New Research Shows How Hypnosis Modifies Brain Activity and Perception
Introduction to Hypnosis Research
Three studies form the University of Zurich indicate that hypnosis modulates the functional connectivity of the brain's large networks and impacts the neurochemical environment in specific area.
The Scientific Enigma of Hypnosis
From a scientific standpoint, hypnosis has long remained an enigma. Until now, there has been insufficient data to determine whether it constitutes a a distinct state of human consciousness or is merely a product of imagination. Nevertheless, it continues to captivate researchers and the public alike.
Public and Scientific Interest in Hypnosis
Hypnosis continues to capture public and scientific interest, as evidenced by a recent in-depth feature in a leading women's magazine. Remarkable cases occasionally surface, including a 2018 incident at the Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna in Lucerne, where a 45-year-old patient underwent surgery to remove a metal plate from his lower arm under hypnosis alone. Without anesthesia or pain medication, the patient reported no significant pain, surprising the surgical team. This case was highlighted by the Swiss public broadcaster SRF Puls on September 17 of that year.
Clinical Application of Hypnosis
The integration of hypnosis into routine hospital care has shown promising results. Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) incorporate clinical hypnosis as a complementary approach alongside conventional treatments. To Support this initiative, HUG provides specialized training for its staff, as noted on its website. Additionally, hypnosis has been effectively employed to help alleviate anxiety in children facing upcoming medical procedures.
Impact of Hypnosis on Pain and Anxiety
Hypnosis appears to reduce pain and anxiety, making it a valuable tool in prenatal care, burn treatment and dental procedures.
Investigating the Altered Cognitive State in Hypnosis
The Neuroscientific Approach to Hypnosis
Until now, the precise effects of hypnosis on the human neurobiological system have remained elusive. Can hypnosis induce observable changes in brain activity, and if so, what do they entail? These critical questions motivated neuroscientists Philipp Stämpfli, Nuno Prates de Matos, and Mike Brügger, along with their research team, to investigate the phenomenon through three studies. Two of these studies were conducted at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Imaging at the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich (PUK), under Stämpfli's leadership, while the third was carried out in the Department of Psychology at the University of Zurich (UZH).
Exploring and characterizing various states of human consciousness remains one of the most significant challenges in neurobiology. Itis likely that alterations in states of consciousness manifest within the brain's functional networks. As a result, researchers hypothesized that any effects of hypnosis would be observable in these networks and could be mapped and quantified using advanced imaging techniques.
The Three Studies: Consistent Methodology
Study Design and Imaging Techniques
The neuroscientists carried out three studies with identical designs, employing distinct imaging techniques for each. This enabled them to investigate the effects of hypnosis on the human brain through a multimodal approach. The researchers assert that this was the first study to examine two distinct depths of hypnosis.
The fMRI research was published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, the EEG study in Cortex, and the magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis in Scientific Reports.
Study Participants and Procedures
Each study involved the selection of just over 50 participants, all of whom were healthy, experienced in hypnosis and familiar with both hypnotic states. Once in the MR scanner, the participants were initially brought into a mild state of hypnosis (HS1, somnambulism) using a consistent, standardized induction. They were then guided into a deep, profound hypnotic state (HS2, Esdaile).
As all participants had prior experience with hypnosis, they were able to signal the study leaders from the scanner once they reached the desired depth. They maintained this state for approximately 20 minutes, which was the time required for brain imaging using one of the the three different methods.
The researchers acknowledge that the sample used in the three studies was highly selective. Therefore, they stress that the results should not be generalized. As Mike Brügger explains, "Our aim was to identify fundamental principles, specifically whether there are differences in brain activity when subjects are hypnotized to two distinct depths."
The primary objective of the three hypnosis studies was to gain a fundamental understanding of the processes occurring during hypnosis, rather than to explore its potential as a therapeutic approach.
The three studies provide evidence from various methodological approaches and verifiable data, demonstrating that scientists can differentiate between two levels of hypnosis.
Key Findings: Changes in Brain Activity and Connectivity
Evidence of Hypnosis Impacting Brain Activity
The fMRI study uncovered alterations in activity within the regions of the cerebral cortex associated with attention and body awareness. All participants reported experiencing a profound state of relaxation, which in some cases led to a loss of spatial temporal perception.
Elevated Theta Brainwaves
Theta brainwaves were elevated at both levels of hypnosis. These wave are associated with sleepiness and deep relaxation and also occur during other relaxation states such as meditation or psychedelic experiences. While they are present at various stages of the sleep cycle, they are not predominant during sleep.
In fact, while the subjects reported feeling deeply relaxed, they indicated that they were far from falling asleep. Instead, the researchers observed a high level of focus among the participants.
Physiological Changes Under Hypnosis
Under hypnosis, subjects exhibited a reduction in both breathing and heart rate, further confirming the deep relaxation associated with this state.
Analysis and Future Outlook
Challenges in Data Interpretation
While the three studies have accumulated a vast amount of scientific data, interpreting this data remains a challenging task, as acknowledged by the researchers. Nevertheless, St
ämpfli and Brügger assert that the studies have already addressed two key questions.
The Impact of Hypnosis on Brain Activity
The first finding is that hypnosis does indeed alter brain activity, confirming that the hypnotic effect is neither imagined nor fabricated. The second insight is that hypnosis occurs at varying depths, a point that has been hotly debated within professional circles, with limited scientific evidence ot support it until now, according to Stämpfli.
Need for Further Research
While these recent findings mark progress, the researchers emphasize that additional studies are essential to develop a broader understanding of hypnosis. Furthermore, the underlying reasons for hypnosis' therapeutic effects on conditions like pain and anxiety warrant further investigation.
The Three Imaging Approaches
Three separate measurement methods were utilized by the researchers in the three hypnosis studies.
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Electroencephalography (EEG) was employed to monitor shifts in brainwave frequencies and spatial patterns within the electrical activity of millions of neurons.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) was used to capture alterations in inter-brain region communication and visually represent these changes.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
Leveraging fMRI results, the researchers utilized magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to explore specific brain regions at a more detailed, molecular level.
Source
Explore the Science of Hypnosis and Brain Activity!
New research from the University of Zurich reveals how hypnosis alters brain function and perception. Dive into the latest findings on consciousness and neural connectivity.
Don't miss out — discover how hypnosis is reshaping neuroscience today!
Labels: Brain Activity, Brain Connectivity, Brain Imaging, EEG, fMRI, Hypnosis, Hypnosis Research, Hypnosis Study, Neurochemistry, Neuroscience, Therapeutic Hypnosis, University Of Zurich
