Parasympathetic Nervous System Activation

During hypnosis the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is activated. The PNS is responsible for rest and relaxation, often referred to as our Rest and Digest state. Activating the PNS helps reduce anxiety and promotes a sense of well-being.

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Brain Wave Activity

When you are in the hypnotic state your brain shows greater theta wave activity. Theta waves are associated with deep relaxation, heightened suggestibility and creativity. The mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions and imagery in this brain wave state.

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Imagery and Your Senses

The brain doesn’t recognize the difference between reality and imagination. Whether you are actually in a specific place, or whether you imagine you are there, the same specific brain regions are activated. These regions correspond to the senses you activate. If you imagine a calm scenario, such as walking in beautiful park, the areas of your brain responsible for vision and touch are activated. Alternatively, if you imagine a stressful situation, your brain responds as if it is real and releases stress-inducing chemicals into your body.

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Amygdala Activity During Hypnosis

Functional MRI studies show decreases in amygdala activity during hypnosis. The amygdala is the main brain structure involved in processing emotions and the stress response. While in the hypnotic state your amygdala is calmed, enabling emotional regulation and stress relief.​