Hypnosis and the Brain: A Spiritual Perspective

Researchers in neuroscience, psychology, and medicine have been intensively studying hypnosis for many years, gradually uncovering fascinating insights about the human brain and consciousness. This exploration can be likened to peeling back layers of a complex system, similar to peeling the layers of an onion, with each new discovery revealing more about the intricate nature of our cognitive processes.

Recent findings in hypnosis research are both intriguing and nuanced. Some studies suggest that hypnosis may involve specific alterations in brain activity and connectivity, potentially affecting areas related to attention, perception, and cognitive control. For instance, some research indicates changes in activity in the anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during hypnotic states.

Researchers, armed with advanced neuroimaging tools, have yet to reach a consensus on which exact brain regions and networks are engaged during hypnotic states and suggestions. This isn’t too surprising when you consider the diverse manifestations of hypnosis.

Alternative Healing Imaging

Alternative Healing utilizes advanced technology to understand subtle bodily changes during healing work. Ms. Ed. Hattie Parker, an expert in Aura Analysis, has been working in this field for many years. Using aura visualization technology, they produce images that allegedly reveal a patient’s energetic state across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects during treatments. These images may offer insights into organ health and the timeline of energetic imbalances.

In my own practice, I also use aura imaging to see the correlation between what clients have worked on and how it reflects on their aura field right after a session and weeks later. The fact that the auric field can reflect these changes in our energetic system is remarkable.

Hypnosis for Pain?

Hypnosis: The Most Effective Treatment You Have Yet to Prescribe

“Despite robust evidence for myriad ailments and sound mechanistic data, hypnosis is underused by internists. Using hypnosis fulfills our pledge to abide by evidence-based treatments that alleviate suffering with the least collateral harm, but there is a discrepancy between its benefits and physicians who offer the treatment. Although hypnosis may appear in the medical curricula at academic powerhouses like Baylor, Harvard, Columbia, and Stanford, hypnosis training is rare even at these institutions. Here is why a modern resurrection of the oldest Western form of psychotherapy should inspire internists to get trained and offer medical hypnosis broadly.” Dr. Kittle, Jessie & Dr. David Spiegel (Spiegel, MD, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University)

Both Dr. Kittle & Dr. Spiegel, explained why hypnosis was ignored in the medical community for over 100 years after Mesmer’s alleged scams. They said and I quote “

“that Long-standing empirical evidence demonstrates that hypnosis impacts perception, symptoms, and habits, which have recently been explained by advanced diagnostic modalities like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Changes during hypnosis include reduced activity in the dorsal portion of the anterior cingulate cortex (a key component of the salience network) and connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and the insula (a pathway for mind-body control).¹ Augmented by data on neurotransmitter metabolism and genetics, the neurophysiologic basis of hypnosis is no longer mysterious. Though our understanding of the mechanism of action of hypnosis is more robust than that of even acetaminophen, this has not sufficed to enhance its use.”

Devin Terhune from King’s College London points out, hypnosis can range from inducing vivid visual hallucinations to modulating pain or even tweaking memory. Given these diverse experiences, it’s no wonder pinpointing a single brain region responsible is elusive.

As Dr. Kittle & Dr. Spiegel indicated but just for emphasis, Raz and his team highlighted three crucial brain networks linked to how hypnotizable someone is and how they respond to hypnosis: the central executive network, the salience network, and the default mode network.

The article indicates that the default mode network, in particular, is quite interesting as it’s usually active when we’re daydreaming or reflecting inwardly.

Michael Lifshitz from McGill University explains that during hypnosis, the activity in this network diminishes. It’s almost as if the usual chatter of our minds quiets down, creating a serene space for new insights and experiences to flow in.

In my practice, I utilize hypnosis primarily as a tool for integration rather than relaxation, unless a client requires additional resources before engaging in deeper therapeutic work. Typically, I incorporate hypnosis towards the end of a session. This approach allows clients to process and internalize the insights and emotional shifts they’ve experienced during our work together.

It’s crucial to emphasize that during hypnosis, clients maintain awareness and control. They have the ability to critically evaluate suggestions and decide whether these align with their personal goals and values. The process is collaborative, with clients actively participating in formulating new beliefs and behavioral changes they wish to implement in their lives.

My Transpersonal Healing method aims to help clients release limiting beliefs or patterns that may have hindered their progress. The focus is on empowering individuals to make positive changes that resonate with their personal growth objectives and overall well-being. I’ve found this approach to be particularly the most effective especially when combined with sacred shamanic plant medicines like Hapeh, Sananga, KaKaWo, African Dream Beans amongst others, as it allows clients to take an active role in their healing process and reinforces their autonomy in personal development.

Hypnosis and Cognitive Science

Moving on to discuss the research of Faerman and Dr. David Spiegel, who have made notable contributions to the field of hypnosis and cognitive science. Dr. Spiegel, in particular, is well-regarded for his work in integrating hypnosis with conventional medical practices. 

Their research investigated the relationship between hypnotizability and perseveration—a form of cognitive rigidity where individuals struggle to adapt to new information or strategies, instead adhering to outdated patterns of thinking or behavior. Their findings suggest a correlation between higher hypnotizability and increased cognitive flexibility. Individuals who are more hypnotizable tend to demonstrate a greater ability to assimilate new information and relinquish outdated mental patterns.

This cognitive flexibility may be a key factor in what makes certain individuals more receptive to hypnotic suggestions. The ability to readily shift mental states and embrace new perspectives could facilitate the effectiveness of hypnotic interventions.

I find Faerman and Dr. Spiegel’s research on perseveration particularly intriguing, especially when considering how difficult it can be for people to let go of deeply ingrained beliefs and practices when they have regressed to experiences where they had been implanted with alien technology.

From a spiritual viewpoint, my perspective is that hypnosis can also be seen as a journey inward, where the usual boundaries of our thinking soften, allowing us to connect with deeper, more flexible aspects of our consciousness. It’s like opening a door to a different realm within our minds, where the usual rules don’t apply and new possibilities can emerge.

Check out the full scientific article here: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/04/science-of-hypnosis

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