Patients' blog
>
Integrating Digital Hypnotherapy
Scientifically Verified

Integrating Digital Hypnotherapy

Published
March 29, 2022
Written by
Christina Sexton
Medically reviewed by
Jump to:
Key takeaways:

Summary of integrating digital hypnotherapy

The American Psychological Association defines hypnosis as

“a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion.”

Another way of describing it is as a state of relaxed focus.

The body is relaxed, but the mind is in a state of focused attention and more open to suggestions.

If you have ever daydreamed or zoned out while watching a movie, or can’t remember much of a drive along the highway, then you’ve experienced something akin to hypnosis.

If you have ever daydreamed or zoned out while watching a movie, or can’t remember much of a drive along the highway, then you’ve experienced something akin to hypnosis.

Brain-gut therapy, tailored to you

Start quiz

Fix the miscommunication between your back and brain

Start quiz

Overcome life's challenges

Start quiz

Take control of hot flashes and night sweats

Start quiz

Quit smoking in 3 weeks

Start quiz

How does hypnosis work?

Scientists have been debating hypnosis for more than 200 years, and have yet to fully explain this phenomenon. Modern technology such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows us to detect the moment a person’s brain enters hypnosis, but we can’t explain why it happens.

However, recent research from Stanford University has shown that observable changes happen to your brain during hypnosis:

#1 You relax

A decrease in activity in the part of the brain involved in cognition and movement (dorsal anterior cingulate)⸺so you may feel more relaxed and not worry about outside concerns while hypnotized.

#2 Improved mind-body connection

An increase in activity in the region of the brain that is responsible for the brain-body connection. This is particularly useful when hypnosis is applied as a therapy to manage health conditions, such as managing the brain-gut connection for people with IBS.

#3 You are more open to suggestions

Greater activity in two parts of the brain is involved in processing your actions. This may be how suggestions to change your behavior, such as avoiding sugary foods, or not smoking, are more readily accepted.

Watch the video to learn more.

References

Your next read

Preferences saved