There have been considerable research advances on the benefits of Hypnotherapy. Clinical research supports the value of hypnotherapy for managing many clinical symptoms and conditions.
Neurophysiological connections of the way we respond to hypnotic suggestions has made substantial advances in the past two decades. This aids our understanding of the effectiveness and benefits hypnotherapy treatments provide for a variety of clinical conditions[7].
Recent Studies on the Benefits of Hypnotherapy
Multiple studies have shown that after a relaxation induction, the individual responds to spontaneous changes in conscious states [3]. Traditionally, psychologists and neuroscientists have been sceptical of hypnosis reports of profound changes following specific suggestions. Research has consistently demonstrated that subjective changes, in response to suggestion, are associated with corresponding changes in brain regions relating to the specific psychological function in question [1].
Studies have shown that hypnotic suggestions influence activity in cortical and sub-cortical regions of the brain associated with suggested analgesia response[2], those areas responsible for reducing our pain level. These studies also indicate that hypnotic responding has implications for clinical treatment of pain reduction[6]. Several studies have further revealed the potential opportunities for using hypnotic suggestion can help with psychiatric and neurological symptoms. The benefits of Hypnotherapy seem widespread.
The funding of large-scale studies evaluating the usefulness of hypnotherapy treatments by the National Institute of Complementary and Integrative Health, in the USA, has begun. There is a body of research indicating that the perceived effects of hypnosis and hypnotic suggestion have clear impacts on brain activity which supports positive effects as “real”. Hypnotic subjects are not imagining when they report profound changes in their experience due to hypnosis. The research allows us to understand the brain areas and activity patterns which underlie response to positive specific hypnotic suggestions.
Perceptions remain regarding the validity of hypnotherapy, driven by the inaccurate portrayal of hypnosis in the media rather than as a legitimate therapy[5].
Brain Changes from Hypnotherapy
Research of hypnotic suggestion has begun to identify the role that different brain structures have in generating responses to hypnotic suggestions. A typical form of therapeutic hypnotherapy includes a ‘hypnotic induction’, understood as a technique designed to prepare an individual for the suggestions that follow. The indication increases the ability to accept and respond to the suggestions[4].
Findings from research have a great deal to offer the clinical and scientific community in regards to use of hypnotherapy. As more is learned about the clinical applications of hypnosis treatments, the more individuals can be helped with hypnotic treatments including most certainly chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and PTSD. It is also becoming widely accepted other conditions such as weight loss therapy, quit smoking, managing past issues and ceasing habitual behaviours, can also be assisted.
As we learn more about the underlying hypnotic phenomena, we can learn more about basic brain functions and the responses influenced by hypnotherapy.
How are Hypnotherapy Sessions Conducted
Hypnotherapy is a guided relaxation session enabling the person to relax both body and mind before beneficial suggestions are embedded. There are two principal components of hypnosis:
(i) the induction
(ii) the delivery of beneficial and positive suggestions
Although renewed scientific interest has brought hypnosis into the scientific and clinical mainstream, their relationship remains poorly understood. There remains a need to develop understanding of this unique phenomena known as hypnotherapy.
It is also exciting to know that we can now use hypnotherapy on-line. A new way of treating a range of issues is available to all for minimal cost. This is often more advantageous compared to visiting a therapy room, having your session, then leaving. This new way of treatment allows the person to enter a Virtual World of Hypnotherapy, undertake the therapeutic session and keep it forever if needed again in the future. It is like having your own therapist with you.
As research continues, it is encouraging to know the number of individuals now discovering the power of their subconscious mind and being guided to utilise its strength. This can only benefit individuals lives, behaviours, thoughts and feelings. Surely we all want to make those adjustments to rapidly integrate new skills, strategies and strengths in the way we feel, think and respond. By releasing those blocks holding you back and embedding positive suggestions into the subconscious mind, each of us can move forward to live the life we want; free and confident.
For more information on the benefits of Hypnotherapy and to get your therapeutic session to empower your life, please visit Virtual Hypnotherapy now.
References:
- Demertzi, A.,Vanhaudenhuyse, A., Noirhomme, Q. (2015), Hypnosis modulates behavioural measures and subjective ratings about external and internal awareness. J Physiol Paris 109 :173-9. doi:10.1016/j.jphysparis.2015.11.0
- Hofbauer, R., Rainville, P., Duncan, G. (2001), Cortical representation of the sensory dimension of pain. J Neurophysiol; 86:402–11.
- Jamieson, G., Burgess, A., (2014), Hypnotic induction is followed by state-like changes in the organization of EEG functional connectivity in the theta and beta frequency bands in high-hypnotically susceptible individuals, Front Hum Neurosci. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2014.00528
- Nash, M. (2005), The importance of being earnest when crafting definitions: science and scientism are not the same thing, Int J Clin Exp Hypn;53:265–80. doi:10.1080/00207140590961934
- Polito, V., Barnier, A., Cox, R. (2016), Don’t Believe Everything You See On TV: Hypnosis is Less Far Fetched and Far More Important
- Raichle, M. (2011), The restless brain, Brain Connect;1:3–12. doi:10.1089/brain.2011.0019
- Terhune,D., Cleeremans, A, Raz, A, (2017), Hypnosis and top-down regulation of consciousness, Neurosci Biobehav Rev
