THEORIES OF HYPNOSIS:
WHAT MAKES IT WORK?

Why does Hypnosis work? This question has puzzled scientists for many decades. As with any scientific puzzle, numerous explanations have been advanced.

Physiological explanations have taken one of three main forms:

• Parasympathetic Nervous System Activation
• Brain-Wave Patterns
• Complex Interaction of both Brain Hemispheres

We will look at each of these briefly to better understand the life-altering phenomenon of Hypnosis.

* * * *

THEORY #2: Patterns of
Brain-Wave Activity

Research suggests that the Hypnotic state creates changes in the Brain-Wave of the subject. Changes in Brain Wave vastly affects human behavior.

There are four patterns of brain-wave activity. These waves can be graphically represented by use of the electroencephalograph (EEG).

THE BETA BRAIN-WAVE STATE (14-30 cps) —

The normal, awake, conscious activity of the brain is the beta brain-wave state. The beta state is high and rapid.It is a state of full alertness, physical activity and excitement. Emotional sensations in the beta state include anger, worry, fear, anxiety, tension, surprise, hunger and, as stated above, excitement.

A transition occurs with the onset of Hypnosis. As the Hypnotic subject begins to relax, an alpha brain-wave state is achieved.

THE ALPHA BRAIN-WAVE STATE (8-13 cps) —

The alpha state is state of beginning relaxation. The graphs of the alpha state show high frequency, low amplitude brain waves. In this state, the mind is relaxed but alert. It is a state of passive awareness, composure, of physical and mental relaxation. Emotional sensations in the alpha state include a sense of well-being, pleasure and tranquility.

Some electroencephaolographers differentiate alpha waves in Hypnosis from those of the brain-wave patterns in the waking state and in the sleep state. Alpha brain-wave patterns and Hypnotizability correlations were found in 1968. This discovery ushered in a new era in Hypnosis research.

WHICH BRAIN-WAVE STATES
ARE INVOLVED?

Hypnosis has been shown to span the alpha to alpha-theta to theta brain-wave states. In research studies, hypnosis has been shown to involve a change from the alert beta state to a predominantly alpha-theta state (Kissin B., Psychobiology of Human Behavior: Vol. 1. Conscious and Unconscious Programs in the Brain, NY: Plenum Medical Book, 1986). There is strong evidence for a continuum between normal waking states through relaxed states ( with predominantly alpha activity) to profound hypnotic states (where theta activity is most prominent).

These same scientists describe an alpha-theta state. This state is one of the states reached by subjects in Hypnosis. Artists, musicians and athletes are all prolific producers of alpha-theta brainwave patterns.

Zen monks, individuals using self-Hypnosis and some experienced meditators have learned with training and discipline to enter the alpha-theta state of consciousness at will. Research has indicated that, while in the alpha brain-wave state, a person is capable of accelerated learning, healing of psychosomatic illnesses, increased creativity and memory improvement.

THE THETA BRAIN-WAVE STATE ( 4-8 cps) —

The theta state is one of tranquility, creativity and very deep relaxation. Emotional sensations experienced in the theta state include restful alertness, uncertainty, daydreaming and deep tranquility.

The advent of EEG spectral analysis in 1970 led to even more studies. This research revealed the existence of a moderate to strong relationship between theta production and Hypnotizability.

W. Vogel and his coworkers D. M. Broverman and E. L. Klaiber (1968, “EEG and Mental Abilities,” Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 24, 166-175) described two types of theta brain-wave states. Theta occurring in Class I inhibition is seen most commonly in a relaxed, drowsy state, whereas theta occurring in Class II inhibition is associated with efficient, automatic and sustained mental performance. Class II theta appears to reflect a selective inattention that increases efficiency in problem solving, perceptual processing and memory retention. This form of theta is seen in the later stages of Hypnosis.

HOW DO EXPERIENCED SUBJECTS PERFORM?

Experienced Hypnotic subjects were shown to demonstrate higher levels of theta activity both during the waking state and during trance than did inexperienced controls (A. K. Tebecis, 1975, “A Controlled Study of EEG During Transcendental Meditation: Comparison with Hypnosis,” Folio Psychiatrica et Neurological Japonica, 29, 305-313). This, without showing any significant differences in the level of theta between the waking or the hypnotized subjects.

It would appear that exercises or meditation techniques that emphasize relaxation and comfort (such as TM) may be more likely to produce Class I theta as the subjects relax and become drowsy. In contrast, Hypnotic procedures or meditative techniques that emphasize selective attention ro performance of a particular task appear to be more likely to produce Class II theta (D. L. Schacter, 1977, “EEG Theta Waves and Psychological Phenomena: A Review and Analysis,” Biological Psychology, 5, 47-82).

THE DELTA BRAIN-WAVE STATE (.05-4 cps) —

The delta state is the brain-wave state experienced in the deepest stages of sleep. It is a state of total unawareness, of unconsciousness. There are no feelings in this state, hence no emotional sensations are associated with the delta state. The delta brain-wave state is not reached in Hypnosis.

* * * *

Perhaps you can now visualize ways to purposefully utilize brain-wave states to create benefit in your life? Would you benefit from enhanced creativity? memory improvement? complete relaxation? tranquility? accelerated learning? a sense of well-being? All of these can be yours! Hypnosis automatically brings these benefits into your experience.

Workings of Hypnosis: Theory #3