Scientific research

Scientists have been studying hypnosis for a very long time. There is no question that it is a real phenomen with with practical real-world applications. There is some debate as to whether "hypnotized" should be considered a completely different "state of consciousness" separate from "awake" and "asleep," but there is no doubt that it is real.

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding its mechanisms and potential applications.

Mechanisms of Hypnosis
Numerous studies have investigated the underlying mechanisms of hypnosis. Neuroimaging studies, such as the work by Faymonville et al. (2000), have revealed distinct patterns of brain activation during hypnotic trance. These patterns suggest that hypnosis involves alterations in cortical processing and the modulation of attentional networks.

Other studies, such as those conducted by Oakley and Halligan (2009), have explored the role of suggestion in hypnosis. They found that hypnotic suggestions can influence various cognitive processes, including perception, memory, and pain perception. These findings support the idea that hypnosis relies on the power of suggestion to elicit behavioral and psychological changes.

Therapeutic Applications
Hypnosis has shown promise as a therapeutic tool for various conditions. For instance, a systematic review by Elkins et al. (2007) examined the efficacy of hypnosis in treating chronic pain and found significant benefits compared to control conditions. Another study by Montgomery et al. (2002) demonstrated the effectiveness of hypnosis in reducing anxiety and improving the well-being of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Furthermore, research has explored the use of hypnosis in treating specific disorders. A study by Schoenberger et al. (1996) examined the efficacy of hypnosis in treating insomnia and found it to be a valuable adjunct to standard treatment. However, further research is needed to determine the precise mechanisms by which hypnosis exerts its therapeutic effects.

Limitations and Controversies
Despite the progress made, the scientific understanding of hypnosis is not without its limitations and controversies. One challenge is the subjective nature of hypnotic experiences, making it difficult to measure and compare results across individuals. Moreover, the extent to which hypnosis can produce long-term changes in behavior and cognition remains unclear. Many of these studies rely on the concept of suggestibility or hypnotizability as standardized metrics, despite controversy surrounding the concepts.

There are ongoing debates regarding the role of individual differences in hypnotizability. Studies such as those conducted by Spiegel et al. (1982) and Raz et al. (2002)  have investigated the factors that contribute to hypnotic susceptibility and its correlation with various psychological traits. These findings suggest that hypnotizability may be influenced by a combination of genetic, physiological, and psychological factors. Outside of laboratory settings, however the prevailing wisdom is that subjects with so-called low hypnotizability scores simply need a more personalized technique.