Auckland Hypnotherapy Clinic

Ian Blaine – Clinical Hypnotherapist and Therapist

Phone today: 027 2731191

The Vagus Nerve Miracle

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The Healing Power of Your Vagus Nerve

Understanding the functions of the vagus nerve — and how you can stimulate it — can impact your mental and physical health for the better. Here’s what you need to know about how the largest nerve in your body affects anxiety, the trauma response and the overall mind-body connection.

Our Central Nervous System (CNS) is made up of our brain and spinal cord.  Our Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is made up of nerves which connect our brain and spinal cord to the rest of our body.                                                                        Our Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is a complex network of neurons that control and regulate our body’s processes, influencing the activity of our internal organs, regulating and maintaining homeostasis.

Homeostasis refers to stabilising and balancing the conditions inside our body, for example, not too hot, not too cold, not too fast and not too slow. Regulating homeostasis including:

  • Body Temperature
  • Blood pressure
  • Heart rate
  • Breathing
  • Metabolism
  • Digestion
  • Blood glucose levels
  • Blood acidity levels
  • Water and electrolytes

Then there are 2 parts to our Autonomic Nervous System involved with bringing us to homeostasis.

Our Sympathetic Nervous System is made up of fight, flight and freeze response. And our Para-sympathetic Nervous System is made up of rest, digest, recovery and relaxation.

There is a time and place for each one.  Sometimes we need to respond quickly to stimuli. Going back through our history we needed to kick in to fight response to give us energy to chase and catch animals so we could eat and survive. Sometimes we needed to respond with flight to quickly get away from wild animals so we didn’t become their dinner.

Then we would relax, eat, digest, sleep, recharge and start the next day.

In modern living, the technology age is moving much faster than evolution and we can find ourselves stuck in fight/flight response when we are stuck in traffic, sitting in a board meeting at work, pressure from our boss to meet deadlines, chasing dollars to survive.

So many people experience high stress, anxiety, panic and feel like their bodies are holding that tension/stress/ negative emotion trapped in their nervous system and body organs. Resulting in burnout, overwhelm, insomnia, muscle pain… Studies have found many health problems caused by stress or worsened by stress including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, depression, gastrointestinal problems, mental health conditions, high blood pressure, hypertension and…

Vagus Nerve to the rescue !

Our Vagus Nerve is one of our twelve cranial nerves in our body and is the main nerve responsible for bringing us to Para-sympathetic rest, digest, recovery and relaxation. Our Vagus is the longest nerve of our autonomic nervous system and comprises both sensory and motor fibres.

With the help of our vagus nerve activation, we can process and manage stress more easily, release trauma which has been trapped and stored in our body, regulate our emotions, decrease pain both physical and emotion, gain more control over our cognition, feel safe, calm and at peace.

My go to therapy techniques I use to help my clients release stress, calm anxiety and stimulate the vagus nerve is a mixture of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to work with the connection between our thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviours. Hypnotherapy to find underlying issues that may be causing stress hidden in the subconscious mind below the level of our conscious awareness to bring them in to awareness to help, reframe, heal and release trauma from past experience or internal perceptions. Qigong exercises to stretch and stimulate the Para-sympathetic Nervous System – Mentally focused intention to make shifts internally. Breathing exercises to make quick shifts from stress to calm and to incorporate within the Hypnotherapy and Qigong practice. Resulting in feeling calm, safe and relaxed.

When we activate our vagus nerve it stimulates parts of our brain in the frontal lobe, neo-cortex responsible for creativity, high cognition and complex decision making.

When we are in Sympathetic Nervous System we are accessing parts of our brain related to primal instinct, fear, fight and flight response. Reptilian brain activation.

Having the tools to improve your overall well-being is not only empowering, but it also allows you to regulate your internal environment when the external environment is uncontrolled.

I can teach you how to tap into the healing powers of the Vagus Nerve.

Don’t Let Fear of Flying Hold You Back

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If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from a fear of flying, you know how debilitating it can be. You may have tried all sorts of things to try to overcome your fear, but nothing has worked so far. Well, we have some good news for you – hypnotherapy may be able to help! In this blog post, we will discuss how hypnotherapy for fear of flying can help you start enjoying air travel again.

Fear of flying is a complex phenomenon that can range from mild anxiety to full-blown phobia. While it may seem like just another form of anxiety, it is actually considered to be a specific disorder in its own right, known as aviophobia. Aviophobia encompasses both the fear of flying itself and the fear of other things related to flying, such as turbulence or take-off and landing.

