Neurophysiol. 2001 Jul;86(1):402-11.
Cortical representation of the sensory dimension of pain.
Hofbauer RK, Rainville P, Duncan GH, Bushnell MC.
Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada.
Abstract
It is well accepted that pain is a multidimensional experience, but little is known of how the brain represents these dimensions. We used positron emission tomography [...]
Monitoring real-time brain scan (fMRI) feedback of their own brains, volunteers were able to control their own pain levels, after three 13 minute sessions.
This biofeedback technique may replicate self-hypnosis. The area that they monitored of their brains was the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, which is known to modulate both the intensity and emotional impact of [...]
Scientists are confirming hypnosis makes people literally see what they believe by affecting the way their brains function. Volunteers who had their brains scanned while under hypnosis showed they were not merely doing what they were told. The scans revealed that when they were asked to see non-existent colors, they really saw them.
In the tests [...]
Christina Lossi, a psychologist at the University of Wales, Swansea UK, conducted a study of 80 cancer patients aged 6 to 16.
Those under hypnosis experienced far less pain during treatments than control children, who simply talked to the researchers normally.
Source: Gosline, A. (2004). New Scientist, September 10th 2004.
Keywords: Controlled Experiments, Uses of Hypnosis, Evidence, Hypnosis [...]
John Gruzelier, a psychologist at Imperial College in London, used functional brain imaging (fMRI), and found that hypnosis affects an area in the brain that controls higher level executive functions. Gruzelier, presented his study at the British Association for the Advancement of Science Festival in Exeter, UK.
Gruzelier said:
This explains why, under hypnosis, people can do [...]