Scientists scan brains to unlock the mystery of meditation and hypnosis

NCT ID NCT03206840

First seen Nov 21, 2025 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 25 times

Summary

This study used brain scans (fMRI) to see what happens in the brain when healthy people meditate or are hypnotized. 100 volunteers completed tasks and reported their experiences. The goal is to understand how these practices change self-awareness, which could help explain their health benefits.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hospices Civils de Lyon Hôpital le Vinatier/Inserm

    Bron, 69500, France

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could help explain how meditation and hypnosis affect the brain, potentially guiding future therapies for mental health.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage observational study in healthy volunteers, not a treatment trial. Results may not apply to people with medical conditions.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.