Chronic stress plays a significant role in the development of mental and physical illnesses. It can lead to increased inflammation and disrupted regulation of stress responses.
Hypnotherapy, a relaxation technique, has shown promising results in reducing stress by calming the sympathetic nervous system. However, we still have a limited understanding of the specific biological mechanisms responsible for the positive effects of hypnosis on mental and physical health. A recent study conducted into the benefits of relaxation hypnosis shows the positive effect hypnotherapy can have on the mind and body.
Hypnotherapy, a relaxation technique
To bridge this knowledge gap, a randomized clinical trial involving 47 individuals experiencing high subjective stress levels was conducted by Dierolf, van der Meulen,& Miltner, (2023). on the Effects Of One-session Relaxation Hypnosis On Hematological And Bioenergetic Parameters.
. The participants underwent a 20-minute relaxation hypnosis session, and the impact on their haematological and bioenergetic levels were examined. Surprisingly, even a single hypnosis session led to notable changes in haematological parameters. A decrease in red blood cell and platelet counts were also reported, as well as related measures such as haemoglobin and hematocrit, compared to the control condition. The exact implications of these changes on our stress response system are not yet fully understood, although they may be linked to relaxation-induced vasodilation.
Regarding bioenergetic levels, it was found that a single relaxation hypnosis session did not significantly affect mitochondrial respiration. However, results reinforced previous findings that stress, anxiety, and depression can impair cellular energy metabolism, regardless of the experimental condition. These insights contribute to our understanding of the biomolecular effects of hypnosis and shed light on potential psychopharmacological and bioenergetic mechanisms underlying relaxation.
Focus was then made on the effectiveness of safe place suggestions in hypnotherapy. EEG laboratory studies demonstrated that imagining a safe place during hypnosis resulted in reduced brain activity related to impulsivity and increased self-control. To further test the efficacy of post-hypnotic safety suggestions in acute stress situations, a study was conducted where participants faced a social stress task after a hypnosis session. Those who used their post-hypnotic safety suggestion during the stress task reported lower stress and lower anxiety levels compared to the control group. They also had fewer negative thoughts about their performance, and this effect persisted.
Hypnotherapy Tested
An investigation on the use of safety suggestions in challenging clinical settings, specifically among patients in the intensive care unit receiving non-invasive ventilation, was also conducted. The patients reported feeling less anxious and aroused after receiving safety suggestions, and their physiological markers reflected this improvement with lower breathing frequency and heart rate. The significant effect sizes observed with the safe place technique support its broader application.
Through research, the aim is to contribute to the wider adoption of safe place suggestions as a valuable technique in hypnotherapy. By harnessing the power of the mind and creating a sense of safety, we can positively influence individuals’ responses to stress and enhance their overall well-being. Further, with suggestions of improved functioning of the mind, emotions and physical health, the mind can adapt to these positive changes, causing improved emotional, psychological and physical conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, hypnotherapy appears to work very positively on the population to aid a reduction in stress, anxiety and depression. It seems to increase resilience, confidence and appears to aid the recipient to regain control over their mind and thoughts. Please visit Virtual Hypnotherapy to obtain your hypnotherapy session for the issue you need support and help with. Perhaps you need to abolish that baggage you have carried for too long, perhaps eliminate that fear or phobia, or reduce that anxiety and stress you feel too often or relieve that pain that is so cumbersome and infringing on your life. Maybe you simply need to turn off your mind to sleep restfully and soundly each night. Whatever you need, there is a session to help you. You deserve relief. By now, you should understand how you can obtain the help you need. Virtual Hypnotherapy can help you now.
