Huberman Lab Dr. David Spiegel: Using Hypnosis to Enhance Mental & Physical Health & Performance
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Feb 21, 2022 
Dr. David Spiegel, a leading expert in clinical hypnosis from Stanford University, delves into the transformative power of hypnosis for mental and physical health. He discusses its applications in treating trauma, chronic pain, and anxiety, and shares fascinating case studies. Dr. Spiegel explains how self-hypnosis can enhance sleep and reduce stress, and he highlights its neurological benefits for cognitive flexibility. Listeners also learn how to identify their hypnotizability and why focused attention can reshape bodily functions and emotional responses.
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Asthma and Hypnosis
- Dr. Spiegel recounts helping a 16-year-old girl with severe asthma using hypnosis.
- The girl's asthma attack was so bad that traditional treatments failed, and anesthesia was considered.
Stage Hypnosis Incident
- Stage hypnotists select highly hypnotizable individuals, which can lead to unexpected outcomes.
- Dr. Spiegel's father treated a woman distressed by a stage hypnotist's suggestion of a bird.
Hypnosis Brain Changes
- Hypnosis involves decreased activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), reducing distractions.
- It increases connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the insula, enhancing mind-body control.