, there are concerns about the misuse of hypnosis in entertainment. Stage hypnosis, for instance, can carry its own set of risks

Hypnosis for entertainment purposes, commonly known as stage hypnosis, is often linked with a higher risk of adverse outcomes. Despite being a more visible form of hypnosis, stage hypnosis is widely regarded by medical professionals as risky. In many regions, including

One key factor is that many stage hypnotists lack the appropriate psychological and clinical training. Without a strong psychodynamic understanding of hypnosis, they are less equipped to handle adverse reactions, let alone ensure the recovery of their participants.

Hypnosis as a Scientific Discipline

Hypnosis has been the subject of rigorous scientific research for many decades. It has been studied across multiple domains, and there is substantial data supporting its efficacy, particularly in medicine and psychology. Hypnosis is recognized as an effective treatment in two primary areas of medicine: pain management and the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Below is a discussion on the application of hypnosis in pain management.

Managing Pain with Hypnosis

Research has demonstrated that hypnosis is a highly effective treatment for both acute and chronic pain. In fact, due to its efficacy and overwhelmingly positive side effect profile, some experts now regard hypnosis as a first-line treatment for pain management.

Pain is essential for survival, warning us of potential harm and helping protect the body. However, chronic, or acute pain, particularly during medical procedures, can become problematic. In these cases, pain can serve no protective purpose, leading instead to avoidance of necessary medical care. For instance, chronic pain conditions, like back pain, can prevent individuals from engaging in the physical therapy they need for recovery, causing further deterioration. Moreover, chronic headaches can result in overmedication, which leads to rebound headaches, thus exacerbating the pain.

Traditional medical treatments for pain—such as powerful analgesics—often come with significant drawbacks, including the development of tolerance, side effects like constipation, and cognitive impairments. These issues have spurred researchers to explore alternatives, and hypnosis has emerged as an effective, non-pharmacological option.

Self-hypnosis training has shown impressive results in managing both acute and chronic pain. Because hypnosis can alter activity in the brain regions responsible for pain perception, individuals trained in self-hypnosis often report hours of relief after just a few minutes of practice. Moreover, the "side effects" of hypnosis are overwhelmingly positive, and patients often feel calmer, more in control, and more relaxed.

In clinical trials, patients have not only reported significant reductions in pain but also improvements in overall well-being. When one aspect of life improves, others often follow suit. This is the essence of hypnosis as a treatment: it empowers individuals to take control of their pain and, by extension, improve their quality of life.

Conclusion

Hypnosis, whether in clinical or research settings, is a scientifically validated tool with substantial benefits, especially in pain management. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between its professional, therapeutic use and the potential risks associated with entertainment-based hypnosis. As with any powerful tool, hypnosis must be used responsibly by qualified professionals to ensure its effectiveness and safety.