What Happens In The Brain During Hypnotic Regression?

Hypnotic regression is a technique used in hypnotherapy to help individuals access and recall past events or memories that are otherwise unavailable to their conscious mind. The process involves inducing a hypnotic state in the individual, during which the hypnotherapist guides them to revisit certain memories or experiences that may be causing emotional or psychological distress.

The exact neural mechanisms underlying hypnotic regression are not yet fully understood. However, research has suggested that hypnotic regression may involve alterations in the functioning of various brain regions, including those involved in memory retrieval, attention, and consciousness. One possible explanation for how hypnotic regression works is based on the concept of "state-dependent memory." This theory suggests that memory retrieval is most efficient when an individual is in the same physiological or psychological state as they were during the initial encoding of the memory. In other words, if an individual was in a relaxed or hypnotic state when the memory was formed, they may be better able to access that memory when they are in a similar state later on.

Research has shown that hypnosis can indeed alter an individual's physiological state, leading to changes in brain activity. For example, a study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) found that hypnotic suggestion can modulate activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain involved in attention and working memory. Specifically, the researchers found that hypnosis reduced activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which is thought to play a role in self-awareness and executive function. This reduction in DLPFC activity may allow for greater access to unconscious memories or experiences.

Another study using fMRI found that hypnosis can increase activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a region of the brain involved in pain perception and emotional processing. This increase in ACC activity may explain why hypnosis has been found to be effective in reducing pain and anxiety in some individuals.

In addition to altering brain activity, hypnotic regression may also involve changes in brain connectivity. One study using electroencephalography (EEG) found that hypnosis increased functional connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in memory formation and retrieval. This increased connectivity may facilitate the recall of memories or experiences that are otherwise inaccessible to the conscious mind.

Overall, the exact neural mechanisms underlying hypnotic regression are still not fully understood, and further research is needed to better understand the relationship between hypnosis, brain activity, and memory retrieval. However, the available evidence suggests that hypnosis can indeed alter an individual's physiological and psychological state, leading to changes in brain activity and connectivity that may facilitate the recall of past memories and experiences.

Below is a video showing a person in a deep hypnotic state: