As I shared on my previous blog, I needed support in addressing the anxiety and panic attacks that were triggered by a turbulent airplane ride.  Unfortunately, at that time I was not able to find a psychologist in my area.  This was before Covid and the idea of having zoom meetings was not common.  My desperation fueled me to keep looking, and that is when I encountered Restorative Relaxation Hypnotherapy. 

First, what is Hypnosis?  Sometimes people have the impression that hypnosis is more complex, but it’s not.  Hypnosis is a relaxing state of mind, that is it!  Hypnosis is being completely engaged, just like when we are watching a movie or listening to music or doing creative work.  Also, Hypnosis is a heightened state of awareness that gives the mind more focus and control. Hypnosis used in hypnotherapy is intentional, and it is used with the purpose of achieving a specific goal.  The state of relaxation in hypnosis allows the chattery mind to slow down, and tap into the subconscious mind where memories and beliefs are stored. There are different hypnosis techniques used in therapy sessions, and today we are specifically speaking about Restorative Relaxation Hypnotherapy.

Now let’s get curious about Relaxation Response as it plays a main role in restorative relaxation hypnotherapy.  According to Harvard Professor for The Mind and Body, Medical Cardiologist, Doctor Herbert Benson, we have an innate capacity that is the opposite of the fight or flight response, and that is called the relaxation response.  After several studies, Doctor Benson found how emotional reactions caused by stress can lead to physical illness.  In fact, Doctor Benson said 60% of physical illness is caused by stress.  Research shows 1. stress affects the body, 2. the mind is inseparable from the body, and 3. meditation gives the opposite response of the fight or flight response.  Doctor Benson explains, to bring forth the relaxation response, we get to break the pattern of everyday thinking for a few minutes a day.  This can be done by a repetition of words or phrases and simply ignoring random thoughts.  The relaxation response technique has been applied to stress related conditions, and thousands of literatures have shown these techniques can effectively treat any condition that is caused or made worse by stress, example: anxiety, mild to moderate depression, insomnia, high blood pressure, tension headaches etc.  Also, the relaxation response technique can be used while a person is on medication.  Doctor Benson has been a pioneer in the field of body and mind medicine, he has bridged the gap between spirituality and medical science.  He has received several awards, written many books, and can be found on YouTube.  This information is key in maintaining a healthy mind and body by being proactive and practicing mindfulness activities.

Moving onto the word Restorative.  Yoga teacher, Judith Lasater popularized Restorative Yoga, which is a yoga position that includes laying down, while being covered with a blanket and supporting the legs with bolsters or pillows.  This yoga position is known to relax the body and release stress.  Being in a Restorative Yoga position while being in hypnosis or listening to a hypnosis meditation creates the most relaxing and stress releasing experience.

Finally putting it all together now.  My mentor and first Hypnosis teacher, Lisa Hubler, founder of Mind Matters Restorative Hypnotherapy Training, created a unique blend of hypnosis, meditation, and yoga that evokes the relaxation response.  As a yoga teacher for many years, Lisa has extensive experience practicing mindfulness and creating meditations.  Her method of Hypnosis connects the mind and body together, while guiding them to relaxation and tapping into a higher consciousness.  Restorative Relaxation Hypnotherapy allows for one to effortlessly release deep tensions, holdings, and unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors.  This makes it easy for clients to simply put on headphones, sit back in a reclining position or lay down, covered in a blanket and enjoy a relaxing, healthy, and personalized experience, regardless of any meditation experience.

Restorative Relaxation Hypnotherapy was my first certification in hypnosis, and it was the first type of hypnosis technique that I received as a client.  I am experienced in other hypnosis techniques that I custom blend along with Restorative Relaxation Hypnotherapy for my clients, and I will share more about them in future blogs.  For now, I am beginning a series of short, guided hypnosis meditation, inspired by Restorative Relaxation Hypnotherapy for you to enjoy.  I am beginning the YouTube series with a “Relaxing Meditation by Astonishing Mind” guided meditation.  The guided meditation series is going to be in relationship with the best practices shared in this blog.  If you are curious to try Hypnosis or would like to experience some of the benefits covered in this blog, then this series of guided meditations may be for you.  There is no right or wrong experience, only a great opportunity to instill relaxation and positive affirmations for your mind and body, and the more you do it, the more your mind and body will become familiar with relaxation and positive affirmations.  Please see the link below for the first hypnosis guided meditation.  Enjoy, and may you be well. 

Diana Diaz – Certified Restorative & RTT Hypnotherapist
Astonishing Mind Hypnotherapy
“Let us be the lantern, you already know the path.”