How does hypnosis actually work?
I’m often asked how and why hypnosis works; what is it about the state of ‘trance’ that allows us to make changes to our lives? As well as giving us a deep sense of relaxation, hypnosis works by guiding a person’s brain wave patterns from the normal, conscious pattern we’re in when we’re awake into a relaxed but still focused pattern where the mind is open to suggestion and therapeutic change.
During a session, our conscious minds quieten and the subconscious mind becomes more accessible (although you’ll remain aware of your surroundings and able to awaken if you need to) it’s just that your focus is very inward looking. I sometimes liken it to driving a car; the conscious mind takes a nap in the back while the subconscious takes over the driving for a little while.
This state allows emotions and memories to be processed without the guard of the conscious mind getting in the way. Our ‘trance’ state is similar to the place our minds go when we dream or experience deep meditation.
There are some physical changes that take place too, our brains release fewer stress hormones which improves our sleep; adrenalin drops, allowing us to feel the beneficial effects of both dopamine, a reward hormone and serotonin, a mood stabiliser. This creates a feeling of calmness and optimism, helps reduce over thinking and can help to settle an overactive mind. We activate the parasympathetic nervous system, sometimes known as ‘rest and digest’ so our digestive system benefits, rather than experiencing the fight or flight response associated with the sympathetic nervous system. Our brains also release endorphins (which is why it can help with pain management).
So when we put all of this together, hypnosis allows us to make the changes we want to make without needing a great deal of effort, instead enjoying the benefits of relaxation and enabling our subconscious minds to do the heavy lifting!
Candy x
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