How Does Hypnosis Work

Welcome to Real Hypnotic Hypnosis! If you’ve ever wondered how hypnosis works and how it can create meaningful changes in your life, you’re in the right place.

 

Hypnosis is a powerful tool that taps into the subconscious mind, helping you unlock your potential, overcome challenges, and achieve your goals.

 

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused awareness where your mind becomes highly responsive to suggestions. Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not about losing control or being in a trance where you’re unaware of what’s happening.

 

Instead, it’s a state of deep relaxation and concentration, much like the feeling you get when you’re absorbed in a good book or a movie.

 

How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis works by bypassing the conscious mind and communicating directly with the subconscious. The subconscious mind is where your beliefs, habits, and memories are stored. By accessing this part of the mind, hypnosis can help you reprogram old patterns, release negative thoughts, and create positive changes in your behavior and mindset.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how hypnosis works:

  • Induction

The hypnotist guides you into a relaxed state using a series of calming techniques. This helps quiet your conscious mind, allowing you to focus inward.

  • Deepening 

Once relaxed, the hypnotist deepens your state of hypnosis, increasing your focus and receptivity to suggestions. This is often achieved through visualizations, counting, or deep breathing exercises.

  • Suggestion

 In this heightened state of awareness, the hypnotist provides positive suggestions that align with your goals. These suggestions are designed to influence your subconscious mind, helping you adopt new behaviors or beliefs.

  • Awakening

After the suggestion phase, the hypnotist gently brings you out of hypnosis, leaving you feeling refreshed and empowered.

 The Science Behind Hypnosis

Hypnosis, The Brain, and Brain Waves

Although hypnosis has been used for at least as long as recorded history (), we are only now beginning to get a glimpse of its neurophysiological underpinnings.

 

During the past decade, in particular, researchers have taken advantage of imaging technology to identify areas of the brain and brain activity patterns associated with both (1) differences between those who score high (so called “highs”) versus those who score low (so called “lows”) on measures of trait hypnotizability and (2) how the human brain responds to hypnotic inductions and suggestions..

Curious to know if you are a "high" or "low"? 

The knowledge gained from recent research has had a tremendous impact on the field, both by helping to validate the effects of hypnosis as being “real” (i.e., as having reliable effects on objective measures of brain activity and function) and by increasing our understanding of the biological mechanisms of hypnosis.

The Hypnosis Frequency

Enter the Theta frequency, the smooth jazz of brainwaves, operating at a slower 4-8 Hz tempo.

It's like a gentle lullaby that ushers you into deep relaxation.

During the Theta State, your mind drifts into a dreamy realm characterized by vivid imagery, creativity, and profound tranquility

Brainwave 

Frequencies

Gamma Brainwaves (38-44 Hz)

For even more intense levels of processing, concentration, and learning, you’ve got gamma brainwaves. Usually measured between 30 and 44 Hz, this is the only frequency group found in every part of the brain and is triggered when the brain needs to process information from different areas of the brain at the same time.

 

Gamma brain wave benefits include higher IQ, better memory, faster problem-solving, deeper clarity, and even compassion and happiness. Physiologically, gamma and theta work together to increase overall cognitive function.

 

Low gamma activity has been linked with impaired mental processing, limited memory, and learning difficulties.

 

While the evidence is still lacking, researchers believe that brain training to induce gamma brainwaves could increase intelligence.

Beta Brainwaves (13-38 Hz)

Beta brainwaves are the predominant waking brain state for most modern adults — especially when you’re engaged in your work, listening, problem-solving, or processing information. In beta, you can be relaxed, but you’re focused and alert.

 

While beta brainwaves from 13 to almost 40 Hz, higher frequencies can induce anxiety for some people.[8]

 

In fact, you can divide beta brainwaves into the following three subtypes:

  • Low beta: These range from about 13 to 15 Hz and are present when you’re thinking.
  • Beta waves: From 15-22 Hz, you’re likely performing a mental activity or otherwise focusing on something.
  • High beta: These range from about 22-38 Hz. and occur when you’re more agitated, excited, or anxious. These are also present when you’re experiencing something new or engaging in complex thoughts or problem-solving.

 

The benefits of beta waves range from increased concentration and focus to motivation, enhancement of reading and language, and a decrease in ADD and ADHD symptoms.[9]

Alpha Brainwaves (9-12 Hz)

Alpha waves are between 9 and 12 Hz, peaking around 10 Hz for most people. Healthy alpha activity promotes a calm, relaxed mood — not a brain state you’d want for complex problem-solving. Think of alpha like a wakeful rest, where you can think but you’re not particularly focused on anything.

 

Alpha brainwaves are associated with increased creativity,[5] creative problem solving, and a decrease in depressive and anxious thoughts.[6]

 

One study suggests that increasing both alpha and theta activity in the brain’s occipital lobes via neurofeedback help decrease anxiety and improve overall function in people with generalized anxiety disorder[7]

Theta Brainwaves (3.5-8 Hz)

Theta activity is still slow but not nearly as slow as delta waves. At 3.5 to about 8 Hz, theta brainwaves occur most often when you’re asleep or suspended in that place between being asleep and awake.

