Impact of Relaxation and Imagery on Asthma

From the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine at Technische Universitaet Muenchen in Munich, Germany, investigated the immunological impact of relaxation and imagery on asthma by measuring the effects these techniques have on serum IgE in adult patients with dust mite allergic asthma in a randomized, controlled trial.

Sixty-four patients were treated over a 4-week period and assessed at baseline, after treatment and after 4 months for follow-up. Participation in relaxation, guided imagery and a combination of both strategies led to decreases in serum IgE (IU/mL) of -54.7 +/- 67.1, -49.5 +/- 93.4, and -28.4 +/- 93.9 respectively, as compared with an increase of 27.7 +/- 43.2 in the controls. The investigators conclude that the study confirms a positive and clinically relevant impact of relaxation and guided imagery on total serum IgE levels.

Citation: Lahmann C, Henningsen P, Schulz C, Schuster T, Sauer N, Noll-Hussong M, Ronel J, Tritt K, Loew T. Effects of functional relaxation and guided imagery on IgE in dust-mite allergic adult asthmatics: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disorders. 2010 Feb; 198 (2): pp. 125-30. lahmann@tum.de

Scientic Study that Hypnosis DOES WORK !!

Findings in a recent study show that hypnosis appear to enhance the brain’s self-monitoring processes to allow images generated by suggestion to guide behavior.....and more.

I have told people for years about the power of the mind to believe what it imagines and now we have proof that hypnosis does work in a positive way on the brain.

Click here for the article

Hypnosis in the Dental Practise

The Midwinter Meeting of the Chicago Dental Society will not only have the first peek at an array of new dental products but will also have the opportunity to attend more than 200 scientific programs, including approximately 30 hands-on programs, covering topics like forensic odontology, cosmetic dentistry, infection control during dental care and how clinical hypnosis can help relax nervous patients.

Yes, I said will learn about the topic of using clinical hypnosis.

I myself, used hypnosis for recent dental surgery and was told by the dentist that " I was more relaxed than his I.V. sedated patients"

click here for the article

Hypnosis Can Help Control Pain Among Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer

A study was published in an issue of the American Psychological Association journal Health Psychology.

Results of the study suggest that although hypnosis is not at present standard practice for treating a wide range of symptoms that trouble cancer patients, it is worth examining that potential,"


click here for the article

Genes Interact With the Environment

There is a new study showing the importance of how our habits, like smoking and eating high fat foods add to the fuel of change in our genes.

This is important information that we can give to our clients who are coming to us to stop smoking and other habits and change of lifestyle they want to incorporate. We can use this information when presenting seminars to people.

Click here for the article

Hypnosis and Asthma

Here is a study that reinforces what we already knew as practicing hypnotists.

Ran D. Anbar, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical University, in Syracuse, NY, recommends hypnosis as a treatment option when a child's respiratory symptoms appear to have a psychological component.

click here

Hypnosis to Decrease the Amount of Pain Medication Needed

Need anymore convincing to use medical hypnosis before, during (even during general anesthesia) and after surgery??

Here is a link to an article regarding how morphine decreases healing and wound closure and increases the chance of infection.

I used my experience as a Nurse Anesthetist and a Clinical Hypnotherapist to make the best Hypnosis Surgery CD set to be used for surgeries. 

I have used it myself and amazed the surgeons as far as healing time and decreased swelling.

Clink on this link, to order, if you or a friend will be having surgery .

Stress Causes Hear Attacks - A Place for HYPNOSIS

In a new study regarding stress and heart attacks, once again we see a link. 

Hypnosis has always been used as a way to deal with stress. I even have a CD called  "StressBuster" in my store section on my web site. It is only 19 minutes long so there are no excuses.

Here is the link to the study

Hypnosis can be useful in Gluten-Free Diet Restrictions

There is a new study being formed to see if the use of mind body techniques can be helpful in having patients stick to the rigors of a gluten-free Diet.

Eating even a small amount of gluten can damage the small intestine and damage will occur in anyone with the disease including people without any noticeable symptoms. It is sometimes very stressful and difficult for people with celiac disease to stick to a gluten-free diet.

Hypnosis can most definitely help people decide to stick to a diet regimen. Hypnosis can help people WANT and be MOTIVATED to read labels, accept the restrictions of an illness, adhere to recommended diets and foods. I use hypnosis for many clients who have diabetes, as well as other dietary restrictions. I am quite sure that if this study uses hypnosis, they will find positive results.

here is the link to the article

Hypnosis and Dyspepsia

Nice article on hypnosis for gastrointestinal symptoms.
I add on and follow the IBS protocol of Palsson that is sited in the article. You have to be a licensed medical person or psychologist to have the protocol.

