tDCS and Hypnosis Experiments: Insight or Imagination?

 Disclaimer: The following information is intended for research purposes only. It’s in no way a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a mental health, medical physician or other qualified provider with any questions you may have regarding a psychological or medical condition. Never disregard professional psychological or medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve read in this research material, as it’s in no way recommendations for psychological or medical advice.

tDCS and Hypnosis Experiments: Insight or Imagination?

For this experiment, four (4) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) sessions were conducted for “insight” over a four-week period in Dec. 2023, two with self-hypnosis and two without. The anode was placed on the right temporal (T4), while the cathode was placed on the left temporal (T3).

“Based on results from clinical trials, it is hypothesized that tDCS increases mental insight by decreasing cortical excitability in the left hemisphere of the brain while subsequently increasing cortical excitability in the right hemisphere,” according to totaltdcs.com.

The Caputron ActivaDose II device was used with 3” x 3” electrodes.  

Larger electrodes are recommended (3” x 3”), as they spread electricity over a wider skin surface, and can be less abrasive in terms of the “electric shock” feeling. The smaller electrodes (2” x 2”) target electricity to a more-condensed/restricted skin zone, and thus can create an unpleasant (and sometimes painful) sensation.

It’s highly recommended to keep current below 2 milliamps (mA), as higher currents can have painful side effects. Currents between 3-4 mA are likely too high for most clients, and may cause intense discomfort.

Here’s a breakdown of the notes from each session:

Session 1:

Time/Date: Dec. 1, 2023 at approximately 4 p.m.

Duration: Approx. 15 minutes.

Notes: Session was conducted WITHOUT self-hypnosis. Dose set at 63.6 percent. Current 3.6 mA. Client* was instructed to focus on increasing his insight (or intuition), take inventory of his thoughts, and jot down notes as ideas arise.

As electricity ramped up, client reported feeling “a lightness… almost like floating.”

He experienced a “pressure release” in his forehead, and said it felt like “tripping on a low dose of mushrooms.” The client has taken psilocybin several times in the past in varying quantities from micro-dosing to consuming larger amounts of up to, or exceeding, an eighth ounce (3.5 grams).

Client’s notes, both verbal and written, include, but are not limited to:

“Listen!” (Clearing one’s mind, so divine information can enter. This data is blocked when the minded is clouded with thoughts and desires)  

“Stop trying to mold reality, let it flow through you.” 

“Whatever you need you’ll receive it – don’t worry.”

“Be a vessel for knowledge.”

“[You] can ask questions, be open to answers, don’t think you have them all [answers].”

“Trust gut instincts.”

“Unclogged portal [of divine knowledge]/receiver, let it stay open, ask when questions arise.”

“Thank you for this knowledge and info.” (expressing gratitude)   

*For readability purposes, I refer to myself in the third-person as “client” in this research article.

Session 2:

Time/Date: Dec. 8, 2023 at approximately 4 p.m. (almost sunset)

Duration: Approx. 19 minutes.

Notes: Session was conducted WITHOUT self-hypnosis. Dose set at 75 percent. Current 3.5 mA. Blue light was minimized in the room, to help client obtain a theta-wave brain state, and better access the subconscious mind. Only small, dim lamps with red bulbs were turned on. The session operator’s computer screen was also darkened/reddened (running the f.lux program).

Client believes his coffee intake should be reduced before future sessions.

Client’s notes, both verbal and written, include, but are not limited to:

“Time for a sea change.”

“Attempt to purify one’s self.”  

“Go with the flow of what happens… let it be.”

“No mystery that I found you.” (Upon further questioning, client elaborated this note means that “divine entities” guided him to this experiment to share “their wisdom” with him, through “synchronicity.”)   

“Avoid EMF – regain vitality.”

“It’s alive… super intelligence.”

Changes from previous week: Client reported an increase in impulsive behavior, such as drinking alcohol, and overeating. These urges occurred “a few days” prior to Session 2, and have since subsided. The impulses could be due to the tDCS experiments, but it’s not definitive, as the client reported feeling similar impulses in the past “every so often.”  

NOTE: Never do two different montages (anode and cathode arrangements) in one day. It’s best to use one montage per presenting issue, once per week for about a one-month duration (four sessions). Side effects for failing to adhere to these guidelines could include wooziness and negative mood impacts.

Session 3:

Time/Date: Dec. 15, 2023 at approximately 5:21 p.m. (night)

Duration: Approx. 21 minutes

Notes: Session was conducted WITH self-hypnosis. Dose set at 70 percent. Current 3 mA, a reduction of about .5 mA from last week, in an attempt to curb any undesirable impacts (as client reported feeling “uncomfortable,” and that the “levels” seemed “too high.”)**

Self-hypnosis suggestions pertained to insight, mental clarity and self-control.

Client’s notes, both verbal and written, include, but are not limited to:

Client’s hypnotic state was light (“not too deep”). Only a staircase deepening technique was used. Client reported attempting to “clear the channel” … so he would be “open to insight from higher sources of information.” However, he reported feeling “blocked,” and that his experience in this session wasn’t as profound as in Session 2.   

Changes from previous week: Client had a “horrible week” and said that “nothing was working.” However, he wasn’t sure if his melancholy was due to the tDCS experiments, or unrelated life circumstances.  

