Brain Changes in Hypnosis has Positive Implications for Pain Control
Recent research has revealed significant changes in brain activity and connectivity during hypnosis, demonstrating its profound neurological effects.
Brain Region Changes
Reduced Activity
The dorsal anterior cingulate, part of the brain's salience network, shows decreased activity during hypnosis, leading to enhanced absorption and reduced worry about external concerns.
Enhanced Connectivity
A stronger connection develops between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the insula, improving brain-body communication and control. Additionally, highly hypnotizable individuals demonstrate increased functional connectivity between the left DLPFC and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex.
Network Disruption
During hypnosis, the brain shifts to a state where regions operate more independently, with reduced synchronization between different areas. There's also decreased connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the default mode network, which may explain the dissociation between action and self-reflection during hypnosis.
Clinical Applications
Anxiety Reduction
Hypnosis effectively reduces neural responses to anxiety-inducing stimuli, with decreased activity in the amygdala (the fear center) and increased activity in the prefrontal cortex.
Enhanced Hypnotizability
A groundbreaking Stanford study has shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation can temporarily increase hypnotizability through just 92 seconds of brain stimulation. This discovery could make hypnosis-based therapy accessible to more people, particularly for chronic pain management.
Neuroplastic Effects
The brain demonstrates significant neuroplastic changes during hypnosis, with alterations in the anterior default mode network and prefrontal attentional systems. These changes facilitate cognitive, emotional, and behavioural modifications in response to hypnotic suggestions.
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2024/01/brain-stimulation-hypnosis.html
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