Hypnotherapy has been the subject of several studies investigating its impact on immune function at the cellular level. Research indicates that hypnosis can modulate immune responses, potentially enhancing the body’s ability to combat illness.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that hypnosis buffered the effects of stress on immune functions in medical students during exam periods. The study observed that hypnosis helped maintain the proliferative responses of T-lymphocytes and interleukin-1 production by peripheral blood leukocytes, which are crucial components of the immune system. Additionally, more frequent hypnotic-relaxation practice was associated with higher percentages of CD3+ and CD4+ T-lymphocytes, suggesting a positive influence on cellular immunity PubMed.
Another study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine examined the effects of self-hypnosis on lymphocyte subsets. The results indicated that self-hypnosis could influence lymphocyte subsets, which play a significant role in the body’s immune response. This suggests that hypnotherapy may have a modulatory effect on immune cell populations, potentially enhancing immune surveillance and response ScienceDirect.