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

Leo, Donato, Keller, Simon ORCID: 0000-0001-5247-9795 and Proietti, Riccardo ORCID: 0000-0003-4113-7030 (2025) Hypno-cardiac physiology: Aiming for an organised study of the physiological effects of hypnosis on the cardiovascular system Journal of Integrative Medicine, 23 (5). pp. 457-461. ISSN 2095-4964, 2095-4964

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Anxiety, Hypnosis, Cardiac physiology, Cardiovascular health, Hypno-cardiac physiology
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Systems, Molec & Integrative Biology > Inst. Systems, Molec & Integrative Biology
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	18 Jul 2025 10:58
Last Modified:	28 Feb 2026 16:24
DOI:	10.1016/j.joim.2025.07.004
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3193772
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