Get ready to be amazed by the science of your own brain! Hypnosis is not magic; it is pure, focused neuroscience in action.

Hypnosis is an actual state of mind involving heightened focus. You are not asleep or unconscious. It is a trance state, similar to getting completely absorbed in a great movie or book.

During a hypnotic induction, your attention shifts. Brain imaging studies show measurable changes in your brain's activity. One key finding is a decrease in activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. This area is part of your salience network, which usually flags worries and self-consciousness. By calming it down, you become less critical and more open to positive suggestions.

Researchers also see increased communication between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the insula. This connection is crucial for processing and controlling what is happening in your body and mind. This allows your brain to execute suggested changes with less effort.

Crucially, neuroplasticity is at work. When you vividly imagine something during hypnosis—like feeling calm or not wanting a cigarette—your brain activates the same regions as when that experience happens in reality. You are literally rewiring your thought patterns!

Hypnosis also impacts your involuntary systems. It is linked to increased activity in the parasympathetic nervous system. This is your body's "rest and digest" mode. This shift promotes deep relaxation, decreases anxiety, and even reduces pain perception.

In short, hypnosis is a powerful, science-backed method. It temporarily optimizes your brain's communication networks. This allows for profound, lasting changes in your perceptions, habits, and overall well-being!

The science behind hypnosis