In hypnosis and the nervous system we take a closer look at how the nervous system can be balanced using hypnosis.
The nervous system is the communication system of the body and mind and you can compare it to the body’s Internet that transmits signals to and from the senses, muscles, body organs and nerve cells.
The nervous system can be divided into an animate nervous system and an autonomic nervous system.
With normal consciousness we influence the animate nervous system, with respect to action, the movement of muscles and body parts.
On the autonomic nervous system we have no direct influence, it is controlled from the subconscious.
The autonomic nervous system can be divided into the ortho-sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
These systems are opposite, but this opposite action is of great importance for health.
Ortho-sympathetic nervous system
The ortho-sympathetic nervous system, you also encounter the designation sympathetic nervous system, is also called the gas pedal of the body.
It triggers ACTION and causes the release of the energy needed in the action.
It is also the part of the nervous system that can help when an emergency situation occurs where the body can be put into the so-called fight-flight position.
In the process, hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, among others, can be released in a short period of time to support the process of “flight or fight.
Extra blood is then sent to the legs and arms.
It causes thoughts to center around the cause of the stress.
In our modern lives, fortunately, we do not usually have to flee or fight, however, we do face many stressors and if we do not take sufficient care to rest or engage in other activities that drain stress then the ortho-sympathetic nervous system remains overly active which can lead to health issues.
The ortho-sympathetic nervous system is related to the following bodily responses:
- Pupils dilate
- Inhibits salivary glands
- Increases heart rate frequency
- Functioning of stomach and waste excretion is delayed
- Muscles contract
- Bronchi expand
Parasympathetic nervous system
Also called the body’s brake, the parasympathetic nervous system provides rest, recovery and balance.
In deep rest, the digestive system becomes active, cleanup work can take place and the immune system is given more room to make quality repairs to the body rather than Quick fixes.
The parasympathetic nervous system is related to the following bodily responses:
- Pupils constrict
- Stimulates salivary glands
- Lowers heart rate
- Working stomach and waste excretion is stimulated
- Muscles relax
- Bronchi contract
Why does this matter for hypnotherapy?
Throughout the day, we naturally build up stress in our bodies.
Stress is a form of tension that occurs in the bodies of humans, animals or plants in response to external stimuli and is followed by a particular pattern of physiological responses
The reactions include more stress hormones in the body such as adrenaline and cortisol, for example.
Hormones are actually never bad, they all have a role, but if the body is not sufficiently balanced, that is, the parasympathetic system is also given room to do its job, then the excess stress hormones cannot be adequately discharged.
The March/April 2014 Journal of Natural Medicine states: “Stress is the cause of 86% of cases of illness. Mental and emotional stress, constant living with worries, doubts and fears, lack of self-love, self-respect and hope, are things that can contribute to the development of cancer. In many cases, the cancer patient also has unresolved emotional trauma that occurred in the years prior to diagnosis.”
Stress releases cortisol into the body, which causes body fluids to become acidic.
In addition, chronic stress dramatically weakens the immune system.
By looking at the lists above, it becomes clear that certain complaints may be related to an imbalance between the ortho-sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Abdominal and bowel complaints that are psychosomatic in nature may be related to the parasympathetic nervous system not getting enough space.
With numerous complaints, part of the session may include teaching powerful self-hypnosis to enable the client to release stress.
Fortunately, we can do a lot about this ourselves.
In what ways can stress be dissipated?
- Hypnosis – instantly through deep physical and physical relaxation
- Hypnotherapy – indirect: Preventing stress by improving self-esteem, self-confidence – being less dependent on outside stimuli
- Sleep
- Meditating
- Exercise
- Positive sexual activity
Hypnotherapy has much to offer the client, and it begins with learning self-hypnosis to enable the client to give back control of a part of the body and mind whereby in a short period of time mental and physical stress can be discharged and the body returned to balance.
Sometimes clients may have experienced major traumas in childhood, causing the body to become incapable of resting.
An example may be sexual abuse at a young age, which causes a part of the subconscious mind to be constantly on alert to monitor the environment.