MENTAL TOUGHNESS - PSYCHO-NEURO-IMMUNOLOGY

Psycho-neuro-immunology

Psycho-neuro-immunology or PNI is a relatively new area of science that is still developing and includes mind-body therapies such as hypnotherapy.

A simple explanation of PNI is the study of the two-way link between the mind (nervous system), the body's hormone (endocrine) system and immune system and the implications for physical health.

Reports and studies have shown that hypnotic relaxation and visualisation techniques can influence biochemical processes within the body and the immune system.

Areas of research and applications include cancer and HIV, results are encouraging but of course there is some way to go. Hypnotherapy techniques are effective in reducing mental and physical stress and so help the immune system to function effectively. Please take note, these techniques and methods cannot be viewed in any way as a cure. If you are interested in these methods then please get in touch; reduced rates are available.

Mind to Body

Changes in our mental state and emotions affect our immune function. If we are under long-term mental stress our immune system can be suppressed and the number and efficiency of white blood cells reduced, in particular T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells (NK). This can make us more susceptible to illness. For example cold sores are more likely to appear when we are under prolonged stress. Hypnotherapy reduces stress.

Body to Mind

Changes in our immune system can affect our mental states and also our behaviour. The immune system triggers the release of cytokines; these are chemical messengers that act on the central nervous system. When we are sick with 'flu these messengers can reduce mental functioning and impair memory as well as induce drowsiness, tiredness, reduced appetite and increased need for rest and sleep. These mental and behavioural changes are designed to assist in our recovery.

Hypnotherapy and Relaxation

Methods to induce deep physical relaxation are used as well as visualisations and suggestions. Self-hypnosis is a key method for reducing physical and mental stress, it is also used for pain control and visualisations where healing can take place. The techniques used within hypnotherapy often focus on physical and mental relaxation although like other meditative states, hypnosis is often a focused and heightened state of awareness and not necessarily relaxation.

The Mind

The regular practice of hypnotherapy and deep relaxation techniques aid mental well being and can relieve mental stress, feelings of depression, anxiety and unhelpful emotions. Performance at work and personal relationships may also be greatly improved.

The Body

The regular practice of hypnotic and deep relaxation can result in long-term reduction in resting blood pressure. A study at Ohio State University by Janice Kiecolt-Glaser found that hypnotic relaxation techniques increased the proportion of T-lymphocytes in students in the month before stressful exams and in a month long program with elderly patients an increase in natural killer cell activity and lymphocyte responsiveness. There were also improved immune responses to latent herpes viruses and psychological well being.