Medical hypnosis research

• fMRI shows different brain connectivity patterns between light (HS1) and deep hypnosis (HS2).
• Lingual gyrus is a consistently important node in both hypnosis states.
• Respiratory rate decreased significantly during hypnosis; heart rate remained the same.
• Dave Elman technique has been validated with 50 experienced participants.
• University of Zurich + OMNI collaboration confirms both academic and clinical value.
• Posterior hot zone (including the lingual gyrus) was clearly activated.
• Depth differences in hypnosis are objectively measurable in the brain.

Core findings of the fMRI study

Difference between HS1 and HS2

The fMRI results show that HS1 and HS2 are two different hypnotic states. In understandable language, the study shows that there really are two different hypnotic states – the somnambulistic state and the deeper Esdaile state. The authors conclude that different hypnosis depths exist, supported by differences in network configurations. In direct comparison of HS1 and HS2, the researchers obtained distinctive connectivity profiles, indicating that HS2 activates a different neuronal pattern than HS1.

Deep hypnosis (HS2) with matches for LSD and propofol

During deep hypnosis (HS2), changes in somatosensory processing occurred that resembled observations in LSD-induced changes in consciousness. For example, participants described sensations (e.g., extended limbs) that also occur in LSD states. Moreover, previous EEG research (Ihalainen et al.) found similar parieto-occipital connectivity patterns in propofol-induced loss of consciousness. Although pharmacological sedation and hypnosis are not identical, this highlights the corresponding involvement of parieto-occipital networks in HS2. In other words, during deep hypnosis, brain patterns were found that show similarities with states under propofol (anesthesia) and LSD (psychedelics). At the same time, there are also clear differences. What is special is that hypnosis brings about these changes without pharmacological agents, only through mental guidance.

Lingual gyrus as node in both states

In our analysis, the lingual gyrus was prominently involved in both hypnosis states. This brain region showed significant network changes in all statistical comparisons, consistent with previous findings that the lingual gyrus is a core boundary for hypnotic response. In summary, in both HS1 and HS2, the lingual gyrus acts as a consistent node in altered connectivity.

Breathing rate decreases, heart rate remains constant

Against control conditions, during hypnosis, breathing slowed significantly. The average duration of a breathing cycle increased in both HS1 and HS2. At the same time, heart rate remained nearly constant. The authors reported that heart rate (and heart rate variability) did not differ between the hypnotic and control conditions, whereas breathing patterns slowed markedly.

Dave Elman induction in 50 experienced participants

For hypnosis induction, the proven Dave Elman technique was used, adapted to the MRI environment. The study involved 50 healthy participants, all of whom had experience with this methodology. All subjects had received prior training through Hypnosis.NET/OMNI Hypnosis International and were therefore able to remain in hypnotic states during the fMRI recording.

Cooperation between UZH and OMNI Hypnosis Training Center Switzerland

This study was conducted by researchers at the University of Zurich in cooperation with Hypnosis.NET GmbH/OMNI Hypnosis International. The participants were trained by OMNI and funding also came from this collaboration. Thus, Hypnose.NET/OMNI not only provides the hypnosis training, but also co-funded these fMRI studies.

Activation of the parieto-occipital “posterior hot zone”

In both hypnotic states, strong activation occurred in parieto-occipital networks. These areas (including cuneus, precuneus, occipital and lingual nuclei) belong to the so-called “posterior hot zone” associated with altered states of consciousness. In other words, in both HS1 and HS2, the researchers saw increased activity in that posterior brain region that is important for trance-like states.

Different neural networks for HS1 and HS2

Finally, HS1 and HS2 activated distinctly different neural networks. The data suggest that the deep state HS2 differs from HS1, implying that it is not a trivial difference but a distinct brain configuration. Thus, the authors conclude that HS1 and HS2 should be viewed as two distinct hypnotic states, each with its own connectivity patterns.

From research to practice

These scientific insights are not only theoretically relevant but also help to better understand and target hypnosis in clinical practice. The distinction between different states demonstrates why healthcare professionals benefit from clear training and practice in the use of hypnosis.