Client did report that his insight had improved “somewhat,” and that he experienced “more of an inflow” of information “than usual.” It’s noted that the montage was specifically for “insight,” not for “depression and anxiety.” But, that all effects on mood, or otherwise, are being recorded for research purposes. Despite the client’s “terrible week,” and experiencing the “worst feelings [he’s had] in a long time,” his insight was reported to be improving. He’s also suffered with clinical depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the past. Although he previously took antidepressants, he hasn’t taken any medication “in many years.”

**REMINDER: Never exceed 3 mA current with a client. Max levels for client use are recommended to be about 2 mA current (and dose set to 50), as this will likely be more than sufficient to obtain a result, and a safe threshold to minimize any potential side effects. For the sake of this experiment, levels were turned up full bore for research purposes.

Session 4:

Time/Date: Dec. 22, 2023 at approximately 9:29 p.m. (night)

Duration: Approx. 20 minutes.

Notes: Session was conducted WITH self-hypnosis. Dose set at 75 percent. Current 3.5 mA (same levels as Session 2).

Client’s notes, both verbal and written, include, but are not limited to:

Client relaxed in chaise lounge, eyes closed. Lighting was dimmed, and red lights were utilized to eliminate blue light.

Suggestions were used, again, for insight, mental clarity and self-control. Other positive affirmations were used, as well (e.g., winning, business success, and to quit over-thinking).  

At end of session, client reported “feeling good” and that the session was “effective.” He could feel the insight “flowing,” he said. 

Although experiencing a “tumultuous week,” client was optimistic, and says he will continue to “see how it goes” (e.g., monitor his feelings).  

Changes from previous week:

It was another “terrible week,” he said. Client experienced increased impulses (e.g., drinking alcohol, eating, mild loss of control, etc.).

He reports: “just completely, not been myself.” Again, he could not pinpoint if his negative emotions were due to the tDCS experiments, OR if other factors were at play, such as the time of year (cold NY winter), lack of sunlight/daylight, alcohol consumption, etc.  

NOTE: Going forward, experiments should be conducted with a pre-recorded self-hypnosis audio, so that the suggestions are the same, and variables are reduced. Recordings can be played out loud, or via headphones, but the same environment should be recreated for each session. Having the client use his own internal monologue in self-hypnosis is not recommended, as the goal is to minimize his mental activity and help open the subconscious gateway to better absorb suggestions.

RESULTS

In terms of his mood, the subject reported feeling worse (“non-clinical depression”) at the end of the four sessions, with an increase in bad habits (such as drinking alcohol). It’s undetermined at this time if his bleak moods and unwanted behaviors were due to tDCS, or non-related contributing factors (see Session 4 notes).

HOWEVER, the client did experience a brain sensation where he would postulate a “yes” or “no” question, and feel an “energy surge” on the right side of his head (indicating a “yes” answer) or on the left side of his head (indicating a “no” answer). He used this “intuitive trick” if he was uncertain about something, and would often come to a conclusion by this method, although it was far too early to determine the outcomes of these decisions, and if the results of using this technique to find answers will be successful and beneficial to him on a long-term basis. 

Finally, in terms of the client’s notes and ideas, he was asked: “Is it possible that the messages you received was just your imagination?”

He replied: “It’s possible. But, generally, when I have mental chatter I can discern that it’s me generating it. In this case, I tried my best to keep my mind blank, and let the information enter. I think keeping your mind clear is key, and that’s what could make the difference between real insight and fantasy.”

AFTER SIX MONTHS (CHECK-IN)

Client’s mood in late June, approximately six months after using tDCS, has improved immensely. He reports the change was largely due to weather, as he’s now outdoors in the sun more, as well as experiencing more sunlight/daylight (summer sunset approx. 9 p.m.).

His insight, which was the purpose of this exercise, has improved “dramatically.” Client reports an increase “in his ability to make decisions,” “predict future events,” and “receive communications from higher channels” (meaning ideas and inspiration in his work that he classifies as coming from a “holy,” or “other worldly source”). 

His drinking, over eating and other impulses and urges have largely reduced, and currently he has been sober for several months.

The biggest change in his behavior is receiving “inspired” information when his mind is “open” to it, and when he’s able to “listen.” He’s quick to write down these flashes of insight as he receives them, so they’re not lost, even in the middle of the night if he awakens from sleep, he says.

Client is also able to “feel” and/or “sense” events “maybe milliseconds” before they occur, which helps him predict some near-future events, on occasion, although to varying degrees. He reports his “antennae” is “often right,” although sometimes “dead wrong.” He says, however, he can do this with a “fair amount of accuracy” and has a “good track record” of things unfolding according to the data he receives. The “data” largely comes in the way of an internal voice, he says. Client plans to continue monitoring this phenomena, and will provide an update in a few months.  

His left-right (no-yes) brain sensation has intensified, as well. He’s been able to “fine-tune” these sensations to use this technique with more precision, he says.

Overall, the four tDCS session were highly effective for him to increase his insight. In addition, tDCS greatly amplified the positive suggestions in his subconscious mind during self-hypnosis. Using tDCS with hypnosis/self-hypnosis is “tremendously more powerful” than not using it, he said.