Exploring neurological basis of hypnotherapy for stress relief

Stress has become an all too common aspect of modern life, affecting individuals across the globe. The detrimental effects of chronic stress on both physical and mental health prompted the development of various therapeutic approaches, one of which is hypnotherapy.

What is hypnotherapy? 

Hypnotherapy is a technique that combines hypnosis with therapy to enhance the therapeutic techniques used. One benefit of hypnosis when used independently is the deep state of focus and if desired, relaxation which can aid in stress reduction. Understanding the neurological basis of hypnotherapy can provide valuable insights into its effectiveness as a stress relief tool.

At its core, hypnotherapy is the same state of mind as the meditative state. Brain imagery shows deeper connections between some parts of the brain and separation between others when in a deep state of hypnosis. This slight change of brain state is a natural state of mind that helps you feel fully in control. Your automatic processes have full resources and you have the opportunity to adapt deeply ingrained patterns of behaviour. In a hypnotherapy session, your therapist will guide you into this focused hypnotic mindset. The heightened state is optimal to access and reframe unconscious thoughts and beliefs that contribute to stress.

How does hypnosis work with the brain? 

Neurologically, hypnotherapy influences various brain regions and processes related to stress regulation. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies demonstrate reduced activity in the amygdala during hypnosis, a key brain structure involved in processing and responding to stress. The amygdala's downregulation leads to decreased emotional reactivity, enabling you to perceive and respond to stressors in a calmer and more controlled manner.

Individuals in hypnosis show increased theta brainwave activity, in general, we feel relaxed in a theta state. This is also the brain wave pattern associated with creative flow. The theta state helps you to bypass conscious resistance and access deeper layers of your mind, where some stress-related beliefs and thought patterns reside. By reaching these levels of deeper consciousness, hypnotherapy facilitates the identification and modification of maladaptive patterns, ultimately leading to stress relief.

Furthermore, hypnotherapy modulates the activity of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a brain region involved in executive functions, decision-making, and emotional regulation. The PFC exerts top-down control over emotional responses, allowing you to regulate your stress reactions. Research indicates that hypnosis enhances PFC activity and connectivity with other brain regions, promoting greater emotional regulation and resilience to stress.

Another important aspect of hypnotherapy's neurological basis is its impact on the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which governs automatic bodily functions and stress responses. Research shows hypnosis influences the ANS by increasing parasympathetic activity, which helps generate feelings of relaxation and counters the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response. This rebalancing of the ANS contributes to the overall reduction of physiological stress markers such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.

In addition to its immediate effects, hypnotherapy has the potential to help you make positive, long-term changes to your brain structure and function. Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganise and form new connections, plays a significant role in the effectiveness of hypnotherapy as a stress relief technique. Studies show that, like meditation, regular hypnotic practice leads to structural changes in the brain, such as increased grey matter volume in regions associated with emotional regulation and self-control.

Functional connectivity studies demonstrate that repeated hypnosis sessions can strengthen the connections between brain regions involved in stress regulation, resulting in improved resilience to stress over time. These neuroplastic changes provide a neurobiological basis for the long-lasting effects of hypnotherapy and its potential as a stress management tool.

In conclusion, exploring the neurological basis of hypnotherapy reveals its efficacy as a stress relief technique. By modulating brain regions involved in stress processing, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, and rebalancing the autonomic nervous system. In addition to the neurological basis of hypnotherapy for stress relief, your therapist will help you improve your introspective knowledge so you understand your triggers. Your therapist will also teach you hypnosis tools so you can take on challenges whilst managing your stress levels.