Hypnosis is not new. As early as the 19th century, big names in neurology like Charcot, at Pitié-Salpêtrière, were already closely interested in it. After a period of obscurity in favor of medical chemistry, it is making a remarkable comeback in the 21st century.
“Neurologists have always been a little interested in this” explains Dr. Wilfrid Casseron, neurologist interviewed by
True Medical. He emphasizes that hypnosis is above all “a modified state of consciousness, a consciousness different from waking consciousness“.
Between wakefulness and sleep: the “in-between” zone
Etymologically, hypnosis takes its name from Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep. However, being under hypnosis is not sleeping. Dr Casseron uses a telling image to describe this state: that of a diver. If the surface is waking and the bottom of the water (10 meters) represents deep sleep, hypnosis is located in an intermediate zone, about 2 meters deep.
“We are neither quite on the surface nor quite in depth”specifies the neurologist. It is a state of half-consciousness where the brain remains able to perceive stimuli, but no longer processes them in the same way.
Proof through images: a brain in full activity
Thanks to modern tools such as high-precision EEG (electroencephalogram) and functional MRI, researchers have been able to prove that hypnosis is not a simple psychological suggestion, but a biological reality.
During experiments carried out at Pitié-Salpêtrière, teams demonstrated that “hypnotic deafness” could be created. By analyzing brain waves (like the P300 wave), scientists have found that the brain of a hypnotized subject no longer registers sounds in the same way: “Hypnosis is still a modified state of consciousness because there are modifications in the processing of information by the brain”.
A disconnect between intention and action
Contrary to what one might believe, the brain does not fall asleep under hypnosis; some areas even become hyperactive. This is particularly the case of the prefrontal cortex.
The paradox is there: while this movement preparation zone is intensely activated, the pure motor zones remain silent. “It’s a bit as if hypnosis allows you to disconnect the regions that allow you to prepare to make a movement and the regions that carry out the movement.” analyzes Dr. Casseron. This disconnect explains why a subject may feel like their hand is “paralyzed” or “heavy” under suggestion.
Medical hypnosis or “show” hypnosis
It is essential not to confuse the television show and therapeutic practice. If show hypnotists often use neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) techniques on very receptive subjects chosen from the public, medical hypnosis has a healing aim.
Today, it is used successfully for:
- Pain management:Hypnotherapy helps reduce painful perception in a certain number of cases” ;
- Surgery: Brain interventions are sometimes carried out under hypnosis;
- Migraines: Dr Casseron recommends it to reduce the frequency of headache attacks;
- Anxiogenic exams: To help claustrophobic patients undergo an MRI, for example.
Although we have not yet unlocked all the secrets of hypnosis, including why some are more sensitive to it than others, its effectiveness is now firmly supported. It sits on the exciting frontier between neurology and philosophy, asking us what it really means to be conscious in the world. “Neurology has proven that hypnosis is not just for show” concludes our expert.