Immune System Support, Guided Imagery for Cancer, Chemotherapy Side Effects, Chronic and Autoimmune Conditions
We have four billion immune system cells in our body.
Each day one billion of these cells die and each day one billion replacement cells are built. The three remaining billion educate the new immune system cells as to their past experiences and programming. After four days we have a whole new generation of cells. Once a body is invaded by some virus, bacteria, germs or foreign material this information is passed to each of the immune system cells and to generation after generation. If the information that a cell has gotten away and is hiding in some cell is not passed along then the new cells are not informed to continue the search. The potential cancer cell takes the energy from the invaded cell and uses that energy to continue to live. Then the adjoining cells are likewise invaded and the energy used and that is how the tumor begins. Since all of these cells are self, good cells at one time, the immune system cells leave them alone, not recognizing them.
The brain controls and runs each and every cell throughout the whole body.
As we operate on two levels of consciousness: intellect (consciousness) and subconsciousness, holding our inner perceptions, attitudes and realities.
In hypnosis, utilizing the proper suggestion and communicating with brain, all body functions can be altered, modified, increased, decreased or inhibited. The changes depend upon the needs and desires of the individual person.
Cancer and any debilitating chronic illness, affects not just physical body but mental-emotional states as well. Taking into consideration the mind-body connection, it is crucial to assume the appropriate attitude. During hypnosis the supportive attitude may be established and implemented, which would help with inner emotions and mental perceptions.
Clients with cancer, autoimmune condition or other chronic illness have a variety psychological and physiological needs that may be addressed through hypnosis.
Some of the areas include:
Ego-strengthening suggestions, self-esteem, confidence in personal abilities
Mastery to control some of the symptoms gives clients feelings of empowerment and hope
Chemotherapy side-effects may be successfully addressed through hypnotic suggestions (anticipatory nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite)
Since a calm and tranquil state of mind allows the immune system to function at a maximum level, hypnosis is extremely valuable in addressing anxiety, fear, worry, sadness and apprehension
Based on research done in an area of psychoneuroimmunology (Ader, 1981) many health professionals similarly believe that hypnotic imagery may enhance the functioning of the immune system to the levels of cellular immunity (Hall, 1982-83). A Harvard study discovered receptors on our immune cells for neuropeptides, which are chemicals produced by the brain that vary with our emotions. The results of this study point to the simple fact that our immune system is a reflection of our mental state and thoughts
Guided imagery with images created specifically for a certain client may become a useful tool in assisting healing
Assuming the state of positive and optimistic attitude is achieved easier while in hypnosis
The recent research was conducted in Columbus, Ohio, which suggested the connection between hypnosis and immune health:
Researchers here have determined that hypnosis can actually prevent the weakening of the immune response that often follows periods of acute stress. Over 90% of all diseases have an underlying emotional crisis, preceding an illness.