Health, Hypnosis and Longevity
The health of the body is connected to the mind. Mind-body science is making
significant leaps in our understanding of the relationship between mind/body and
the impact we can have on our physical health through our mind/body system.
In a recently published study, researchers found that depression-related stress
significantly shortens telomeres—the caps at the ends of chromosomes—an
indication of accelerated aging! The publication of this study emphasizes the
importance of minimizing the impact of internal and environmental stress on the
body. An estimated 75-90% of visits to primary care physicians are now related to
the effects of stress, and this new study documents how lethal stress can be to
our well-being and longevity.
Of course, not all stress is bad. The stress of exercise or learning a new language
is seen as positive stress, which results in less inflammation and stress on the
body. It is our perception of stress that often creates a negative reality. One of
the best ways to make less stress in the body and mind is to take a mental
vacation. Whether through meditation or self-hypnosis, this mental break will
allow your mind and body to rest deeply.
In clinical studies, self-hypnosis has been shown to improve the function and size
of the pre-frontal cortex by increasing the blood flow to this part of the brain. The
pre-frontal cortex is an essential part of the mind. It is instrumental in dealing
with impulse control. Teenagers do not have a fully functioning pre-frontal
cortex, which is why most teens make bad decisions.
The pre-frontal cortex also involves executive decision-making or strategic
thinking and is sometimes called the seat of sound judgment. It is a significant
part of a person’s personality and, if damaged, can dramatically change their
character.
When a person has a well-developed pre-frontal cortex, they are more likely to be
able to keep to an exercise and diet plan. They are also the type of person who
will plan their lives and be able to delay gratification, which is the hallmark of a
healthy person. Neuroplasticity is a hallmark of brain health, and one way to
induce heightened neuroplasticity is by inducing trance states using hypnosis.
By using hypnotherapy to improve habits related to decreasing stress and
improving mental functioning, the individual will improve physical and
psychological health. All indicators of longevity and health improved from the
depth of sleep, physical strength and resilience, resistance to disease, and mental
acuity and memory in studies using hypnosis.
