Is Hypnosis “provably” effective?
And what mechanisms make it work?
Is there any “science” backing Hypnosis?
Well… YES.
It’s interesting, because in conventional conversation, we tend to speak about things that impact the physical body as “science,” and tools that influence the mind and psyche are spoken of in more “abstract” terms.
We may even refer to such tools (like Hypnosis or Visualization) as “woo,” making them sound hokey.
Which is what I thought, too.
I come from a background in research-based Psychology. All of my training required research, data, and proof.
But two thirds of the adult population are considered hypnotizable, particularly those who are intuitive and imaginative, which means further investigation is warranted!
Experiencing Hypnosis for the first time as a student, the outcomes I had dramatically shifted my view of it.
And when I dug into the “proof,” I was pleasantly surprised to discover it DOES exist.
What do we know about the Science of Hypnosis?
#1 — Pain management, Weight release, Smoking cessation.
There’s a fair body of research in each of these areas.
For example, when combined with other cognitive therapies, those who also received Hypnosis dropped twice as much weight as those who didn’t, and even more impactful – kept it off.
There are also plenty of studies detailing its benefits for post-surgical pain, especially when used in conjunction with other forms of support.
And it’s well-known for its helpfulness with smoking cessation, particularly when that behavior pattern is correlated with mental health issues such as depression.
Ok, cool, so it’s been shown – repeatedly – to be beneficial. WHY?
A lot of that has to do with the neuroscientific impact, which can be viewed through imaging.
Regions of the brain responsible for an anxiety or stress response become quiet during Hypnosis.
Other regions that respond to pain are also influenced, as are areas centered around planning and routine.
This may in part explain the capability of Hypnosis in changing age-old patterns.
#2 — Emotional responses, Stress, Anxiety, PTSD.
The regions of the brain responsible for “worrying” are less active when someone is hypnotized.
Hypnosis has a notable impact on emotional regulation and emotional response.
The combination of processes happening in hypnosis result in decreases in stress, self-consciousness, and anxiety.
This is especially useful for creativity because cortisol, a stress hormone, decreases seratonin and dopamine, which play a role in creativity.
(By exchange, being creative or participating in creative flow actually reduces cortisol!)
That is one among many reasons I recommend Hypnosis for enhancing creative flow, and as a tool in your Marketing process.
You see, the relaxed mind is more creative, and new ideas that are innovative are easier to conjure and welcome in.
During Hypnosis, the mind-body connection also becomes stronger, allowing for new Stories to be more easily adopted and integrated.
#3 — Hypnosis can replace “old stories” with healthier beliefs.
During Hypnosis Induction, we enter an altered state of consciousness, which is reflected in brain activity.
In this deeply relaxed state of consciousness, we may shift into the Alpha and Theta brain waves.
These are brain waves in between full wakefulness and full sleep.
While in these states, our mind is more suggestible to new ideas.
It’s the perfect opportunity to change your mind, change your habits, or shift old patterns and thoughts.
Once in the deeper brain waves, when the mind is most open, we can program in slight shifts in “Stories.”
Mind you, this is not done randomly, but with tremendous care.
A trained Hypnotherapist crafts meticulously designed Hypnotic Suggestions to nudge out old beliefs – such as those that people don’t appreciate your work, or that you can’t succeed – and mold them into a more constructive outlook.
#4 — Repetition equals Reward.
Hypnosis is most effective on rinse and repeat.
It’s also important to note that while Hypnosis can make an impact with one session, most people do best with multiple exposures to the Hypnotic Suggestions.
Recorded Hypnosis allows you to consistently be exposed to these healthier, more constructive perspectives.
(P.S. This is why I have crafted my Luxury Hypnosis Audios as recordings, allowing you to listen to your Hypnosis session again and again!)
Each Hypnosis can be tailored to support a specific goal, allowing for transformation while you rest.
Over time, the new, more constructive beliefs, paired with the neurochemical benefits in your brain, can cause very noticeable improvements not only for the issue you came to Hypnosis about, but will overflow into overall life satisfaction.
At least, that has been the experience that not only I have had, but also countless clients I have worked with!
It seems there is a LOT of evidence around the science of Hypnosis, and pretty clear it’s not just “woo,” but a very grounded, practical neuroscience tool to take advantage of.
Have you tried Hypnosis?
Are you maximizing your own neuroscience to your benefit?
What are some ways you can incorporate it into your existing plans?
Have FUN and get crafty with it!
xx
Freebie for You…
If you’re keen to get a little “me-time,” paired with mindset support, you’ll love this Freebie 8-minute Hypno-Meditation: 8-Minute Morning. Start your day on the right foot, in just eight mindful minutes, and get a mini-taster of my recordings.
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