Do you know there is a molecule of emotion? The first component was discovered by ground-breaking neuroscientist Dr. Pert. She helped to create the foundation for an entirely new interdisciplinary branch of science called “Psycho-Neuro-Immunology” or PNI.
She discovered the complex molecule known as the receptor, and more specifically—the opiate receptor; with further research Dr. Pert discovered the natural opiate substance manufactured within the body that eventually became known as an “endorphin,” a shortened version of “endogenous (produced within the body) morphine.”. Endorphins are morphine-like chemicals produced by the body that help diminish pain while triggering positive feelings. They’re sometimes referred to as the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. Endorphins help relieve pain and induce feelings of pleasure or euphoria. They play an important role in the brain’s reward system, which includes activities such as eating, drinking, sex, etc.
The implications in this discovery are profound and suggest that we may in fact have a “natural pharmacopeia” potential already present within us. Perhaps someday we will all be capable of manufacturing our own natural bio-chemicals at will– in effect orchestrating our own healing.
This can be done during a hypnotherapy session offering suggestions to both your conscious and subconscious mind to create naturally these bio-chemicals; there is nothing you have to do consciously, apart from listening. With the help of hypnosis, you use the power of your mind to change the way you feel. Isn’t it great that your mind can do that for you?
Can the emotion-linked peptides at receptor sites on our cells influence whether we will stay well or get sick? Dr. Pert suggests yes and offers the example of viral illness: “Viruses use these same receptors to enter into a cell, and depending on how much of the . . . natural peptide for that receptor is around, the virus will have an easier or harder time getting into the cell. So our emotional state will affect whether we’ll get sick from the same loading dose of a virus.” This would also explain why some people get much sicker than others from an identical exposure to a virus. Pert considers…. might an elevated mood of happiness, positive expectation or hope offer some protection against a virus? She answers by telling us that she’s never gotten a cold while skiing—a sport she loves.
This means not only you can feel better when you do things you love but that you can even experience happiness for a reason that your mind makes up. Because when your mind has the choice to make you feel good for no reason, it might as well do so subconsciously by default, right? I mean, of course there are ups and downs in life, but your mind has all the power to lift everything a little bit higher.
Dr. Pert explains, “The chemicals that are running our body and our brain are the same chemicals that are involved in emotion. And that says to me that we’d better pay more attention to emotions with respect to health.”
What does this suggest about the process of developing illness and an individual’s potential for healing? And further, what is the relationship between the mind, the emotions and the state of health? Pert suggests there is a profound and direct connection:
“We know that the immune system, like the central nervous system, has memory and the capacity to learn. Thus, it could be said that intelligence is located not only in the brain but in cells that are distributed throughout the body, and that the traditional separation of mental processes, including emotions, from the body is no longer valid.”
The neuropeptides and their receptors are the substrates of the emotions, and they are in constant communication with the immune system, the mechanism through which health and disease are created.”
“Think of (stress-related disease) in terms of an information overload, a situation in which the mind-body network is so taxed by unprocessed sensory input in the form of suppressed trauma or undigested emotions that it has become bogged down and cannot flow freely, sometimes even working against itself, at cross-purposes.”
People with chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, have lower-than-normal levels of endorphins, researchers have found.
What if we can increase the endorphins levels in our body with our mind using hypnosis?
The scientist Howard Hall proved that the immune system can be conditioned consciously using practices such as hypnosis, biofeedback, guided imagery and relaxation. Using several control groups, Hall demonstrated that with conscious preparation, through using one of the types of practices noted above, individuals could consciously control the stickiness of their white blood cells, as measured by both blood and saliva tests.
What Hypnotherapy does is tapping into the power of your subconscious to affect the desired results in your mind, emotions, thoughts and behaviours. It is not surprising that certain events such as the live-events of Tony Robbins attract thousands of people; in these events of mass hypnosis people feel empowered, motivated, and on top of the world.
Can suppressing anger or other emotions contribute to the development of serious diseases like cancer—a theory proposed by Dr. Lydia Temosho. My research has shown me that when emotions are expressed….all systems are united and made whole. When emotions are repressed, denied, not allowed to be whatever they may be, our network pathways get blocked, stopping the flow of the vital feel-good unifying chemicals that run both our biology and our behaviour.”
If the immune system is influenced by the “molecules of emotion”, then what happens if the free flow of peptides is interrupted on a continual basis by the repressed emotions of a lifetime?
“Health is not just a matter of thinking ‘happy thoughts.’ Sometimes the biggest impetus to healing can come from jump-starting the immune system with a burst of long-repressed emotions. How and where it’s expressed is up to you—in a room by yourself, in a therapy situation that can facilitate the expression of long-buried feelings, or in a spontaneous exchange with a family member or friend. The key is to express it (appropriately) and then let it go, so that it doesn’t fester, or build, or escalate out of control.”
Pert suggests the following simple recommendations for our health and well-being, gleaned from all the scientific data she has included in describing the tenets of PNI and their implications for healing:
“Aim for emotional wholeness. When you’re upset or feeling sick, try to get to the bottom of your feelings. Figure out what’s really eating you. Always tell the truth to yourself. Find appropriate, satisfying ways to express your emotions. And if such a prescription seems too challenging, seek professional help to feel better.”
“I believe the alternative or complementary therapies are a form of professional help much less likely to do harm and more likely to do good than conventional approaches. They work by shifting our natural balance of internal chemicals around, so we can feel as good as possible. They are often particularly helpful for alleviation of the many chronic maladies that currently have no good medical solutions …”
“Last but definitely not least, health is much more than the absence of illness. Live in an unselfish way that promotes a state of spiritual bliss that truly helps to prevent illness. Wellness is trusting in the ability and desire of your body-mind to heal and improve itself, if given half a chance. Take responsibility for your own health—and illness.”
Extracts are from “Healing Cancer – The Latest Research in Mind-Body Medicine”
With the help of mental management and hypnosis, you can experience a state of happiness and bliss without having to do anything at all, so that no matter what you do, you can feel equally good. In fact, whenever there’s no legitimate reason to feel bad – sometimes there will be, because there will sometimes be things that you need to pay attention to and deal with -, your mind can recall those positive feelings you experienced during the session, in that precise moment, with no effort on your part; it can make you feel good and be more creative, more self-confident, able to relax better and work better… basically anything that it makes your life much more satisfying.
This has worked for many people as explained on this email I received from one of my previous clients:
Hi Maria – I’m so glad I listened to my heart to go for another hypnosis session and to try out a new practitioner. I feel so much more of myself now like a dark cloud has been lifted off my energy. I feel so much more connected and in tune to others. I feel like I love people so much more and I feel more connected to that magical energy around me. Thank you so much for your help and will be in touch! Much thanks
Jade
