Summary
The Huberman Lab Podcast episode features Dr. David Spiegel, an expert in hypnosis and clinical applications of hypnosis for mind and body. Dr. Spiegel discusses the use of hypnosis for treating various ailments of the mind and body, including stress, chronic anxiety, chronic pain, and psychiatric illnesses. He also developed a simple test to determine one's degree of hypnotizability. The episode covers breathwork protocols developed by Dr. Spiegel and his collaboration with Dr. Huberman's research lab at Stanford. The Reveri app, which was developed by Dr. Spiegel and his team at Stanford and is based on clinical studies and research, is also discussed.
Dr. Spiegel explains that hypnosis can decrease activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which is responsible for detecting potential danger and helps individuals stay focused on a task. Hypnosis also increases functional connectivity between the DLPFC and the insula, which is part of the mind-body control system, and can be used to control bodily functions like gastric acid secretion. Hypnosis has been used successfully for problem-focused treatments like stress reduction and sleep disorders. Self-hypnosis can be used to train the brain networks to form stronger connections over time.
The podcast discusses the use of self-hypnosis for stress and anxiety, pain control, and phobias. A study was mentioned where a group of patients were taught self-hypnosis and had half the pain of a control group on the same amount of medication. The Spiegel Eye-Roll Test is used to assess hypnotizability. People with OCD tend to be less hypnotizable, while those with superstitions may benefit from seeing things in a different context.
Dr. Spiegel also discusses the history and concerns around hypnotic induction, particularly the use of a dangling watch. They also discuss EMDR as a form of exposure-based therapy for trauma, but note that the lateral eye movement does not add anything to the treatment. The speaker emphasizes the importance of deliberately confronting and processing trauma, rather than avoiding it, and suggests that stress inoculation can help build resilience. They also discuss the mind-body connection and the need to find a balance between being in touch with our internal landscape and not getting overwhelmed by negative feelings.
In this podcast episode, the guest discusses the mind-body connection and how it can be managed to navigate daily life. He explains that the brain should be viewed as a tool, and the body's signals should also be seen as tools to help understand what is going on in the world. The guest also discusses how hypnosis can be used to manage pain and emotional pain. He recommends categorizing pain and seeing it as an opportunity to do something about it. The guest also shares his views on grief and how it can be managed. He suggests reflecting on what the loved one left behind and seeing it as an opportunity to grow.
Overall, the podcast provides insights into the therapeutic potential of hypnosis and the importance of confronting and processing traumatic experiences. It also emphasizes the mind-body connection and the need to find a balance between being in touch with our internal landscape and not getting overwhelmed by negative feelings. The Reveri app and other resources for those interested in exploring clinical hypnosis are also discussed.
