Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), A powerful therapy for the Nervous System, Habits, Trauma, Healing and Health

I noticed early on in my practice that some patients struggled with self-sabotage, deeper blocks to healing and unresolved traumas, which all contributed to slowed healing, or derailed treatment plans and protocols. My first degree was a BA in Psychology, and this foundation led me to dive deeper over the last 15 years into trainings in mind-body medicine, hypnotherapy, and NLP. As naturopathic doctors, we are trained to treat the root cause of illness, and we are also tasked to hold the entire health history and be truly holistic in our framework. Integrative and holistic models of care have been proven to accelerate healing and contribute to higher rates of radical remissions. These cases all had components that were physical, mental and spiritual. The mind piece of mind body medicine often needs some specific support to uncouple behaviours and body responses from mental schemas and memories. This is where NLP shines!

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) sessions involves understanding and changing behaviour patterns through diving into language, modeling, memories, behaviours and habits. I often see significant breakthroughs in emotional and physical well-being through NLP practices, and often recommend adding this work into patient's health journey if blocks are arising or past unresolved pains have created patterns of self-sabotage or are derailing health subconsciously.

Understanding the Nervous System

To comprehend the benefits of NLP for the nervous system, it's crucial to understand its basic function. The nervous system, comprising the central and peripheral systems, plays a vital role in regulating the body’s responses to stress and emotional stimuli. It influences not just physical health but also our mental and emotional states. When individuals experience negative feelings or traumas, the nervous system can remain in a heightened state of stress, leading to anxiety, fatigue, and various health issues.

NLP and the Nervous System

One of the core principles of NLP involves altering how individuals perceive their experiences and respond to stimuli. NLP techniques, such as anchoring and reframing, allow individuals to create new associations and responses to past traumas or stressors.

1. Anchoring: This technique involves creating a mental link between a specific trigger (such as a word or gesture) and a desired emotional state. Research by Thunberg & Lindholm (2016) indicated that anchoring can effectively create a physiological change, allowing for a calmer response to stressful situations.

2. Reframing: By changing the context or meaning of a situation, individuals can alter their emotional responses. A study by McLeod (2013) supports the notion that cognitive restructuring methods, similar to NLP reframing, result in significant reductions in anxiety and improved emotional well-being.

Through these techniques, NLP helps reduce the overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the fight-or-flight response) and promotes a more balanced state in the parasympathetic system, which encourages relaxation and recovery.

NLP and Habits

Habits are often rooted in our neurological wiring, making them challenging to change. However, NLP offers strategies that can modify habitual behaviors by reshaping the underlying beliefs and thought patterns.

1. Pattern Interrupts: NLP techniques can effectively disrupt unwanted habits by creating a conscious pause between the stimulus and response. According to research by Hurst & Wiggins (2015), pattern interrupts can help individuals gain control over compulsive behaviors by introducing a new response mechanism.

2. Visualization and Goal Setting: Through NLP, individuals can create vivid mental imagery of their desired habits and outcomes. A study by Oettingen et al. (2015) indicated that mental contrasting—a technique related to NLP visualization—led to more effective goal achievement and habit formation.

3. Submodalities: NLP explores the sensory aspect of memories and habits, allowing individuals to manipulate how they perceive experiences. Lee and Killarney (2017) demonstrated that adjusting sensory modalities in memory retrieval can considerably affect an individual's emotional response to specific triggers, thereby influencing habitual behaviors.

NLP and Healing

Health is an area where NLP has been notably impactful. The mind-body connection is crucial for overall well-being, and NLP provides a framework for harnessing this connection to promote healing.

1. Stress Reduction: Chronic stress is known to exacerbate health problems, including heart disease and autoimmune disorders. A meta-analysis by the American Psychological Association (2019) revealed that interventions similar to NLP effectively reduce stress and improve health outcomes.

2. Pain Management: NLP has shown promise in pain management strategies. A study by Chaves et al. (2016) found that participants who used NLP techniques reported significantly lower pain levels compared to those who did not receive NLP interventions, demonstrating NLP's potential in pain perception and management.

3. Enhanced Healing: Positive thought patterns and beliefs can support physical healing. A systematic review by Sweeney et al. (2018) highlighted that positive affirmations and visualizations, both integral to NLP practice, improved patients' healing outcomes post-surgery and significantly impacted recovery rates.

NLP offers a range of powerful techniques for enhancing the functioning of the nervous system, changing habits, and promoting health and healing. Feel free to reach out to us at Landmark Wellness for questions. Book an NLP session with Dr. Haile Here

References

• Chaves, E. L., Aponte, S. C., & Fregni, F. (2016).