Brain Entrainment and Hypnotic Voice

Over the past 70 years there has been solid scientific research behind brainwave entrainment. In are pharmacological-oriented medical culture, it has not been emphasized as much as it should for its medical and psychological value. While light and sound has been emphasized traditionally, the role of the human voice has heretofore been ignored. Using the vocal talents of competent hypnotists as an entrainment device offers some intriguing avenues for further research and discussion.

The history of entrainment has some interesting aspects. Not long after the discovery of the Alpha brainwave by Hans Berger in 1929, researchers found that the strength of a wave could be "driven" beyond its natural frequency using flickering lights. In 1942 Dempsey and Morrison discovered that tactile stimulation could produce entrainment. And, in 1959 Dr. Chatrian observed that auditory entrainment occurs in response to clicks at a frequency of 15 per second. In 1973 Dr. Gerald Oster explained that the combination of two pure tones in a rhythmic beat, thereby causing Binaural and Monaural Beats, could produce strong cortical responses.

Findings in entrainment theory have been used for medical purposes since the 1960's. M.S. Sadaove, MD, used photic stimulation to reduce the amount of anesthesia needed for surgery. Bernard Margolis published an article noting its use for dental procedures, resulting in less anesthesia, less gagging, and a general reduction of anxiety. In the 1980's Norman Shealey, MD, Ph.D., researched the use of entrainment for headache relief, serotonin and HGH release as well as general relaxation.

What researchers have been finding is that brainwave alteration and stimulation can be very effective for treatments of many mental and physical states. Indeed, there are certain bands or subcategories of brainwaves that are related to specific functions of the body and mind. Certain excitatory stimulation can promote endorphin stimulation and the release of dopamine. This could be useful for achieving motivation, alertness, and combating certain types of ADD (other than Overactive ADD). On the other hand, stimulation can also lead to increase relaxation thus improving serotonin production, improving learning receptivity, and treat Overactive ADD.

The sources of stimulation which have traditionally been studied have been photic (light), sound, and tactile. Little has been discussed regarding the use of the human voice. Indeed, it should be well accepted that the range, tone, tempo, and melody of the hypnotist's voice is a very big part process of hypnosis. Unfortunately, this is an intentional skill that has only been mastered by a mere few contemporary hypnotists. And, it is lacking in many to include a majority of self-styled master hypnotists, board certified hypnotists, and other practitioners of hypnosis and guided imagery. On the other hand, I just love listening to old recordings of David Elman and Ormond McGill, Ph.D., two hypnotists with very effective vocal skills. These are just two examples of practitioners who had somewhat uncanny abilities to use their voice hypnotically. (Note that Elman was also a long-time radio personality and McGill has a very accomplished stage hypnotist with international training to include Indian mystics.)

How can a voice entrain the brainwaves of a subject? Personally, I believe that all brain wave entrainment involves the recently discovered concept of mirror neurons. Just a few years ago, German neuroscientists found that same prefrontal neurons fire in monkeys both when they perform an action (such as eating) AND when they observe others performing such an action. More recent research also found that similar mirror neuron firing occurred in other parts of the brain to include the cingulate gyrus, which acts of the switchboard of our thoughts. What was also amazing about these findings is that this phenomenon only occurred when there was a certain level of rapport or kinship. This means that our inner thoughts can and do get replicated in others with whom we feel a connection. People actually feel what others feel. This is the secret of empathy.

So, if our thoughts (and brainwaves) can be altered to match those of either another person or stimulated by photic, auditory, or tactile input, wouldn't make sense that inner emotions and thoughts of one person can be replicated in a subject. If a subject's attention can be overloaded by vocal manipulation, it stands to reason that as the critical faculty has been suspended and suggestive thought can be potentiated (hence, the definition of hypnosis), that any subsequent non-verbal communication would be rapidly and thoroughly accepted by the subconscious mind to include the autonomic nervous system. This means that if a skilled operator can communicate his or her emotions effectively through vocal skills, the subject is bound to be influenced.

The hypnotic voice is not one of boredom and monotony. Too often when I read instructions for conducting a self or hetero hypnosis session the author instructs that the script reader do so in a monotone voice. Indeed, monotony can bore someone into a trance state. And, unfortunately this level of amateurish talent has been the mainstay of many a certified hypnotist (to include board certified) sanctioned by the major hypnosis organizations. It is highly unfortunate that the voice as a hypnotic tool has been underemphasized. I hope that this article will help bring this as an issue to the forefront of awareness in the hypnosis community.