Hypnosis and the Brain: qualitative description of Hypnosis

Hypnotic activity is observed in three main networks: the ECN, DMN and SN networks.

As explained, hypnosis, as a state, is one or more modified or altered states of consciousness, based on concentration, absorption and imagination. Using hypnosis as a tool, the goal is to modify the subjectivity or change the point of view.

In practice, and like many areas of science where observation was first empirical, experienced before being theorized, altered states of consciousness have been part of the daily life of many practices and cultures that have experienced, documented, and narrated altered states of consciousness.

Today, although neurosciences are informing us more and more about the specifics of our brain, it is still difficult to really visualize or perceive scientifically "what defines a state of hypnosis". The analogy with empirical sciences, such as particle physics, is quite direct, considering that on the one hand, direct observation is impossible for the human eye, but above all that the "imagined" or "deduced" theory has often preceded observation by several decades. 

However, a framework for describing states of hypnosis, allows us to perceive the different altered states of consciousness from a descriptive point of view..

Academy of Research and Knowledge in Ericksonian Hypnosis, Practitioner training in Ericksonian Hypnosis

In practical terms, hypnosis as a tool is used to shift states of consciousness from their "original" position, for a particular purpose. This can be exploratory, therapeutic or playful. 

Again, many practices describe "attention" or "dream" states in similar ways, including the shamanic practices of the Yaqui tribes (cited by Carlos Castañeda) which describe "assemblage points" and "shifting assemblage points". Other more modern practices speak of a state of flow, of the "hot hand" in the NBA, of a state of grace or of a flash of genius, all of which allow access to a more complete range of capacities of perception and action.

Linking Hypnosis and the Brain, according to the latest research

The explanations below are directly inspired by the popularization of the work of Dr. David Spiegel, psychiatrist and professor at Stanford University in California. More information in the sources below.

Executive Control Network (ECN): The executive control network is active when you are doing something that involves focused attention and working memory - like mental arithmetic.

During hypnosis, this network is further connected to a part of the brain called the insula in the salience network. It is involved in monitoring the body and emotions. This may be why in hypnosis you have an increased awareness of your body's sensations.

Salience Network (SN): This network detects and integrates information from your body and your emotions. It is activated when you are stressed or anxious, and when you are working on a task. 

During hypnosis, the salience network is less active. When you are hypnotized, you are more focused and less distracted by anxious or intrusive thoughts.

Default Mode Network (DMN): The default mode network is involved in mental imagery, self-reflection and processing your stream of consciousness. This network is most active when you are at rest or ruminating.

During hypnosis, there is less activity and less connectivity with the executive control network. During hypnosis, there is less rumination and wandering of the mind and your mind may feel less "cluttered.

Brain activity during hypnosis

Three brain networks are particularly important during hypnosis:

1. The Salience Network (SN), which is responsible for monitoring the information the brain receives and deciding on its importance.

2. The Executive Control Network (ECN), which manages more complex cognitive abilities like problem solving, reasoning, and working memory.

3. The Default Mode Network (DMN), which is most active when our brain is not focused on the present moment (for example, when we are daydreaming)

The SN is the "boss" of attention. It helps the brain choose which network is most important at any given time. In general, during hypnosis, the NS reduces its activity because the brain decreases the constant monitoring of self-awareness and sensory information, allowing it to focus more intensely on one thing only: hypnotic suggestions.

ECN activity also changes depending on the type of change one is trying to facilitate through hypnosis. A more hypnotizable brain exhibits greater connectivity between the SN and ECN, allowing the SN to more easily affect ECN activity.

Moreover, under hypnosis, the ECN and the DMN are less functionally connected. A brain under hypnosis focuses more on the suggestions given here and now.

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Sources:

1. Jiang, H., White, MP, Greicius, MD, Waelde, LC & Spiegel, D. Brain Activity and Functional Connectivity Associated with Hypnosis. Cereb. Cortex 27, 4083–4093 (2017).

2. Hoeft, F. et al. Functional Brain Basis of Hypnotizability. Arch. Gen. Psychiatry 69, 1064–1072 (2012).

3. Faerman, A. & Spiegel, D. Shared cognitive mechanisms of hypnotizability with executive functioning and information salience. Science. Rep. 11, 5704 (2021).

4. Faerman, A, On the Brain's Activity during Hypnosis, Reveri website

5. Academy of Research and Knowledge in Ericksonian Hypnosis, Practitioner training in Ericksonian Hypnosis

6. Carlos Castaneda, The Art of Dreaming, 1993

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The author

⫸ Mourad - Ericksonian hypnosis practitioner, trainer and founder of @morpheose

⫸ What I offer

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⫸ ex-physicist & political scientist, ex-consultant at BCG, ex-Karate competitor & a living being fascinated by consciousness.