Both in person sessions and phone sessions work with this.
http://www.HypnotherapyforHealth.com

Here is the link to the article

Hypnosis and the Gut

Hypnosis works with the immune system. Think of how we can use hypnosis to tap into working directly with the gut.


click here to read the article

Hypnosis for Hives

An mention of using hypnotherapy for Hives

Ask Dr. Weil: Hives

MSN Health & Fitness:

http://health. msn.com/health- topics/skin- and-hair/ articlepage. aspx?cp-document id=100251515

Make relaxation your focus to help ease the itching.

Q: I suffer from chronic hives. Is there anything I can do to prevent them and ease the itch?

It's hard to prevent them if you're prone, but there's a lot you can do to ease the irritation they cause. Hives are itchy pink, red, or white patches that often develop as an allergic reaction to common triggers, such as insect bites and food, and disappear on their own within a few weeks. However, for some people, they become a long-term problem with no identifiable cause. To relieve symptoms and stop them from getting worse, I recommend the following steps.

Make relaxation a priority: Research shows a potential link between chronic hives and stress, anxiety, and depression. Find a calming practice, like yoga. Or soak in a tub of warm water and cornstarch or colloidal oatmeal , a special nonedible product that will soothe the itch while you unwind.

Try visualization: I suggest scheduling a few sessions with a hypnotherapist or practitioner of guided imagery to help you harness the mind's power to promote healing (visit academy forguidedimagery. com and asch.net/referrals. asp for referrals).

A report in the Archives of Dermatology showed that both treatment methods can help reduce the number of hives you develop and relieve itching. If neither helps, contact your doctor Occasionally, autoimmune disorders , such as lupus, can trigger chronic hives.

Andrew Weil, M.D., is director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona and is a pioneer in the use of natural healing therapies. He received his medical training at Harvard University.

Provided by Prevention



In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment for non-profit research and educational purposes only.

Hypnosis for Bruxism or Teeth Grinding

Hypnosis works so well at relieving the stress that can lead to all the medical problems associated with teeth grinding.



Check out this article about using hypnosis for bruxism or teeth grindingg.

Hypnosis for Weight Loss Research

In a 9-week study of two weight management groups (one using hypnosis and one not using hypnosis), the hypnosis group continued to get results in the two-year follow-up, while the non-hypnosis group showed no further results (Journal of Clinical Psychology, 1985).

In a study of 60 women separated into hypnosis versus non-hypnosis groups, the groups using hypnosis lost an average of 17 pounds, while the non-hypnosis group lost an average of only .5 pounds (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1986).

In a meta-analysis, comparing the results of adding hypnosis to weight loss treatment across multiple studies showed that adding hypnosis increased weight loss by an average of 97% during treatment, and even more importantly increased the effectiveness POST TREATMENT by over 146%. This shows that hypnosis works even better over time (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1996).

Referenced Studies:

Cochrane, Gordon; Friesen, J. (1986). Hypnotherapy in weight loss treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 489-492.

Kirsch, Irving (1996). Hypnotic enhancement of cognitive-behavioral weight loss treatments--Another meta-reanalysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64 (3), 517-519.

Allison, David B.; Faith, Myles S. Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy for obesity: A meta-analytic reappraisal. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 1996 Jun Vol 64(3) 513-516

Stradling J, Roberts D, Wilson A, Lovelock F. Controlled trial of hypnotherapy for weight loss in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. International Journal of Obesity Related Metababolic Disorders. 1998 Mar;22(3):278-81.

Reason to Use Hypnosis to Change Pain

Here is another study that shows how our feelings about pain can influence the amount of pain perceived. This is the area where we hypnotist can do so much for our clients in the area of pain management.

Reported in the journal PNAS, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, people that are more anxious, or worried about feeling pain, have differences in connectivity within their brains that make them more susceptible to actually feeling pain.
The team applied short laser pulses to the feet of 16 willing and healthy volunteers just at the point where they started to experience the pulses as being painful ('you can ratchet up the laser pulses so you feel them as warm, then hot, then the point where you say "yeah, actually, that hurts now,"'. These brief laser pulses were applied 120 times to each volunteer, and around half the time the volunteer would declare it was painful and half the time not -- even though the pulse was exactly the same every time.

MRI brain scans during these experiments show that the volunteers' brains were more active in pain-processing regions when they described the laser pulses as being painful -- so this was a real experience and not down to any report bias or artefact.
The researchers at the Oxford Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain, looked at the period just before the stimulus and wondered if there was a difference in the way certain regions of the brain are connected or communicating before the stimulus was applied.
The researchers focused on the connection between 'higher' parts of the brain involved in the processing of pain, and part of the brain stem that can powerfully alter the experience of pain -- turning its level up or down.
When there was good coupling between the two areas before a laser pulse, the volunteer felt no pain, and when the connectivity was poor, the pulse was experienced as painful.
Most interestingly of all, however, was that people that were more likely to be anxious or vigilant about pain (as scored on their answers to a questionnaire for these traits), showed poorer connectivity in general between these brain regions.

