Hypnosis, often shrouded in mystery, can be best described as a practice that helps us tap into a more resourceful state of mind, enabling a profound connection with our subconscious. But, let’s simplify this with an analogy many can relate to – our smartphones.
Imagine our minds as smartphones. The conscious mind, with all its power and capabilities, represents the apps we use daily. They drive a majority of our tasks, from communication to organization. Yet, they have limitations. They can’t, for instance, tweak screen brightness or pair with a Bluetooth device. To do that, we need access to the phone’s settings or its operating system. This operating system symbolizes our subconscious mind – the foundational framework that supports everything our conscious mind achieves.
Now, you might have heard of ‘trance’ in relation to hypnosis, often used interchangeably. But for clarity, trance refers to a specific brain state, distinct from others, like sleep. So, how do we discern between different brain states?
Enter the wonders of modern science. With brain imaging techniques, particularly fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), we can observe marked changes in brain activity during a hypnotic trance. Key regions showing alterations are the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the default mode network (DMN). The DLPFC plays a role in cognitive control and attention, whereas the DMN becomes active during moments of mental rest and introspection. Both networks span both brain hemispheres, with activity in the left and right areas varying based on the hypnotic task or suggestion.
According to research by David Spiegel, hypnosis seems to cause a unique shift between these networks. There’s a noted decrease in DLPFC activity paired with an upsurge in the DMN. Such a change allows individuals to undertake actions without the usual cloak of self-consciousness, potentially aiding in overcoming inherent inhibitions.
In essence, hypnosis isn’t merely a parlour trick but a profound bridge to our mind’s operating system, enabling change and understanding from the foundational level.