People hypnotized for pain relief may show activity in brain areas that receive pain sensations but not in brain areas that make us consciously aware of the pain. This most directly supports the theory that hypnosis involves

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The fact that people hypnotized for pain relief may show activity in brain areas that receive pain sensations but not in brain areas that make us consciously aware of the pain suggests dissociation. Dissociation, which is a splitting off of mental processes into separate, disconnected parts, is thought to be a key component of hypnosis. In this case, the dissociation is between the brain areas that receive pain signals and the brain areas that create conscious awareness of pain, allowing the person to experience pain relief without consciously feeling the pain. Imagination (A), indirect perception (B), and hallucinations (D) are not the most directly supported theories by this particular phenomenon.

People Hypnotized for Pain Relief May Show Activity in Brain