How Does Hypnosis Work?

How Does It Feel to be Hypnotized?

Being hypnotized often feels like a deeply relaxed state. It's comparable to that moment just before drifting off to sleep when your mind begins to wander and daydream. However, your awareness remains intact, and you can hear, understand, and remember everything that is said to you during this state. Hypnosis leverages the power of your subconscious mind, the part of your consciousness that stores beliefs, memories, and emotions. Your subconscious mind influences your thoughts, behaviors, and feelings, even though you might not always be aware of it. Through hypnosis, we can tap into this powerful resource and reprogram it to bring about positive change.

The Mechanics of Hypnosis

Hypnosis begins with an induction process. This is a series of techniques designed to help you enter a state of focused attention and relaxation. There are various induction methods, from progressive relaxation to guided visualization. The goal is to bypass the critical conscious mind and communicate directly with the subconscious. Trust and comfort are essential in the hypnosis process. Our skilled hypnotists at 121 Hypnosis will establish rapport with you to create a safe and non-judgmental space for your experience. During the hypnotic state, your subconscious becomes more receptive to suggestions. These suggestions are tailored to your specific goals, whether it's overcoming a phobia, reducing stress, quitting smoking, or achieving personal growth. Our hypnotists use carefully crafted scripts to guide you toward the desired outcomes.

Deepening The Hypnotic State and Anchoring Positive Associations

Once you're in a trance, the hypnotist may employ deepening techniques to further enhance your relaxation and suggestibility. These can include breathing exercises, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation. Hypnosis often involves anchoring positive associations with specific triggers or situations. For example, if you seek help to quit smoking, the hypnotist may anchor feelings of disgust or repulsion to the smell of cigarettes, making it easier to resist the urge to smoke. The hypnotic session ends with a process of bringing you back to full awareness. This is typically done gradually and gently, ensuring you are completely aware and alert.

The Science Behind Hypnosis

Hypnosis remains a subject of great interest in the field of psychology and neuroscience. Researchers have made significant progress in understanding how hypnosis works and its impact on the brain. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown that hypnosis is associated with altered brain activity. During hypnosis, the brain areas responsible for decision-making, sensory perception, and memory show different patterns of activation. Hypnosis is associated with a decrease in activity within the DMN, a network involved in self-referential thoughts and mind-wandering. This may explain the heightened focus and suggestibility experienced during hypnosis. Hypnosis seems to enhance connectivity between different brain regions. This increased connectivity may facilitate the flow of information and communication within the brain. Brain imaging studies also reveal that the brain processes suggestions differently during hypnosis. The brain regions responsible for processing suggestions become more active during this state.