The brain, that complex and mysterious jewel, is home to extraordinary functionalities that never cease to fascinate researchers and the curious. Among its enigmas, the state of hypnosis (trance) proves to be an intriguing experience, both enigmatic and whose potentials we observe empirically - at practice . But what happens in our brains under hypnosis? Here are a few clues and discoveries.
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness that can be induced by a hypnotherapist or self-induced by certain people. It is neither a waking nor a sleeping state. What makes hypnosis fascinating is that, although the subject is deeply concentrated and relaxed, he or she remains aware of his or her environment and responsive to the hypnotist's/therapist's suggestions.
Clinical observation shows that under hypnotic conditions, contradictions and duality in general (self/others - inner/outer, etc.) tend to be smoothed out in favor of a unified, coherent experience capable of reconciling concepts, ideas and emotions that are a priori antagonistic.
Brain imaging studies have revealed that hypnosis leads to perceptible changes in brain activity. One of the key brain regions involved in this state is the anterior cingulate cortex, which plays an essential role in attention. The activity of this region is the common denominator found in all the subjects analyzed. Indeed, when we observe the brains of hypnotized people, we see many things, and these things vary from one person to another, but what seems to be common is this modulation of attention (a restricted, focused field of attention) with an attenuation (but not disappearance) of perceptions coming from the outside. The subject is totally absorbed in his or her experience. Hypnosis seems to facilitate communication between different parts of the brain. The brain is made up of many regions which process information separately, but under hypnosis, these regions can cooperate better. This could explain why people in a state of hypnosis can access buried memories, enhance their creativity, or change certain behaviors.
As for the brainwaves involved when we're in a trance, well, if the literature and the studies carried out so far tend to say that trance as commonly understood is equated with activity between alpha and theta, it also seems to be able to occur when the subject is in the beta and gamma zone (shamanic trance induced by drumming and/or dancing).
This is particularly interesting from a clinical point of view, as I regularly use emotions such as anger or sadness to induce trance (yes, therapists have to work with what they have on hand, and not everyone shows up with the ability or willingness to relax during the session).
I'm often asked "Am I hypnotizable?" - In my humble experience, anyone can be hypnotized - more or less easily, more or less deeply, but these parameters are largely context-dependent. Among the factors that influence this are, first of all, motivation: a person who wants to be hypnotized, who has the motivation and desire to change, is bound to be more open. Secondly, science seems to indicate that subjects with a thicker corpus callosum (the corpus callosum is the nerve structure located between the two hemispheres of our brain) are more easily hypnotized. This suggests that hypnosis requires increased communication between our two hemispheres, so subjects with a more developed nervous network would find it easier to enter, maintain and use this hypnotic state. Then, of course, there's the therapist and the techniques he/she uses, and then there's the subject's present context (how his/her day went, what he/she's experiencing at the moment).
Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in brain function, and the hypnotic state can alter the chemical balance. Studies have shown that hypnosis can influence the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are linked to the regulation of mood and motivation. This could explain why hypnosis helps to treat certain disorders such as anxiety and depression, why it helps to establish certain habits and why we experience a state of serenity following a session. You can read more about this in a future article.
Neuroplasticity is a key concept in neuroscience, referring to the brain's ability to remodel and adapt in response to experience, learning and environmental change. This ability of the brain to change continuously throughout life is at the heart of many advances in our understanding of brain function.
Hypnosis, as an altered state of consciousness, can play an interesting role in promoting neuroplasticity. When a person is in a state of hypnosis, he or she is often more receptive to suggestion and to learning new habits or behaviors. This openness to suggestion can encourage the formation of new neuronal connections and strengthen brain pathways associated with the specific goals of hypnosis, such as pain management, stress reduction or improved self-confidence.
In other words, hypnosis can be a catalyst for neuroplasticity, enabling the brain to reorganize its neural networks to better adapt to the person's needs and goals. This can be particularly useful in therapy and behavioral change.
Although the relationship between hypnosis and neuroplasticity is an evolving field of research, it's clear that these two concepts are closely linked. They illustrate the amazing capacity of the human brain to transform and evolve, offering promising opportunities for improving mental health, well-being and personal development.
Although we've made huge strides in understanding the brain under hypnosis, many questions remain. Hypnosis remains a constantly evolving field of research, and each new discovery brings us a step closer to understanding the neurological mysteries surrounding this fascinating state of consciousness.
Whether it's for treating certain medical conditions, managing stress or enhancing mental performance, hypnosis offers a promising field of exploration for a better understanding of how the human brain works. As research continues, the brain continues to reveal its secrets under hypnotic influence, encouraging us to dive ever deeper into this ocean of neuronal mystery.
Sources:
https://sante.lefigaro.fr/actualite/2016/08/08/25277-secrets-lhypnose-se-devoilent
Neuroasapiens podcast: episode no. 39 "the one about hypnosis".
"Le cerveau sous hypnose", Dr Fanny Nusbaum, Ed.humenSciences, Paris, 2022