Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state of mind. People have experienced it many times when they daydream or get caught up in a movie, so some people might not even feel like they are in hypnosis. Often people experience a feeling of calm and relaxation in hypnosis, but it is not necessary.
Stanford researchers have found that three areas of the brain are activated during hypnosis. The first area is that of focused concentration. Some people find themselves so engaged during a session that they are not thinking about anything else. The second area of the brain activated allows people to disassociate. The feeling of disconnect allows them to be more susceptible to self-suggestion or to a hypnotists suggestion.
The third area that is activated during hypnosis is involved in brain-Healthy Body interactions. A stage hypnotist might use this to make subjects think that they have been pinched from behind, or are feeling hot as they imagine laying on a beach.
When you see a hypnotist for an issue such as sleep problems, smoking cessation, or easing stress or fears, they can help you change the brain-Healthy Body connections to improve the way you feel or behave.
