Essentials: Using Hypnosis to Enhance Mental & Physical Health & Performance | Dr. David Spiegel
Huberman Lab
3 DAYS AGO
Essentials: Using Hypnosis to Enhance Mental & Physical Health & Performance | Dr. David Spiegel
Essentials: Using Hypnosis to Enhance Mental & Physical Health & Performance | Dr. David Spiegel

Huberman Lab
3 DAYS AGO
This episode explores the science and therapeutic potential of hypnosis, focusing on its neural mechanisms and real-world applications for mental and physical health. The discussion emphasizes how focused attention can reshape brain function and subjective experience, offering tools to enhance self-regulation.
Hypnosis is a state of heightened focus and cognitive flexibility, distinct from stage performances, that enables individuals to modulate pain, stress, trauma, and emotional responses. Neuroimaging shows reduced activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and altered connectivity in prefrontal and insular regions, similar to meditation, supporting improved mind-body control. It helps detach somatic sensations from emotional reactions, aiding conditions like PTSD, insomnia, and phobias by reframing internal narratives. While self-hypnosis apps like Reveri offer accessible tools, clinical guidance is recommended for trauma or complex conditions. Hypnotizability varies, with the Spiegel Eye Roll Test providing a quick assessment based on eye movement. Children and groups can also benefit under guidance, particularly in medical settings. Breathing techniques such as cyclic sighing enhance hypnotic effects by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. For OCD and highly analytical minds, hypnosis may be less effective due to overactive evaluative systems. Overall, hypnosis leverages state-dependent memory and deliberate exposure to transform how we perceive pain and emotion, turning distress into actionable insight.
00:20
00:20
Clinical self-hypnosis enhances control and cognitive flexibility
02:33
02:33
DLPFC shows increased functional connectivity with the insula during hypnosis, enabling control over bodily functions like gastric acid secretion.
06:19
06:19
Hypnosis leverages the mind-body connection to reduce stress
07:56
07:56
Hypnosis allows people to dissociate physical reactions from psychological stressors by visualizing the body in a safe place and the stressor on a screen.
11:50
11:50
People can reframe problems and activate the mesolimbic reward system faster than they think using hypnosis.
12:17
12:17
Hypnosis helped a trauma survivor realize her self-protection saved her life.
18:27
18:27
Two-thirds of users find the 1-minute refresher in the Reveri app helpful for maintaining focus and reducing stress.
20:04
20:04
The Spiegel Eye Roll Test predicts hypnotizability based on eye movement when eyelids are closed.
22:35
22:35
Closing the eyes in this practice maintains alertness instead of inducing sleep.
26:43
26:43
Hypnosis enables active pain regulation by directing attention, not just enduring sensation.
27:03
27:03
Pain should be categorized to determine if it signals re-injury or part of the healing process.
28:37
28:37
A randomized trial showed hypnosis made procedures for children easier, reducing procedure time, anxiety, and pain.