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The Science Behind Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is often seen as a mysterious or alternative practice, but did you know there’s a growing body of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness? Far from stage tricks or mysticism, hypnotherapy is grounded in neuroscience and psychology, with real results demonstrated in clinical studies.

If you’re curious about how hypnotherapy works and what research says about it, you’re in the right place.

What Happens in the Brain During Hypnosis?

brain reactions(1)

Hypnosis is a state of focused attention where the brain becomes more responsive to suggestion. Neuroscientific studies using brain imaging techniques like fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) have shown distinct changes in brain activity during hypnosis.

One groundbreaking study from Stanford University found that hypnosis changes activity in three key brain regions:

  • The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex – involved in attention and focus
  • The thalamus – filters sensory input and helps tune out distractions
  • The default mode network – linked to self-reflection and mind-wandering

These changes explain why people under hypnosis can experience heightened focus, reduced self-criticism, and an increased openness to therapeutic suggestions1.

What Can Hypnotherapy Help With?

mindful mind

Here’s a look at what scientific research has shown hypnotherapy to be effective for:

  1. Pain Management

Hypnotherapy is highly effective in reducing chronic and acute pain, and has been used in hospitals for everything from labor pain to cancer treatment.

A meta-analysis found hypnosis to be more effective than other psychological interventions for pain relief2.

  1. Anxiety and Stress

Clinical trials have shown that hypnotherapy can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress, especially when combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

A 2002 study published in The BMJ also demonstrated that hypnosis reduced procedure-related anxiety and costs in medical settings3.

  1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

One of the best-researched uses of hypnotherapy is for IBS. Studies show significant long-term relief in patients who undergo gut-directed hypnotherapy.

A landmark clinical trial found that 12 sessions of hypnotherapy led to improvement in over 70% of IBS patients — results that have been confirmed in later research4.

Is Hypnotherapy Recognized by the Medical Community?

Yes — major health organizations have recognized the therapeutic value of hypnotherapy. These include:

  • The British Psychological Society
  • The American Psychological Association
  • The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK, which recommends hypnotherapy for IBS when other treatments have not helped

While hypnotherapy is not a “magic cure,” it’s considered a valuable complementary therapy — especially when tailored to individual needs and delivered by a qualified practitioner.

In Summary: The Evidence Is Clear

pocket watch hypnosis

Hypnotherapy is more than just a relaxing experience — it’s a scientifically supported approach that taps into the brain’s natural ability to heal and change. From chronic pain and anxiety to digestive issues and habit change, studies have shown real, lasting benefits.

As researchers continue to explore the power of the mind-body connection, hypnotherapy is stepping confidently into the spotlight — with both ancient wisdom and modern science on its side.

Curious about how hypnotherapy could help you? Book a session or get in touch today — let’s explore the science of change, together. 🧘‍♀️✨

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References

 

  1. Jensen, M. P., Adachi, T., Hakimian, S. (2016). Brain activity and functional connectivity associated with hypnosis. Cerebral Cortex, 27(8), 4083–4093. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhw220 ↩
  2. Montgomery, G. H., DuHamel, K. N., Redd, W. H. (2000). A meta-analysis of hypnotically induced analgesia: How effective is hypnosis? International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 48(2), 138–153. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207140008415246 ↩
  3. Lang, E. V., Rosen, M. P. (2002). Cost analysis of adjunct hypnosis with sedation during outpatient interventional radiologic procedures. BMJ, 324(7332), 145. https://www.bmj.com/content/324/7332/145 ↩
  4. Whorwell, P. J., Prior, A., Faragher, E. B. (1984). Controlled trial of hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable-bowel syndrome. The Lancet, 324(8414), 1232–1234. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(84)92793-4 ↩