Usually, the fear of flying is caused by a combination of psychological and physical factors. Psychological causes can range from fear of the unknown to traumatic experiences related to flying in the past. Physical symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling.

If the symptoms are severe enough, they can be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder. So do not be ashamed if you feel like your fear of flying is an anxiety disorder. Many people experience this, and it can be successfully treated with the right approach.

Fearful flyers will often go out of their way to avoid travelling by air, opting for train and bus services, even if it considerably lengthens their journey.
More will choose to miss personal events to avoid stepping foot on an aircraft.
Some would love to travel on holidays to beautiful destinations, however their fear of flying over powers their desire.
Other people would decline well paid career opportunities if that job involved overseas travel.
Many people are more afraid or have become afraid of flying post-covid, worried about being trapped in another country and unable to get a flight back based on past experience. Or fear of crowds of people in the airport and onboard the plane.

Your fear of flying may have started from an “initial sensitizing event,” for example, being on a flight in the past where you experienced strong turbulence and went into worrying thoughts about what could happen, resulting in your subconscious response to release adrenaline (neurotransmitters) and cortisol (stress hormones) even with the thought of future flying.
For others who have never been on a plane but still feel fearful is often because of other underlying anxiety, for example:

  • Fear of enclosed spaces
  • Fear of heights
  • Fear of crowds

Hypnosis Can Help With Flying Fear

Hypnosis can be incredibly effective in helping people overcome their fear of flying. As it can help to reduce the anxiety associated with it by using relaxation techniques and visualization exercises. Hypnosis can also help to address underlying issues that may be contributing to a person’s fear of flying, such as irrational thoughts or past trauma.

By using hypnosis, people can alter their perception and thought processes to reduce the fear associated with flying. As a result, those who practice hypnosis for flying fear are often able to fly without experiencing any anxiety or distress.

Furthermore, the use of self-hypnosis can provide an ongoing line of support for managing any lingering anxiety that may still exist. As with any form of phobia, it’s important to seek professional help if the fear is severely impacting someone’s life or preventing them from doing what they want or need to do. With the right help and support, hypnosis can be an effective way to manage a fear of flying.

Hypnotherapy is a way to relieve these anxieties and confront the subconscious phobia. Hypnosis is a way to persuade the subconscious mind from acting out negative thought patterns and behaviours which induce fear.

What Techniques Does Hypnotherapy Use For Fear Of Flying?

If you are considering hypnotherapy for fear of flying, your therapist will use a variety of techniques to help you overcome this fear. Here are some of the techniques that may be used:

  • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy(CBT)

This is a type of therapy that helps you to challenge and change negative thoughts and behaviours. Hypnotherapy can be used to help you recognize any irrational beliefs you may have about flying and replace them with more positive ones.

  • Visualization Exercises

The use of visualization exercises to help you understand how it feels to fly and experience a flight confidently. You might imagine yourself on the plane, feeling calm, secure, and relaxed as the plane takes off and through the duration of the flight.

  • Relaxation Techniques

Hypnotherapy involves deep relaxation techniques to help you let go of any fear and anxiety you may have about flying. These techniques will help you to focus on positive affirmations and calming thoughts that can increase your confidence in the air.

  • Rehearsal

Your therapist may also use rehearsal exercises to prepare you for a real flight experience. During these rehearsals, they will guide you through the entire process, from planning your flight to boarding the plane and taking off.

  • Rewind Technique

Finally, this helps you go back in time and address any traumatic experiences you may have had with flying. Your therapist will help you rewrite any negative memories associated with flying and replace them with positive ones.

By using these techniques, your hypnotherapist can help you gain a greater sense of control and confidence when it comes to flying. With increased self-awareness and motivation, you’ll be able to face your fears and enjoy the benefits that come with air travel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hypnotherapy for fear of flying is highly effective in helping individuals overcome their fear and anxiety about flying. This works by addressing the underlying causes of this phobia, including past experiences, irrational beliefs, and negative thinking patterns. Through hypnotherapeutic techniques, individuals can gain control over their thoughts and emotions surrounding flying.

With ongoing practice, many people find it easier to overcome their fear and can even eventually manage anxiety in other situations as well. Hypnotherapy for fear of flying is a safe, non-invasive treatment that can provide long-lasting results for those struggling with phobias.