 

A theta state is associated with REM sleep and dreaming, and it’s possible to detect theta brainwaves while in deep states of relaxation or meditation. Interestingly, researchers also detect theta waves in creative flow states, which can feel like you’re getting lost in a particular task like running, painting, or even a more intellectually-driven task like writing.

 

Theta waves are essential for learning, memory, creativity, and intuition. So, physiologically, it’s good for you to spend some time in theta state for mind-body integration, memory, and learning retention.

 

Children up to about 13 years old are in theta state quite a bit, even when they’re wide awake, but that’s very rare in adults. This might account for children’s active and often wild imaginations and creativity.

 

Delta Brainwaves (0.1 to 3.5 Hz)

Delta brainwaves are the lowest and slowest frequencies recorded in humans, ranging from 0.1 to 3.5 Hz. Delta waves are associated with restorative, dreamless, non-REM sleep and the deepest levels of relaxation.

 

While delta waves only show up in healthy adults during deep sleep, this is the predominant frequency in infants up to one year old, even while awake. Delta wave activity then declines over time, with a 25% drop during slow-wave sleep in adolescence and another significant overall drop in your 40s.[1][2]

 

Without high delta activity, you may not get the deep, restorative rest your brain and body need to recover, store information, and operate on all cylinders when you’re awake.

 

There are some “abnormal” instances of high delta[3] observed in people with attention deficit disorder (ADD), specifically when they’re trying to focus. You can also spot high delta in people with brain injuries[4] and learning disabilities.

 

What Can Hypnosis Help With?

Stress and Anxiety Management:

  • Hypnosis induces a deep state of relaxation, helping individuals reduce stress and anxiety. By accessing the subconscious mind, it allows for the release of tension and promotes a sense of calm.

Improved Sleep
  • Hypnosis can be an effective tool for addressing sleep issues like insomnia. It helps in calming the mind, reducing racing thoughts, and promoting deeper, more restful sleep.

Pain Management:
  • Hypnosis has been used to manage chronic pain and reduce the perception of pain. It can be particularly effective for conditions like migraines, arthritis, and fibromyalgia, as well as for pain management during childbirth.

Self-Confidence:
  • Boost your self-esteem and confidence by changing negative self-perceptions.

Behavioral Change
  • Hypnosis is often used to help individuals overcome unwanted habits or behaviors, such as smoking, overeating, or procrastination. It works by accessing the subconscious mind to reprogram thought patterns and behaviors.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

  • Hypnosis provides a unique opportunity for self-exploration and personal growth. It allows individuals to connect with their inner selves, uncover hidden potential, and achieve personal goals.

 

Enhanced Focus and Concentration
  • Hypnosis can improve mental focus and concentration, making it a useful tool for students, professionals, and athletes. It helps in eliminating distractions and enhancing mental clarity.

Improved Self-Confidence
  • Hypnosis can boost self-esteem and confidence by reprogramming negative self-beliefs. It helps individuals develop a more positive self-image and overcome self-doubt.

Weight Loss
  • Hypnosis can support weight loss efforts by addressing the emotional and psychological factors related to eating habits. It helps in reinforcing healthy eating behaviors and improving motivation for exercise.

Enhanced Creativity
  • Hypnosis can stimulate creativity by allowing the mind to explore new ideas and perspectives without the constraints of conscious thought. It’s often used by artists, writers, and innovators to enhance creative thinking.

Overcoming Fears and Phobias
  • Hypnosis can help individuals confront and overcome fears and phobias by desensitizing them to the triggers and reprogramming their response to those triggers.

Improved Performance
  • Hypnosis is widely used in sports psychology to enhance athletic performance. It helps athletes focus, visualize success, and stay motivated, which can lead to improved outcomes.

Strengthened Immune System
  • Some studies suggest that hypnosis can have a positive effect on the immune system by reducing stress and promoting relaxation, which in turn can enhance the body’s natural defenses.

Support for Medical Conditions
  • Hypnosis can be used as a complementary therapy for various medical conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), asthma, and hypertension. It helps in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.

Enhanced Learning and Memory
  • Hypnosis can improve learning and memory retention by increasing focus and reducing mental barriers. It is often used by students to enhance academic performance.
Brain Wave Frequencies

Is Hypnosis Safe?

Yes, hypnosis is completely safe.

It’s a natural process that you’re in control of the entire time. You can’t be made to do anything against your will, and you can emerge from hypnosis whenever you choose. At Real Hypnotic Hypnosis, we ensure a safe, supportive environment where your well-being is our top priority.

Why Choose Real Hypnotic Hypnosis?

At Real Hypnotic Hypnosis, we are dedicated to helping you achieve the transformation you seek. Our certified hypnotists have extensive experience and are committed to guiding you through your journey with compassion and professionalism. Whether you’re new to hypnosis or have experienced it before, we tailor each session to your unique needs, ensuring that you get the most out of your experience.

Get Started Today!

Ready to discover the power of hypnosis? Contact us today to schedule your first session and take the first step toward a better, more fulfilled life. At Real Hypnotic Hypnosis, we’re here to help you unlock your full potential.