Thursday, August 18, 2016

An Interesting Article on False Memories

 “What Experts Wish You Knew about False Memories,” by Julia Shaw, appeared in Scientific American 8 August 2016.  Over the years a number of hypnotists have expressed interest in age regression and some of the “false memories” that have been uncovered therewith.  The article url is below:


Saturday, July 30, 2016

"Is Hypnosis All in Your Head? Brain Scans Suggest Otherwise"

Erica Goode's article with the title above ran in The New York Times on Friday, 29 July.  She cited a recent study by Stanford researchers using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology.  

Dr. David Spiegel, a redoubtable authority on hypnosis, noted that "one particularly intriguing finding was that hypnotized subjects showed decreased interaction between a region deep in the brain that is active in self-reflection and daydreaming and areas of the prefrontal cortex involved in planning and executing tasks."  

The complete text can be accessed through this url:  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/30/science/hypnosis-brain-changes.html.  

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Hypnosis Involved In Epic Solar-Powered Flight

As of this writing, two bold pilots are attempting to fly around the world in a solar-powered plane.  This amazing effort showcases the latest technological achievements and is designed to encourage further development of clean-energy alternatives to fossil fuels.

Needless to say, the humans face a number of physiological challenges.  According to a Reuters report published today, "[Bertrand] Piccard and Andre Borschberg have been taking turns piloting the plane on each leg of the journey.  Both have trained to stay alert for long stretches of time by practicing meditation and hypnosis."

The full article:  http://www.reuters.com/article/us-solar-airplane-idUSKCN0YD03H.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

The Power of the Mind: Not Always Positive!

The BBC published David Robson's fascinating article, "The Very Real Pain of 'Imaginary' Illnesses," on Friday, 8 April (2016).  This piece reported on the work of Dr. Suzanne O'Sullivan, who has treated a number of seriously debilitated patients whose problems were apparently "all in their minds."

Psychosomatic illnesses are indeed "real" to the victims thus afflicted, and the external symptoms may include conditions as severe as blindness, muscle spasms, excruciating pain, paralysis, and seizures.  These are often addressed via cognitive behavior therapy, and I suspect that hypnosis might be successfully integrated into the program as well.

The article can be accessed at:  http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20160407-the-very-real-pain-of-imaginary-illnesses?ocid=global_future_rss&ocid=global_bbccom_email_08042016_future.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

BBC Article Links ASMR Response To Musical Stimuli

The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) refers to a variety of sensations, including "chills" down the spine, "goosebumps," and other "tingling" feelings, usually prompted by sensory stimulation (e.g., music).  Thus, this post should be of interest to those with a variety of interests.  We can point to apparent links between hypnosis and music, as well as hypnosis and ASMR.  Moreover, the skepticism about ASMR is remarkably similar to initial skepticism about hypnosis!

David Robson's piece appeared some months ago (22 July 2015), and while he did not mention ASMR specifically -- he referred instead "musical skin orgasms"! -- it is clear from the text that what he described is indeed ASMR.

Perhaps more interesting than the colorful description is the question of susceptibility.  Some people experience ASMR far more than others, while many do not experience it at all.  Similarly, of course, a few people fall into the category of "suggestively gifted elite," while others respond far less dramatically to hypnosis or hyperempiria, and some seem altogether resistant.

Obviously, these subjects all need far more research.  Meanwhile, here's the article:  http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150721-when-was-the-last-time-music-gave-you-a-skin-orgasm