| Since the beginning of hypnosis, there has been an | | | | does experience certain, very real changes during |
| ongoing debate as to the reality of he process. There | | | | hypnosis. |
| are as many individuals who believe that hypnosis is a | | | | The use of EEGs have demonstrated that brain |
| real state of consciousness as there are individuals | | | | waves reflect subtle changes during hypnosis. High |
| who do not believe hypnosis is real. In an effort to | | | | frequency brain waves are present during the waking |
| prove whether or not a state of hypnosis can be | | | | state, and low frequency waves are more prevalent |
| induced, the scientific community has performed its | | | | during sleep. During hypnosis, there is an increase in |
| own studies and garnered significant information. | | | | low frequency waves and a decrease in high |
| Scientists have subjected individuals to a host of | | | | frequency waves, almost as if hypnosis is a state |
| examinations to determine if there are any | | | | somewhere between being awake and being asleep. |
| physiological changes that take place in the body | | | | Brain imaging technologies such as MRIs and PET |
| during hypnosis. The results have been interesting and | | | | scans have allowed scientists to view the brain of the |
| enlightening. After hooking people up to a multitude of | | | | subject during hypnosis. These studies show that the |
| machines, scientists have discovered that, although | | | | left brain, which is generally the center of activity when |
| there appears to be little change in the body during | | | | a person is awake, slows a bit in activity, and that the |
| hypnosis, the brain itself may experience significant | | | | right brain, generally considered to be the creative |
| alterations. | | | | hemisphere, shows an increase in activity during |
| Studies have shown that there are few changes that | | | | hypnosis. |
| take place in the body during hypnosis. Perhaps the | | | | Although these are just preliminary studies that need a |
| most obvious changes are a drop in heart rate and | | | | lot more research, the results are exciting in that they |
| blood pressure. This is likely due to the state of | | | | obviously indicate that the brain is experiencing some |
| relaxation that the individual enters when hypnotized. | | | | sort of change during hypnosis. The alteration of brain |
| By far the most impressive results of hypnotism are | | | | waves and brain activity as viewed on EEGs and |
| the changes that take place in the brain. | | | | MRIs, clearly indicates that hypnosis has a direct effect |
| Due to the advent of recent technology that allows | | | | on the human brain, which is exactly the center that |
| scientists to look at the brain during hypnosis, we have | | | | hypnosis strives to reach. Further study, including the |
| been able to actually see the changes that take place | | | | use of control groups, may target the area or areas of |
| during the process. Using Positron Emission | | | | the brain that are being activated during hypnosis. This |
| Technology (PET) Scans and Magnetic Resonance | | | | may further scientific study by giving scientists clearer |
| Imaging (MRI), as well as Electroencephalography | | | | information as to the function of the brain and what |
| (EEG), scientists have watched the brain react to | | | | areas perform what functions. |
| hypnosis, and they have discovered that the brain | | | | |