Overall, hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for managing the fear of flying and achieving greater peace of mind while traveling. With the help of a qualified professional, you can use hypnotherapy to reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and improve cognitive functioning in flight.

Ultimately, this could lead to improved overall well-being and an increased ability to enjoy the flying experience.

What Techniques Does Hypnotherapy Use For Fear Of Flying?

I can help calm your social anxiety and performance anxiety

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Social anxiety

Fear of being judged

Do you have a fear of being judged? Fear of judgment is common and many people can relate to feeling shy, at least a little bit. But people with social anxiety disorder tend to have an overblown fear of other people thinking badly of them. I provide evidence-based therapy for social anxiety disorder, in adolescents and adults.

 

 

 

What is Social Anxiety ?

‘The fear of being judged or being the centre of attention’.

Many people can relate to feeling shy, nervous or awkward in social situations from time to time. However, for people with social anxiety disorder, the fear of judgement or criticism by others is much more intense and intrusive. The anxiety causes a lot of distress. It can get so bad that it’s difficult for people to stay in feared social situations, and they may avoid these situations altogether. Some may suffer through them by using alcohol, drugs or other coping strategies such as avoiding eye contact. It can have a negative impact on important areas of life such as relationships and work.

Many people with social anxiety disorder will avoid (or attempt to avoid) social situations such as:

  • catching up with friends
  • meeting new people
  • doing the shopping
  • answering the phone
  • eating in public: cafes, the staff room at work, or at lunchtime at school
  • being the centre of attention or performing in front of others: giving a speech or talk, or speaking up in a meeting or answering a question in class, music, drama, or sporting performances
  • going to a party

For some people, their social anxiety only pops up in situations where they are expected to perform in some way, such as giving a speech or speaking to their boss or teacher.

Either way, the distress and the avoidance of situations can really impact a person’s functioning and quality of life. The anxiety can get in the way of attending events they care about, going to work or school, connecting with others, or doing practical tasks like going grocery shopping.

When a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder is made, it means a person has been struggling with these symptoms for about 6 months or more, but often by the time people come to get help with social anxiety they’ve been feeling that way for many years.

What is performance anxiety?

Performance anxiety is considered a type of social anxiety. Often called ‘stage fright’, this anxiety appears when a person is in a performance situation:

  • on stage
  • an exam
  • a meeting
  • in class,
  • on the sporting field

When in a performance situation and others are watching us, our body can react as if we’re under attack; the flight or fight response is activated and we can experience severe anxiety symptoms. Performance anxiety can impact your performance, your enjoyment of valued activities, your self-confidence and self-esteem.

How common is social anxiety disorder?

About 12% of adults experience social anxiety disorder at some point in their life. The rates in children are thought to be around 5-10%.

How I can help with Social Anxiety and Performance Anxiety:

The good news is that social anxiety disorder and performance anxiety tend to respond well to cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). CBT teaches people to understand their anxious thoughts, to tolerate experiencing some anxiety, and to gradually face situations they’ve been avoiding to overcome their fears and regain their life.

Hypnotherapy works well because we focus on the subconscious program which is like our auto-pilot that we are running on 90% of our day. We work together to recognised and bring in to conscious awareness those triggers and sensitising events that have caused our unwanted heightened levels of anxiety. Then we focus together on overcoming those restrictions from our past and shift to new levels of calm and confident as we step in to our new empowered future.

So…I believe…Combining Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Hypnotherapy, is key for success.
Cognitive Hypnotherapy to work consciously and subconsciously together as a team for the best results.

Also Counselling Support is very important in the therapy process, which is part of the service I provide.

Typical socially anxious thoughts that we would help people with in therapy include:

  • What I say sounds stupid
  • I’m boring, weird, or unlikeable
  • I will make a fool of myself
  • Everyone will see I’m anxious
  • I’ll be rejected or criticised
  • I can’t cope if I’m anxious
  • I have nothing to say
  • People will think badly of me
  • I must perform at a high-level
  • Others expect too much of me
  • Mistakes are unacceptable
  • I must prove myself

Therapy typically involves developing a trusting relationship with your therapist who can help you to:

  • develop self-compassion and helpful thinking styles
  • plan for entering social situations in a graded way (easiest to hardest)
  • practice (imagery and role-play) social interactions to help you feel more ready to build social connections
  • gradually let go of any crutches that you use to cope with your anxiety (e.g. avoiding eye contact, withdrawing from social situations, or speaking quietly)
  • increase your tolerance for feeling anxious, helping you to accept and cope with some anxiety, rather than feeling that you must get rid of it

Research studies suggest that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may also be effective in managing social anxiety and performance anxiety.

