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At London Hypnotics, nestled in the heart of Islington at 364 City Road, I’ve had the privilege of helping people reclaim their health, happiness, and confidence using a powerful phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, chronic pain, IBS, or emotional trauma, the science behind how our brains change gives us real hope—and hypnotherapy is one of the most effective tools to harness this change.
What Is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity is your brain’s incredible ability to rewire itself. For decades, scientists believed that the adult brain was fixed and unchangeable. But now we know that the brain remains plastic—flexible and adaptable—throughout your life.
Every thought you think, every habit you repeat, every emotion you experience, leaves a trace in the brain. Neurons that fire together wire together. Over time, those neural pathways become stronger—whether they’re helpful (like feeling calm before a public talk) or harmful (like the spiral of panic during IBS flare-ups). Neuroplasticity means that these patterns aren’t set in stone. They can be unlearned and relearned.
Where Hypnotherapy Comes In
Hypnotherapy creates the ideal internal environment for change. When you’re in hypnosis, your brain enters a state similar to deep meditation—deeply relaxed, yet highly focused and receptive. This isn’t sleep; it’s a natural, immersive state where your subconscious mind becomes more open to suggestion and learning.
In this state, we can bypass old limiting beliefs and install new, healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and responding. You’re not “zoned out.” You’re deeply tuned in—to yourself, to your inner resources, and to the healing you’re ready for.
The Neuroscience of Hypnosis and Change
Let’s dive deeper into what’s happening in the brain during hypnotherapy, and why it’s such a powerful catalyst for neuroplasticity:
🔹 1. Brainwave Shifts Enhance Suggestibility
During hypnosis, your brain shifts from fast beta waves to slower alpha and theta brainwaves. These are associated with relaxed alertness and increased receptivity, making it easier for the brain to encode new neural pathways.
(Gruzelier, 2002)
🔹 2. Reduced Default Mode Network (DMN) Activity
The DMN, responsible for self-referential thinking and mental chatter, quiets down in hypnosis. This reduction in overthinking makes space for deeper emotional and behavioural change.
(McGeown et al., 2009)
🔹 3. Strengthening of Executive Control Networks
fMRI studies show hypnosis enhances communication between the prefrontal cortex (decision-making) and the insula (bodily awareness), improving self-regulation, interoception, and emotional stability.
(Hoeft et al., 2012)
🔹 4. Sensory and Pain Modulation
Hypnosis changes how the brain processes pain and gut signals by reducing activity in the somatosensory cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, which handle discomfort and emotional pain.
(Rainville et al., 1997; Jensen et al., 2006)
Examples of Hypnotherapy and Neuroplasticity in Action
Chronic Pain and IBS
Pain is not always a measure of damage—it’s a product of how the brain interprets signals. Hypnotherapy helps retrain the brain to turn down the pain volume. For IBS clients, gut-directed hypnotherapy targets the gut-brain axis, often easing symptoms dramatically.
(Whorwell et al., 1984; Miller & Whorwell, 2008)
Anxiety and Stress
When you’re stuck in anxious loops, your brain is rehearsing fear. Hypnotherapy interrupts that rehearsal and replaces it with calm, control, and confidence—retraining your emotional response system.
(Hammond, 2010)
Depression
Depression carves deep grooves of negative thinking in the brain. Through guided imagery, cognitive suggestions, and future pacing, hypnotherapy rebuilds hope, motivation, and emotional resilience.
(Alladin & Alibhai, 2007)
A Collaborative Process
You’re not passive in this process. Hypnotherapy isn’t something “done to” you—it’s something we do together. Your brain learns and adapts with every session. And as you begin to feel better, you reinforce those new neural connections.
This isn’t about “positive thinking.” It’s about deep, sustainable change, rooted in how your mind and body work.
Your Brain Is Listening. What Are You Telling It?
Neuroplasticity means change is always possible. Your brain can learn to think differently, feel differently, and even heal differently. Whether you’re overwhelmed by anxiety, in chronic discomfort, or disconnected from your body—there is a pathway to healing.
If you’re ready to explore how hypnotherapy can help you rewire your mind and body, I invite you to book a consultation.
Let’s begin your transformation—together.
Antonios
Founder & Hypnotherapist, London Hypnotics
http://london-hypnotics.co.uk
References
Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. Penguin.
Montgomery, G. H., et al. (2000). “The effectiveness of hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.68.1.16
Whorwell, P. J., Prior, A., & Faragher, E. B. (1984). “Controlled trial of hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable-bowel syndrome.” Gastroenterology, 86(6), 1662–1667. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-5085(84)90013-9
Miller, V., & Whorwell, P. J. (2008). “Hypnotherapy for functional gastrointestinal disorders: A review.” International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 56(3), 279–292. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207140802070908
Hammond, D. C. (2010). “Hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 14(2), 134–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2009.10.006
Jensen, M. P., et al. (2006). “Hypnosis for chronic pain management: A new hope.” Pain, 123(1-2), 195–196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2006.06.019
Alladin, A., & Alibhai, A. (2007). “Cognitive hypnotherapy for depression: An empirical investigation.” International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(2), 147–166. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207140601177939
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