Author: Donato Giuseppe Leo, PhD, DHP Acc. Hyp.
Since ancient times, the role of the mind in influencing physical health and disease has been the subject of philosophical and medical debates, and today, it is a rich topic of scientific research.
Areas of specialty such as psychoneuroimmunology and psychocardiology study how psychological factors, such as stress and emotions, affect critical systems like the cardiovascular and immune systems.
Daily exposure to stress is a key factor in influencing the onset and development of several health conditions in our modern society. For example, prolonged psychological stress has been identified as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.[1] Therefore, adequate approaches and techniques for emotional regulation and stress relief are essential for promoting mental and physical well-being.
Despite several misconceptions and myths surrounding hypnosis, its therapeutic application (hypnotherapy) has been shown to offer unique benefits for managing psychological stress, also positively affecting heart health.[2] This article briefly summarizes how psychological stress affects the heart and the direct and indirect effects of hypnosis on the cardiovascular system, illustrating how it can be a powerful tool in supporting the heart and overall well-being.
Stress and the heart
In our fast-paced world, financial concerns, social pressure, and work deadlines constantly fuel our stress levels, often leading to mental burnout. But what happens to our body when we are exposed to prolonged stress levels?
The body's response to stress is mediated by two primary systems: the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and the Sympathetic-Adreno-Medullar (SAM) pathway.[3]
- The SAM pathway initiates the body's immediate stress response (fight-or-flight response), activating the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline from the adrenal medulla.
- The HPA axis ensures a sustained stress response by involving the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to ultimately trigger the release of cortisol (the "stress hormone") from the adrenal cortex, helping to maintain physiological readiness and energy availability to manage the perceived threat over a longer period.
Our body's stress response is essential for survival, helping us overcome danger and unexpected challenges. Still, when constantly activated by perceived threats constructed by societal demands (e.g., working deadlines, social pressure), it places the body under continuous strain that can lead to mental and physical illness. Constant overthinking and worry thoughts keep activating our body's stress response, even when there are no real threats to face. This, in turn, leads to a persistent state of alertness that creates a significant burden on the cardiovascular system.
To cope with stress, people may develop maladaptive strategies, often in the form of unhealthy behaviors (such as overeating, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption). These maladaptive coping strategies may offer short-term relief, but in the long term, they not only worsen stress but also negatively affect the cardiovascular system. Indeed, unhealthy habits increase blood pressure, raise cholesterol levels, promote inflammation, and can also contribute to weight gain. These, in turn, lead to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.[2]
Hypnosis: between myths and misconceptions
Hypnosis has always been a controversial subject.
From the initial claims on animal magnetism made by Mesmer with his Mesmerism to the more recent neurophysiological studies on the hypnotic phenomena, hypnosis has always been surrounded by an aura of mysticism, often leading to strong skepticism.
The portrayal of hypnosis as a form of magic power or mind control, made by the media and by magic shows, has increased this misconception further. Nowadays, despite a scientific understanding of what hypnosis is and how it works, there is still a poor understanding of hypnosis, making it challenging to integrate into widespread interventions, especially in healthcare.[4]
In simple terms, hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness characterized by focused attention, reduction in peripheral awareness, and an increased tendency to respond to suggestions.[5] But how does hypnosis work?
Scientific studies have shown how hypnosis affects specific brain neural networks (interconnected areas of the brain that work together to perform specific cognitive, sensory, or motor functions), such as the Default Mode Network (involved in self-referential thinking), the Executive Control Network (involved in goal setting, attention, and decision making), and the Salience Network (involved in emotional regulation, also regulating the switching between executive functions and self-referential thinking).[6]
Other brain networks, such as the Sensorimotor Network, are also affected by hypnosis, explaining how hypnosis alters pain perception and why it is effective in reducing chronic pain.[7] Moreover, hypnosis has also been shown to induce physiological changes in the body, especially influencing the activity of the autonomic nervous system by lowering the sympathetic activity and enhancing the parasympathetic activity.[8]
No mind control or magic is involved: hypnosis is a natural state of mind that most of us experience daily without noticing (e.g., daydreaming or mind wandering). Most of us have experienced the feeling of being completely absorbed in reading a great book or watching a great movie. And most people who drive should be very familiar with the so-called "highway hypnosis" phenomenon. In hypnotherapy, this mental state of heightened focus and receptivity is intentionally harnessed to promote effective behavioral changes and mindset reprogramming.
