*Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis*

self-report assessment methods to explore facets of mindfulness. Assessment. 2006;**13**(1):27-45

[61] Cohen J. Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences. 2nd ed. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum; 1988

[62] Cumming G. Understanding the New Statistics. New York: Routledge; 2012. p. 519

**73**

**Chapter 4**

**Abstract**

Consciousness

**1. Introduction**

Inner Navigation and Theta

Activity: From Movement

to Cognition and Hypnosis

Consciousness

According to the Sphere Model of

*Patrizio Paoletti, Tal Dotan Ben-Soussan and Joseph Glicksohn*

EEG theta (4–7 Hz) activity is closely related to hypnosis and hypnotic analgesia, as well as to meditation and absorption. Research further indicates that theta oscillatory power is involved in different cognitive functions, such as spatial navigation, memory, creativity, and divided attention. The current manuscript will provide a synthesis of current knowledge regarding the importance of theta's different roles in relation to hypnosis and their connections to movement. Indeed, several movement paradigms, such as Quadrato Motor Training, have been found to modulate theta activity, significantly improving cognition and emotional well-being. The utility of such movement paradigms as a therapeutic vehicle closely related to hypnosis, and the underlying characteristics allowing these neuromodulations, will be discussed. Finally, the relationships between diagonal movement and other psychological phenomena, especially intentionality, attention, and the Sphere Model of Consciousness, will be highlighted.

**Keywords:** hypnosis, meditation, movement, theta, EEG, Sphere Model of

particularly the Sphere Model of Consciousness (SMC).

Considering the many positive effects of hypnosis, such as relief from chronic pain [1, 2], the ability to enhance hypnotizability has considerable clinical utility. Hypnosis can be defined as an altered state of attention, receptivity, and concentration during which the hypnotized person is immersed in a suggestion [3–5]. Hypnosis can modulate perceptual, motor, emotional, and cognitive processes by producing changes in subjective experience and in behavior, such as greater relaxation, changes in perception of the body and/or of the environment, and increased imagination [6–8]. While neurophysiological data may not completely resolve the debate around hypnosis as an altered state of consciousness (ASC) [9, 10], they do offer interesting clues regarding the role that intentionality and specific types of attention may play in hypnosis. Furthermore, the debate about hypnosis as an ASC could benefit from a reframing in light of current theories of consciousness,
