How Hypnosis Works                                      

Hypnosis is simply being open to suggestion.In general terms, we have two states of awareness- conscious (things you are aware of) and subconscious (thing you do automatically). Hypnosis helps relax conscious mind and access the most powerful subconscious mind.

When you are relaxed, you stop the constant thoughts and talking that goes on in your brain (your conscious awareness). Once that part of your brain is relaxed, we communicate to your subconscious part and make those automatic thoughts what you want them to be.

Science of Hypnosis

For us science-minded people want to know HOW EXACTLY does relaxing change subconscious body functions like pain, blood pressure, pulse, and even blood loss during surgery.  There are many studies proving the effectiveness of hypnosis. 

Hypnosis allows a person to activate and even control the central nervous system functions and cortical brain functions.

Hypnosis has been recognized by the American Medical Association as a useful viable form of therapy since 1950, and used in Dentistry in the US since 1925.

Hypnosis allows the mind to affect the body. The growing and merging fields of psychiatry, neurology, endocrinology gives evidence to this powerful mind-body connection.

Some examples of Hypnosis Studies & Mind-Body Connection:

  • Faymonville et. al (2000) used positron emission tomography to assess the brain’s reaction to hypnotherapy in response to pain and noxious stimulation. They saw changes in the anterior cingulate cortex under hypnosis.
  • Gastroenterologists Klein & Spiegel (1989) studied hypnosis for hunger, nausea and vomiting. They found hypnosis promotes or inhibits gastric acid production, processes via access to the central nervous system.
  • In studying hypnosis for use in fertility treatments, Dr. Levitas (2006) found hypnosis relieves the sensation of stress and thereby reduces the uterine activity and improves the interaction between the embryo and the uterus while increasing the chances of embryo implantation.
  • Dr. McGinnis (2006) found hypnosis to be an extremely “potent fertility aid due to its ability to enhance relaxation” and showed mind-body techniques reduce stress and enhance fertility.

References:

Faymonville, M., Laureys, S., Degueldre, C., DelFiore, G., Luxen, A., Franck, G., et al. (2000). Neural mechanisms of antinociceptive effects of hypnosis. Anesthesiology, 92(5), 1257-1267. Retrieved from Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database.Klein, K., & Spiegel, D. (1989). Modulation of gastric acid secretion by hypnosis. Gastroenterology, 96(6), 1383-1387. Retrieved from Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database.

Levitas, E. (2006). Hypnosis Improves Possible Outcome. Fertility Weekly, 7. Retrieved from Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition database.

McGinnis, M. (2006). Hypnosis boosts fertility. Prevention, 58(11), 136. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.