Plasticity changes in the brain in hypnosis and meditation

Abstract

Neuroscientifi c evidence interprets both hypnotic trance induction and different meditation traditions as modifi ed states of consciousness that emphasize attention, concentration and the letting go of thoughts, but they differ in terms of sensory input, processing, memory, and the sense of time. Furthermore, hypnosis is based on the suggestibility of a person and meditation on mindfulness; therefore it is not surprising to fi nd differential brain plasticity changes. We analysed shared and non-shared neural substrates using electroencephalography (EEG), positron emission tomography (PET), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Most pronounced EEG changes were in deep as compared to light hypnosis (step-by-step induction) and in arm levitation where suggested movement was perceived as external. In a within-subject-design changes in brain activity during hypnosis and Tibetan Buddhist meditation were compared. High amplitudes in alpha frequency bands were most pronounced with meditation at frontal positions and with hypnosis in central and temporal locations. Signifi cantly greater activity in theta 2 band was observed only with hypnosis in both hemispheres. PET cerebral activation patterns of imagery-mediated learning were analysed in hypnosis in a withinsubject-design. Compared with baseline the learning of high-imagery words was associated with (i) more pronounced bilateral activation in the occipital cortex and prefrontal areas and (ii) improved memory performance. Visual illusion in hypnosis was studied with fMRI, analysed with Granger Causality Mapping, showing changes in the effective connectivity relations of fusiform gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex and intraparietal sulcus. Little is known about the neurobiological basis of the process of enhancing cognitive and emotional traits in meditation. In a longitudinal fMRI study attention abilities through intensive Soto-Zen meditation were investigated before (baseline), after training (6 months) and at follow-up (9 months). After six months differences were observed in the left inferior and left superior frontal gyrus; after 9 months activations in the left precuneus. Taken together, the fi ndings advance understanding of the neural mechanisms that underlie hypnosis and meditation. Further studies with a greater sample size are needed to explore the differences and commonalities of hypnosis and different meditation techniques.

Frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) activity and mediumship: a comparative study between spiritist mediums and controls

“…Hypnosis has three main components: absorption, dissociation and suggestibility 14 . Based on results of functional neuroimaging studies, some authors argue that highly hypnotizable individuals have frontal attentional systems that work more efficiently 15 . At the basal state, highly hypnotizable individuals usually have greater cortical coherence 16 , although some investigators report decreases in frontoposterior synchrony during hypnosis 17 .…”

Hypnosis: state of the art and perspectives for the twenty‐first century

“…fMRI-studies are in keeping with the view that a hypnotic trance actually is an altered state of consciousness (Halsband, 2004;2009). Now that hypnosis has defi nitely left the area of anecdotal realism, we are in the best condition to reclaim suggestions as a genuine, signifi cant research topic in the fi eld of hypnosis.…”

“…Hypnotic trance has special qualities as a distinctive state of awareness with the patterns of brain activities characteristic only for the hypnotic trance, setting it aside from the waking state, relaxation, sleep and even meditation. The studies performed by Ulrike Halsband (2004;2009), Amir Raz (Raz, Shapiro, Fan and Posner, 2002), Pierre Rainville (Rainville, Hofbauer, Bushnell, Duncan and Price, 2002) and other prominent researchers produced some very clear evidence in that direction. Hypnosis allows for intensifi ed experiential learning and can be utilized to facilitate therapeutic progress in many applications.…”

Neuroscience Implications of Using Hypnoanalysis: Two Case Studies

“…Research indicates hypnosis may significantly influence brain structures that need quieting and those that need enhancing (Halsband, Mueller, Hinterberger, & Strickner, 2009). Brain structures involved in implicit memory, including the amygdala and thalamus and also other structures, such as somatosensory, visual, and auditory cortexes, may be influenced by hypnosis (Barnier & McConkey, 2003;Faymonville et al, 2003;Hoeft, Gabrieli, Whitfield-Gabrieli, et al, 2012;Müller, Bacht, Prochnow, Schramm, & Seitz, 2013;Vanhaudenhuyse, Laureys, & Faymonville, 2014).…”