The BBC website is reporting that Hypnosis has a “very real” effect that can be picked up on brain scans.
A team from Hull University, performed an imaging study in which hypnotised participants showed decreased activity in the parts of the brain linked with daydreaming or letting the mind wander.
The same brain patterns were absent in people who had the tests but who were not susceptible to being hypnotised.
One psychologist said the study backed the theory that hypnosis “primes” the brain to be open to suggestion.
Hypnosis is increasingly being used to help people stop smoking or lose weight and advisers recently recommended its use on the NHS to treat irritable bowel syndrome.
Dr William McGeown, study leader, says “This shows that the changes were due to hypnosis and not just simple relaxation.”