Living with autoimmune symptoms can feel like your body has turned against you. The unpredictable flares, persistent fatigue, and constant vigilance about what might trigger the next episode can leave you feeling trapped in a cycle of physical discomfort and emotional exhaustion.

What if there was a way to help your mind and body work together more harmoniously? Imagine waking up feeling more in control, with a sense of calm that extends beyond your thoughts into your physical wellbeing.

Hypnotherapy offers a unique approach to managing autoimmune symptoms by addressing the complex relationship between stress, immune function, and symptom severity. Rather than fighting against your body, this therapeutic approach helps you develop a more collaborative relationship with your immune system.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to access a naturally occurring trance-like state. In this relaxed state, your mind becomes more open to positive suggestions and new ways of thinking about your health and symptoms.

During hypnosis, you remain completely aware and in control. Think of it as similar to those moments when you’re so absorbed in a book or film that you lose track of time – your conscious mind steps back whilst your subconscious becomes more receptive to therapeutic guidance.

For autoimmune conditions, hypnotherapy works by helping to regulate your nervous system and reduce the chronic stress response that can exacerbate immune dysfunction. The process feels like sinking into a warm, comfortable space where your body can remember what it feels like to be calm and balanced.

Your hypnotherapist will guide you through visualisations and suggestions specifically tailored to immune system support. These might include imagery of your immune cells working harmoniously or techniques to help your body distinguish between genuine threats and harmless substances.

How Effective Is Hypnotherapy for Autoimmune Symptoms?

Autoimmune conditions involve your immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissues in your body. This misdirected immune response is often intensified by chronic stress, which floods your system with cortisol and inflammatory chemicals that can worsen symptoms and trigger flares.

Hypnotherapy addresses this by activating your parasympathetic nervous system – your body’s natural “rest and digest” mode. When your nervous system shifts out of constant alertness, inflammation markers can decrease and immune function often becomes more balanced.

Research published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis has shown that hypnotherapy can significantly reduce inflammatory markers in people with autoimmune conditions. Studies on conditions like rheumatoid arthritis have demonstrated measurable improvements in pain levels, joint stiffness, and overall quality of life following hypnotherapy interventions.

The experience often feels like learning to turn down the volume on your body’s alarm system. Instead of your immune system constantly shouting warnings, hypnotherapy can help it communicate in whispers, responding proportionally to actual threats rather than overreacting to everyday triggers.

Sarah, who had struggled with lupus flares for years, began to notice after several sessions that her morning stiffness was less severe. She found herself able to plan activities without the constant fear that her symptoms would derail her day.

Individual responses vary considerably, and hypnotherapy works best as part of a comprehensive treatment approach alongside conventional medical care. The key lies in consistency and allowing your nervous system time to learn these new, calmer patterns of response.

What Happens in a Session for Autoimmune Symptoms?

Your first session typically begins with a detailed discussion about your specific symptoms, triggers, and health goals. Your hypnotherapist will want to understand how autoimmune symptoms affect your daily life and what you’d most like to change about your experience.

The hypnotherapy portion usually starts with progressive relaxation techniques. You’ll be guided to release tension from each part of your body, creating a foundation of calm that allows your immune system to shift out of high alert mode.

Your therapist might then use visualisation techniques specifically designed for immune support. These could involve imagining your immune cells as wise guardians learning to recognise friend from foe, or picturing your body’s inflammatory response cooling and calming like a gentle stream.

Many people are surprised by how physical the experience feels. You might notice your breathing deepening, muscle tension melting away, or a warm sensation spreading through areas that usually feel inflamed or painful. This is your nervous system actively shifting into a healing state.

Sessions often include post-hypnotic suggestions for managing stress and symptoms between appointments. You might be given techniques for quick relaxation or ways to mentally “cool down” inflammation when you feel a flare beginning.

Most sessions last 50-60 minutes, with the hypnotherapy portion typically taking up the latter two-thirds of your appointment time.

Common Misconceptions About Hypnotherapy

Many people worry that hypnotherapy means losing control or being manipulated in some way. In reality, you remain completely aware throughout the session and cannot be made to do anything against your will or values. You’re simply in a deeply relaxed, focused state.

Some people believe they won’t be “hypnotisable” or that they’re too analytical for the process to work. However, the ability to focus and use your imagination – skills you use daily – are all that’s needed for effective hypnotherapy.

There’s also a misconception that hypnotherapy provides instant results. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy emphasises that therapeutic benefits typically develop gradually as your nervous system learns new patterns of response.

Finally, some worry that hypnotherapy is somehow “alternative” or unscientific. Modern hypnotherapy is based on well-researched principles of neuroscience and psychology, with growing evidence for its effectiveness in managing chronic health conditions.

How Many Sessions Are Needed for Autoimmune Symptoms?

The number of sessions varies significantly depending on your individual symptoms, how long you’ve been experiencing them, and how your body responds to the hypnotherapy process. Most people begin to notice subtle changes after 3-4 sessions, though meaningful improvement often requires 6-10 sessions.

Autoimmune conditions typically develop over time, and your immune system needs time to learn new, more balanced responses. Think of it like training your body to speak a new language – fluency develops gradually through consistent practice.

Many people find that initial intensive work followed by occasional “maintenance” sessions works well for managing ongoing symptoms. You might have weekly sessions for the first month, then spread them to fortnightly or monthly as you develop stronger self-regulation skills.

Your hypnotherapist will work with you to assess progress and adjust the frequency of sessions accordingly. The goal is always to help you develop internal resources for managing your symptoms, reducing your reliance on external support over time.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for Me?

Hypnotherapy can be particularly helpful if you notice that stress seems to trigger or worsen your autoimmune symptoms. If you find yourself caught in cycles of worry about flares or experience health anxiety alongside your physical symptoms, hypnotherapy may offer valuable support.

It’s especially worth considering if you’re looking for tools to complement your medical treatment rather than replace it. Many people appreciate having an active role in managing their symptoms rather than feeling passive in the face of unpredictable flares.

You might also find hypnotherapy beneficial if you experience chronic fatigue syndrome alongside autoimmune symptoms, as both conditions often involve similar stress-immune system interactions.

The approach works well for people who are curious about the mind-body connection and open to exploring how their thoughts and stress levels might influence their physical wellbeing. What matters most is your willingness to engage with the process and practice the techniques you learn.

Explore more about hypnotherapy for Performance & Productivity.

Is Hypnotherapy as Effective Online?

This session can be conducted online from anywhere in the world—research published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare has demonstrated that online hypnotherapy is equally effective as in-person sessions for anxiety, with the added benefits of convenience and accessibility from your own comfortable environment. 

Many clients find that being in their own space actually helps them relax more deeply. 

If after that initial session you feel hypnotherapy isn’t right for you, there’s no obligation to continue. 

Book your introductory session and discover whether this approach resonates with you.