Your Brain & Muscles On Hypnosis
Site Disclaimer: The following article was written by “Josh B” (a different Josh than Coach Josh) in exchange for files (yes, I do accept trades).
Author Disclaimer: I am a practicing neuroscientist and biochemist at an accredited university in Canada. I have attempted to extract information from peer-reviewed journals that reflect our current understanding of hypnosis and its effects/possible effects on the human brain, as well as how these neurocognitive effects can translate to long lasting changes in human muscular performance. The truth of the matter is that we don’t fully understand how hypnosis works at a neural level. Much of our understanding of neuroscience comes from the study of laboratory animals, such as rats. This is great when we are simply looking at the effects of a stimulus (eg. sleep deprivation), but not so great when we are using the power of language and relaxation to effect change in complex behaviours (such as working out or eating better). With this being said, there is more and more information coming out all the time, and it consistently appears to show that hypnosis can have a powerful effect on the mind, and that these effects can translate to real physiological and behavioural changes.
The neuroscience behind hypnosis
Perhaps the most well accepted use of hypnosis is in its clinical use for the treatment of pain. A recent study in the journal of Pain Medicine reported that continued hypnosis reduced pain in sufferers of chronic neuropathic pain and also increased quality of life (Dorfman, 2013). Listening to personalized hypnosis at home has also been shown to strongly reduce the negative psychological symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, which allowed patients to better cope with their disease and improve quality of life (Palsson, 2002).
Though we don’t know exactly how hypnosis can reduce pain or affect cognitive change, recent studies appear to have found changes in brain activity associated with being in a hypnotic trance. In trance, the brain exhibits activity in the theta frequency range (Jensen, 2015). This activity is observed notable in REM sleep during dreaming and in waking, usually when the brain is thinking about a movement without actually doing the movement (Cantero, 2003; Wishaw & Vanderwold, 1973). Interestingly, theta waves are observed commonly when an individual is alert but still waking from sleep, a state that many find similar to a meditative and hypnotic state.
Hypnosis and fitness
So you are a bodybuilder – or you want to become one – why should you care about all this? I believe that you should care about hypnosis because neuroscience is starting to validate it as a legitimate and powerful clinical tool. It is very safe, with practically no risk to the participant. It is also very therapeutic, even in the unlikely case that the suggestions are not internalized, the sequential relaxation that is required to sink into trance is a fantastic method to slow down, relax and relieve stress. It is very well known that stress and high cortisol levels can put a person into a catabolic state, meaning that they are losing muscle mass to generate energy and possibly retaining visceral fat as emergency stores (think of your body in ‘panic mode’). Regular meditation has been shown to effectively reduce inflammatory factors in the body and therefore may confer considerable resistance to stress (Pace, 2009). Though it has yet to be studied, there is good reason to believe that hypnosis sessions may be equally as effective in reducing the body’s deleterious responses to day to day stress.
It is no secret among weightlifters that visualization of a successful lift can dramatically increase performance on that lift. Hypnosis may be able to take advantage of this benefit and even extend it, acting as a visualization method by itself and improving the ability to visualize while in the gym.
Hypnosis may also be able to directly improve performance while exercising by allowing participants to push through adverse conditions, such as lactic acid buildup during cardio or muscle fatigue. Hypnosis has been shown to effectively increase an individual’s threshold for pain and their ability to contract a muscle through noxious (painful) stimulus (Sandrini, 2000).
The right hypnotist for the job
Of course, the extremely promising results of the studies above are meaningless without an effective hypnotist and a willing subject. After my experiences with Coach Josh’s files I can honestly say that I believe him to be a highly efficacious hypnotist, especially in regards to sport and muscle building related goals. He discloses the contents of each file and is upfront with all the suggestions that each file contains, which is crucial for ethical hypnosis. I find his inductions very effective as well, he takes his time with them to ensure you reach trance, which is important because proper induction can make or break a hypnosis session.
Obviously, Coach Josh knows his way around hypnosis, and the great diversity of files that he offers demonstrates adaptability and skill. I look forward to trying out his future work and wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for the type of work that he offers!
