Unlocking the Mind: How the Reticular Activating System (RAS) Powers Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

When people hear the word "hypnosis," they often think of swinging watches or stage performances. But beneath the surface, hypnosis taps into some of the brain's most fascinating systems—especially the Reticular Activating System (RAS). The RAS is a bundle of nerves located in the brainstem that acts like a filter, deciding which sensory information gets noticed and which gets tuned out. It's responsible for keeping us alert, focused, and aware of what's important. Without it, we would be overwhelmed by the millions of stimuli bombarding us every second. Understanding the RAS gives incredible insight into why hypnosis works so effectively.

During hypnosis, one of the goals is to bypass the "critical factor" of the mind—essentially the part that's always analyzing and filtering information. Interestingly, that's exactly what the RAS is doing on a physical level. In a hypnotic state, the RAS is gently shifted from its usual alert and vigilant mode to a more relaxed, selective mode. This means it begins to focus intensely on a limited set of ideas or suggestions, often those introduced by the hypnotist or self-hypnosis process. As a result, the mind becomes more receptive, and outside distractions fade into the background, allowing deeper absorption of hypnotic suggestions. This focused attention is key to how the brain works during hypnosis—it allows new ideas to bypass the critical, analytical mind and reach deeper layers of the subconscious.

Another way the RAS connects to hypnosis is through the concept of priming. In everyday life, if you start thinking about buying a red car, suddenly it feels like you see red cars everywhere. That's the RAS at work, highlighting what you’ve subconsciously tagged as important. In hypnosis, suggestions like "you are becoming more confident" or "you feel more relaxed" prime the RAS to notice experiences that reinforce those ideas. Over time, this can create powerful changes in perception, habits, and even physical sensations because the brain begins to filter reality differently based on those hypnotic cues.

In short, the Reticular Activating System is like the brain’s gatekeeper, controlling what we focus on and what we ignore. Hypnosis skillfully leverages this system to create deep states of focus and suggestibility, making change possible at a profound level. Whether you're trying to overcome anxiety, improve performance, or shift a stubborn habit, understanding the role of the RAS gives hypnosis a whole new level of credibility—and it shows that far from being "mind control," it's actually about working with the brain’s natural systems to create positive, lasting change. Change your mind and you'll change your life.

David Klaproth is a clinically trained and certified hypnotherapist, with a degree in mind-body psychology from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, College of Hypnotherapy, in Tarzana, California. He specializes in helping clients manage stress, anxiety, quit smoking, improve confidence and general self-improvement. He helps clients worldwide become happier, healthier and more productive, becoming the person they really want to be. For more information about hypnosis and hypnotherapy, visit http://www.KlaprothHypnosis.com