[Hypnosis: An ancient therapeutic practice revived in modern science].
Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki – July 02, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Brain scans reveal hypnosis creates a unique mental state, distinct from sleep or full wakefulness. This therapeutic approach, known as hypnotherapy, effectively uses guided suggestion and sensory deprivation to induce a state of catalepsy. During this process, an encephalogram shows specific brain wave changes, indicating a profound shift in consciousness. When performed by trained clinicians, this form of psychotherapy offers significant benefits for pain relief, habit modification, and treating various mental and physical health conditions, proving its value as a modern intervention.
Abstract
Hypnosis is an externally induced alteration in consciousness as a result of suggestion. Hypnotherapy, also called clinical hypnosis, is the use of hypnosis as psychological treatment, either brief or long-term psychotherapy, for alleviating pain, inducing habit modification, and treating a range of physical and mental health problems, such as psychosomatic diseases, mood and anxiety disorders, and personality or behavior disorders. In the present article, the method for therapeutic hypnosis is presented, mainly based on the first author's experience. The method involves muscle relaxation, suggestion, and sensory deprivation, which lead the hypnotized individual to become detached from the environment, allowing them to establish a connection ("rapport"), meaning they have direct contact only with the hypnologist and receive instructions without any external influences. The method used by the first author is that of "rapid" induction of catalepsy, which starts with instructions to remain still with closed eyes. The hypnologist then takes hold of the person's limbs and moves them, stimulating the kinesthetic system responsible for the proprioceptive sense of position in space, thus leading to entering the hypnotic state. Personal characteristics that are associated with the degree of hypnotizability are also presented, as well as the levels of hypnotic state depth, potential complications of hypnosis, and its contraindications, which mainly include psychosis, especially schizophrenia with delusions of influence, and the presence of prominent histrionic personality characteristics. Use of alcohol or illegal substances is not a contraindication; it is, however, noted that, in their presence, the therapeutic effect of hypnosis is uncertain in the absence of other appropriate measures and suitable therapeutic interventions. The effects of hypnosis on the electroencephalogram (EEG) are indicative that the hypnotic state is distinct both from sleep and from full wakefulness. During hypnotic catalepsy, the EEG is characterized (compared to baseline) by an increase in delta rhythm power and an increase in the amplitude and index of theta rhythm, mainly in the temporal leads of both hemispheres. Additionally, there is significant asymmetry between the right and left hemispheres. It must be noted that hypnosis is just the tool through which hypnotherapy is applied. The latter should be only performed by clinicians, psychiatrists, or psychologists trained in psychotherapy, ensuring, thus, the therapeutic value of advice that is given to patients during the period of hypnotic suggestion.