The therapeutic benefits of hypnosis
Hypnosis, when applied to therapy, is a powerful tool for change. During a hypnotherapy session, the hypnotherapist guides the individual into a deeply relaxed and focused state of mind, making them more open to positive suggestions. While hypnotized individuals remain aware and fully able to control their actions (despite common misconceptions), their minds are more open to accessing inner feelings and emotions.
Hypnosis can benefit several mental and physical health conditions, such as anxiety[9] and chronic pain,[7] and it is also effective in habit cessation (like quitting smoking).[10]
As hypnosis is a natural state of mind that we commonly experience in our day, it is usually considered a safe, non-invasive complement to traditional therapies. However, there may be some instances in which hypnosis may not be an appropriate treatment, for example, in patients with severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia).[11] It is also important to note that hypnosis is not a magic fix and that the therapeutic process may require time, depending on the individual's response to hypnosis.
Indeed, while some individuals are more easily hypnotizable, others tend to resist the process more, especially due to fears and doubts about hypnosis.[12] To be effective, hypnosis requires the individual receiving it to be motivated and open to the process. It is also essential to establish a good rapport between the individual and the hypnotherapist for hypnosis to be successful.[13]
How does hypnosis contribute to cardiovascular health?
Thanks to its ability to promote deep relaxation and mental focus, hypnosis can effectively reduce the stress response and support the cardiovascular system directly and indirectly.[2]
Hypnosis can directly support cardiovascular health by reducing sympathetic nervous system activity (the driver of the fight-or-flight response) and enhancing the parasympathetic activity (which supports the body's rest and digestion functions). During a hypnotherapy session, several techniques aiming at inducing relaxation are employed, such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and guided imagery. The induced relaxed state helps reduce blood pressure and heart rate, possibly also reducing cortisol levels.
Hypnosis can indirectly support cardiovascular health by supporting behavioral changes, such as reducing unhealthy habits (e.g., smoking, unhealthy diet) and promoting a healthy lifestyle (e.g., participation in physical activity and healthy diet). Post-hypnotic suggestions, such as hypnotic anchoring, can be effective in interrupting worry thought patterns and reducing the adoption of maladaptive coping strategies (e.g., emotional eating or excessive alcohol consumption) that often arise from unmanaged stress. Moreover, hypnosis is a powerful tool in addressing the roots of emotional distress (such as anxiety), helping individuals reframe negative thought patterns and reduce rumination and worry.
Hypnotherapy sessions aimed at reducing psychological stress and supporting cardiovascular health should also be integrated with self-hypnosis sessions. This will reinforce the positive effects of therapy and promote long-term mental and physical well-being. Self-hypnosis can be practiced in just a few minutes daily, becoming a helpful lifelong tool for managing stress and safeguarding heart health.
A holistic approach to cardiovascular well-being
Hypnosis is not a substitute for medical treatment but a complementary approach that can be effectively integrated into a comprehensive strategy for cardiovascular health. Hypnosis can play a significant role not only in reducing the psychological and physiological response to stress (thus improving mental and physical well-being), but also in supporting interventions aiming to improve cardiovascular health, such as lifestyle modifications (e.g., balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and medical management).
Research is increasingly supporting the value of hypnosis in holistic approaches aiming at mental and physical well-being, despite several misconceptions still compromise its more extensive adoption. To further promote the implementation of hypnotherapy in healthcare, it is important to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding hypnosis. Educating the public and healthcare professionals on the science and benefits of hypnosis is the first step in promoting its widespread adoption.[4]
Conclusions
Since its origins, hypnosis has always been surrounded by myths and misconceptions, depicting it as a mystical and magic art. However, hypnosis is a practice that has gained strong scientific support, especially thanks to its benefits on mental and physical well-being. Hypnosis can promote behavioral changes, increase relaxation, reduce psychological stress, and support cardiovascular health. In today's society, where psychological stress is a constant component of our lives, embracing practices aiming at empowering individuals to manage their mental health is fundamental. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy have the potential to be powerful yet underutilized allies in this journey.
**Disclaimer: All member articles, of which this is one, express the knowledge and opinions of the member author only. The IHA supports our members in expressing their knowledge and opinions. The IHA is not responsible for any data, quotes, claims, alleged facts or opinions expressed by the author. Member articles are presented for entertainment purposes only.
Author's Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for general information and for educational purposes only. Although the author has made every effort to ensure that the information here reported was correct at press time, the author assumes no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any other inconsistencies herein and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. The information here provided is not meant as a substitute for direct expert assistance. If expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are not a substitute for medical, psychological, or psychiatric care. Always consult your family doctor before starting hypnotherapy.
References
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