Give me a call, txt or email now and let me help you shift from where you are to where you want to be. The best you that you can be.

 

 

Needle phobia treatment – scared of getting the COVID-19 Vaccine ?

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Vaccine injection

Trypanophobia is the medical term for extreme fear of medical procedures involving injections.

More commonly known as needle phobia by the general public.

Needle phobia in the context of vaccination can lead to vaccine avoidance.

Avoidance behaviour can affect medical care if they refuse to get treatment due to their fear of needles.

In some cases the anxiety can become so severe that the individual experiences panic attacks.

Symptoms of trypanophobia:

  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Insomnia
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Racing heart rate
  • Excessive sweating
  • Avoiding visits to the doctor or necessary medical care
  • Fainting (due to a drop in blood pressure when they see the needle or feel the needle)

What causes trypanophobia ?

  • Some people have a needle association in which a traumatic event has psychologically triggered the fear response
  • Unpleasant childhood memories of injections
  • Witnessed observation of someone else’s extreme fear of needles
  • A natural instinct to try to avoid puncture of the skin by sharp objects
  • Learned behaviour from parents or caregivers

How can I help ?

At the Auckland Hypnotherapy Clinic we offer one hour sessions to help you overcome your needle phobia.

We help calm your fear response.

We teach you valuable techniques to use before and during the event of vaccination or injection.

Due to current lockdown and current Covid-19 mass vaccination we are offering one hour therapy sessions via zoom to help you take control back, feel more calm and prepared mentally. $100 for a one hour zoom session.

 

 

Healing Victims of Violent Attacks

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Trauma

Violent assaults can lead to experiencing acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The victim may experience flashbacks, nightmares, depression, anxiety, panic attacks and avoidance of certain people, situations or locations.

If the anxieties are experienced for a month or less it is considered acute anxiety, however, if the mind and body are still experiencing the trauma after a month it is considered PTSD, which symptoms can carry on for months or years.

Fear is an emotion we experience after our brain processes a threatening stimuli through the amygdala and releases stress hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol.
These stress hormones active our sympathetic nervous system into fight/flight/freeze response so we can fight danger, run from danger or freeze in panic.

The amygdala in the brain becomes hypervigilant on high level stress, watching for potential threats which can leave the individual being stuck in sympathetic fight/flight nervous system.
The amygdala works like a smoke alarm watching for danger and ready to instantly fire off high alert stress response.

If unresolved, the individual can experience burn out, sadness, scared, powerless, trouble sleeping, self-hatred, low self-esteem, lack of confidence or suicidal thoughts.

This may in turn lead to unhealthy coping strategies such as alcohol, drugs, eating disorders or self-harm.

Fear can become prolonged to the point that it consumes the individuals mind and daily life.

What can we do? How can we help?

You’re not alone
It’s not your fault
You deserve to feel safe

Your autonomic nervous system has two parts.
One being your sympathetic nervous system (fight, flight, freeze, stress).

The other being your para-sympathetic nervous system (rest, digest, recovery, relax).
When we stimulate the para-sympathetic we shift from anxiety to calm.

When we are calm, we stop pumping stress hormones into our body.
When we exercise we release happy hormones and neuro-transmitters such as serotonin, endorphins and dopamine.

I can teach you skills to manage your thoughts

Move from flashbacks, catastrophic predictions and negative thought patterns to empowerment goals, assertiveness skills and positive outlooks.
When we change our thoughts, we change our feelings.
When we change our feelings, we change how we act.
When we change how we act, we have different outcomes.

Focusing on psychological well-being.

I can help you release trapped emotion in your body

With a mix of Tai Chi and Chi Kung exercises we can release trapped emotion from the body and energy channels.

Focusing on physiological well-being.

I can help you feel physically and psychologically empowered

I can teach you effective self-defence skills to help you feel safe and confident in your environment.

Learn effective techniques to use against the most common attacks.
Build fighter reflexes and muscle memory to react quickly in situations.
Keep yourself and your family safe.

Also where to buy the best quality running shoes and when to use them!

 

 

 

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