Stageshow novelty act or legitimate, scientific method to bust habits and improve wellbeing? Relax, take a deep breath and find out more.
Anyone who has seen a hypnosis stage show and witnessed sane, rational people reduced to clucking chickens or dancing monkeys, might approach hypnosis with a hefty dose of scepticism, but hypnosis is actually rooted in centuries of scientific research and clinical experience.
So how does it work and should you give it a go? Dr David Spiegel, renowned psychiatrist and brain expert from Stanford University who has now co-founded the Reveri self-hypnosis app, gives us the lowdown.
What is the science behind hypnosis?
“Hypnosis has been used in various forms for centuries – indeed, it is the oldest Western conception of psychotherapy. It wasn’t until 1843 that Scottish surgeon Dr James Braid popularised the term ‘hypnosis’, his central thesis that creating an altered state of highly focused concentration and attention can guide the brain towards a more suggestible state.
“Along with many other colleagues over the years, I have produced hundreds of research papers and conducted numerous clinical trials proving the efficacy of practising hypnosis to rewire neural networks and change peoples’ habits - whether sleep related, stress management, pain control, alcohol dependence, or just the way they view themselves.”
How does someone become hypnotised?
“People often misunderstand the value, safety and impact of being hypnotised but all it means is that you are taken into an altered mental subconscious state where you remain fully in control, but your brain is open to perceptual modulation and changes in thinking.”
Does hypnosis work for everyone?
“Very early in the clinical and scientific exploration of hypnosis, it was apparent that some people respond more than others to hypnotic suggestions, typically the more abstract and creative thinkers. It’s the daydreamer in us that allow our minds to be most open to hypnosis – ease with valuing experience over rational analysis.
“More than two-thirds of adults are hypnotisable, with about 20% having high hypnotisability. Studies show hypnotisability contributes to the effectiveness of hypnosis sessions, such as when targeting pain, weight loss, smoking, and potentially for anxiety and even asthma. The Reveri app has a hypnotisability test built into the product experience so you can find out your score before you start your hypnosis journey.
“That said, we've had people using the app who got a lower score on our hypnotisability test, and still quit smoking after three sessions. So, in short, yes it can work for everyone, but you have to start believing your mind is capable of change. My advice to anyone considering it is just to give it a try. You've got nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Unlike drugs with side effects, the worst thing that happens with hypnosis is that it doesn’t work.”
What is hypnosis most successful for treating?
“At Reveri, we treat people for sleep issues, anxiety and stress problems, focus challenges, alcohol, smoking and vaping addiction, chronic pain and more. That said, I've used hypnosis in my career to treat everything from PTSD with war veterans, to asthma issues in children. I truly believe it can help combat almost any challenge you're facing.”
Can hypnosis be dangerous?
“Not at all. On the contrary, self-hypnosis actually enables you to be fully in control of your own mind and therefore much more empowered to make choices that help you live a happier, healthier life. I've devoted my life to this incredible practice and can safely say I've experienced first-hand how it can be quite the opposite of dangerous – life-changing, in fact.”
Special Offer: Want to try self-hypnosis? The Reveri app is offering Prevention readers 20% off – just enter the code PREVENTION at checkout. Valid until 30/12/24.
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