[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Journal of Integrative Medicine ›› 2025, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (5): 457-461.

• Commentary •     Next Articles

Hypno-cardiac physiology: Aiming for an organised study of the physiological effects of hypnosis on the cardiovascular system

Donato Giuseppe Leo a, Simon S. Keller a, Riccardo Proietti b,c   

  1. a. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX Merseyside, UK b.Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX Merseyside, UK c.Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool L7 8TX Merseyside, UK
  • Received:2025-01-18 Accepted:2025-04-19 Online:2025-09-15 Published:2025-09-15
  • Contact: Donato Giuseppe Leo a E-mail:d.g.leo@liverpool.ac.uk

RichHTML

Like

Hypnosis is a promising tool in the management of various conditions, such as anxiety and chronic pain. Preliminary studies have shown that hypnosis can directly affect the cardiovascular system, as it increases parasympathetic activation and reduces sympathetic activity. However, the literature related to the effects of hypnosis on cardiovascular health is scarce, mainly due to misconceptions about hypnosis among researchers and medical professionals. This opinion paper examines the role that hypnosis may play in cardiovascular health, highlighting the physiological mechanisms behind it. The evidence suggests that hypnosis has both direct (e.g., changes in the activity of the autonomic nervous system) and indirect (e.g., changes in healthy behaviours) effects on the cardiovascular system; however, further studies are needed to properly define its mechanisms of action and its applicability in improving cardiovascular health. Thus, this opinion paper advocates the adoption of the term “hypno-cardiac physiology” to identify a new research area that gathers experts from neuroscience and cardiovascular science with the joint aim of seeking further understanding of the effects of hypnosis on the cardiovascular system. The adoption of a dedicated term to identify the study of the cardiovascular response to hypnosis will encourage its implementation in cardiovascular health interventions, promoting awareness of its effects among the public and the healthcare community, and promoting the formation of dedicated multidisciplinary research groups and dedicated educational training for healthcare professional interested in its applications.
Please cite this article as: Leo DG, Keller SS, Proietti R. Hypno-cardiac physiology: Aiming for an organised study of the physiological effects of hypnosis on the cardiovascular system. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):457–461.

Key words: Anxiety, Hypnosis, Cardiac physiology, Cardiovascular health, Hypno-cardiac physiology

No related articles found!
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited
  Shared   
  Discussed   
[1] Wei-xiong Liang. Problems-solving strategies in clinical treatment guideline for traditional Chinese medicine and integrative medicine. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 1-4
[2] Zhao-guo Li. Discussion on English translation of commonly used sentences in traditional Chinese medicine: part one. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 107-110
[3] Jin-zhou Tian, Jing Shi, Xin-qing Zhang, Qi Bi, Xin Ma, Zhi-liang Wang, Xiao-bin Li, Shu-li Shen, Lin Li, Zhen-yun Wu, Li-yan Fang, Xiao-dong Zhao, Ying-chun Miao, Peng-wen Wang, Ying Ren, Jun-xiang Yin, Yong-yan Wang, Beijing United Study Group on MCI of the Capital Foundation of Medical Developments. An explanation on "guiding principles of clinical research on mild cognitive impairment (protocol)". Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 15-21
[4] Jin-rong Fu. Establishment of multivariate diagnosis and treatment system of modern gynecology of traditional Chinese medicine. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 22-24
[5] Hao Li, Ming-jiang Yao, Wen-ming Zhao, Jie Guan, Lin-lin Cai, Ling Cui. A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial of Huannao Yicong capsule in senile patients with mild cognitive impairment. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 25-31
[6] Jun Hu, Jian-ping Liu. Non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headache. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 31
[7] Yi-ting He, Qing-lin Zha, Jian-ping Yu, Yong Tan, Cheng Lu, Ai-ping Lv. Principal factor analysis of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and their correlations with efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 32-36
[8] Jun Cai, Hua Wang, Sheng Zhou, Bin Wu, Hua-rong Song, Zheng-rong Xuan. Effect of Sijunzi Decoction and enteral nutrition on T-cell subsets and nutritional status in patients with gastric cancer after operation: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 37-40
[9] Dong Yang, Yong-ping Du, Qing Shen, Wei Chen, Yan Yu, Guang-lei Chen. Expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin in renal tubulointerstitium in patients with kidney collateral stasis. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 41-44
[10] Xue-mei Liu, Qi-fu Huang, Yun-ling Zhang, Jin-li Lou, Hong-sheng Liu, Hong Zheng. Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. saponion on apoptosis of cortical neurons induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation in rats. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 45-50
[an error occurred while processing this directive]