Balancing autonomic nervous system activity through hypnosis clinical implications for pain therapy

Hypnosis, a clinically valuable therapeutic modality, is increasingly recognized for its efficacy in treating a spectrum of psychological and somatic disorders, including pain. Its influence extends beyond central nervous system processes to encompass the autonomic nervous system (ANS), thereby affecting peripheral physiological responses. Objective psychophysiological measures, including heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), electrodermal activity (EDA), and the Analgesia Nociceptive Index (ANI), provide quantifiable evidence of ANS modulation. Studies consistently demonstrate that hypnosis promotes a shift towards parasympathetic dominance, characterized by reduced sympathetic activity and enhanced parasympathetic tone, particularly during relaxation protocols. This effect is subject to individual differences in hypnotizability and the specific task conditions. While acknowledging methodological considerations, this mini review highlights the promising role of targeted ANS modulation through hypnosis in optimizing therapeutic interventions for pain disorders associated with ANS dysregulation.