How to stop blushing

Blushing is often connected with social anxiety or menopause, or with stressful situations. But it can happen randomly and unpredictably. Whatever the cause, blushing too often can be a problem. But hypnotherapy may be able to help you stop blushing so much.

Blushing and social anxiety

Blushing usually happens when we’re feeling embarrassed, or that we are the subject of more attention than we’d like from others. Menopausal hot flashes can also be a cause. But whatever the reason, if you blush too often, or even just feel that you do, it can be a problem. You can become anxious about interacting with others or socialising in case it happens. You might also find yourself avoiding social situations, which can be difficult at home and at work. Dating, in particular, can be fraught with difficulties. , since blushing makes you feel self-conscious.

Those who don’t blush excessively generally don’t even think about it. It’s just not an issue. But for those who do, it’s a constant source of concern. The significant amount of anxiety caused by blushing may well drive people to avoid all situations they believe could cause them to go red.

Why do people blush?

Research shows the physical mechanism of blushing is pretty straightforward. Essentially, the blood flow in your face increases, so you look redder. It’s called ‘facial redness’, but often it can happen on the chest area too.

Physical issues, such as rosacea, menopause, or hyperhidrosis are potential causes of excessive blushing. Environmental factors like spicy foods can be part of the problem. But there can also be emotional causes such as social anxiety disorder, or generalised anxiety. Sometimes even a fear of blushing can be enough to set it off, so it becomes a vicious circle.

It’s best to see a GP first if you think your blushing is excessive, in case there is a medical issue that needs treatment. And there are things you can do to help. Splashing your face with cold water can help, or wearing colour correcting makeup.

But if you want a more permanent approach, hypnotherapy can help you relax, reduce anxiety, and boost your social confidence. All these can lead to reduced blushing.

Hypnosis to prevent blushing

Hypnotherapy for blushing usually takes one of two approaches.

Sometimes we work with a mostly cognitive behavioural therapy approach. This means looking at the here and now, and boosting your ability to be calm in situations that tend to make you blush. At other times, we look into why you might have been blushing in the first place: sometimes it’s about an embarrassing event that happened years ago, that your unconscious mind returns to each time you are in a similar situation. Which of these will be best for you will depend on your situation and the history of your blushing.

If you would like to know more or get advice about using hypnotherapy to stop blushing, please get in touch. I’d be happy to help.