Use Hypnosis to stop smoking :Cigarette smoking increases colorectal cancer risk

Another reason to stop smoking. One 2 hr session and you are a non-smoker.
Phone sessions are available 510-690-0699

Here is the article:

Cigarette smoking increases colorectal cancer risk

Hypnosis for Mesothelioma

In todays MesotheliomaHelp.net:

Hypnosis Can Be Useful for Pain Management in Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma can be a painful cancer. Over half of the pleural mesothelioma patients experience pain in the chest which can be intense and severe enough to require narcotics to alleviate the pain and discomfort.

Not willing to take any more drugs, some mesothelioma patients are turning to hypnosis as a way to manage their pain. Hypnosis, once shunned by the medical profession, is becoming more popular in clinical settings helping people stop smoking, lose weight, and now, deal with pain.

Hpynotherapy, when performed by a trained specialist, can be a powerful and effective procedure. A hypnotist brings a patient to a state of high concentration allowing him to have a strict focus. The person then "projects" himself to another place or state where he can block pain awareness or substitute other sensations for painful ones.

Hypnosis is considered an unconventional therapy and is often used with other holistic treatments including yoga and meditation. Hypnosis is not effective for everyone.

An Abstract on Using Hypnosis for Analgesia During EMG

The Feasibility of Hypnotic Analgesia in Ameliorating Pain and Anxiety Among Adults Undergoing Needle Electromyography

http://journals. lww.com/ajpmr/ Abstract/ 2009/01000/ The_Feasibility_ of_Hypnotic_ Analgesia_ in.4.aspx

American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation:
January 2009 - Volume 88 - Issue 1 - pp 21-29
doi: 10.1097/PHM. 0b013e31818e00bd
Original Research Article: Electromyography

Abstract

Slack D, Nelson L, Patterson D, Burns S, Hakimi K, Robinson L: The feasibility of hypnotic analgesia in ameliorating pain and anxiety among adults undergoing needle electromyography. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2009;88:21-29.

Objective: Our hypothesis was that hypnotic analgesia reduces pain and anxiety during electromyography (EMG).

Design: We performed a prospective randomized, controlled clinical trial at outpatient electrodiagnostic clinics in teaching hospitals. Just before EMG, 26 subjects were randomized to one of three 20-min audio programs: education about EMG (EDU) (n = 8); hypnotic induction without analgesic suggestion (n = 10); or hypnotic induction with analgesic suggestion (n = 8). The blinded electromyographer provided a posthypnotic suggestion at the start of EMG. After EMG, subjects rated worst and average pain and anxiety using visual analog scales.

Results: Mean values for the EDU, hypnotic induction without analgesic suggestion, and hypnotic induction with analgesic suggestion groups were not significantly different (mean ± SD): worst pain 67 ± 25, 42 ± 18, and 49 ± 30; average pain 35 ± 26, 27 ± 14, and 25 ± 22; and anxiety 44 ± 41, 42 ± 23, and 22 ± 24. When hypnosis groups were merged (n = 18) and compared with the EDU condition (n = 8), average and worst pain and anxiety were less for the hypnosis group than EDU, but this was statistically significant only for worst pain (hypnosis, 46 ± 24 vs. EDU, 67 ± 35; P = 0.049) with a 31% average reduction.

Conclusions: A short hypnotic induction seems to reduce worst pain during electromyography.

Hypnosis Can Ce Seen On Brain Scans

The effects of hypnosis can be seen on brain scans.

English researchers studied the effects of hypnosis with brain scans. They found that hypnotized volunteers had decreased activity in the parts of the brain that are associated with daydreaming or allowing the mind to wander. However, the same effect wasn't seen in people who weren't susceptible to being hypnotized,

"This shows that the changes were due to hypnosis and not just simple relaxation. Our study shows hypnosis is real," said study leader Dr William McGeown, a lecturer in the department of psychology at Hull University.

The study appears in the journal Consciousness and Cognition.

The findings show that hypnosis can work by "priming" a person to respond more effectively to suggestions but does not prove that people being hypnotized are in an actual "trance," Dr. Michael Heap, a clinical forensic psychologist in Sheffield, told BBC News.

Sharing a Medical Hypnosis CourseTestimonial

I just needed to share this email that I received this morning. There is nothing like the feeling of helping my students.

Hi Seth-Deborah,

Thank you so much for the wonderful telecourse you are teaching I can't
say enough about this course.

The content is relevant, well organized, current, accurate and great
information to help me best serve my clients. The fact that I can learn in
the comfort of my own home saves me lots of precious time and money.

I love to listen to your voice. You convey the information in clearly and
you stay on track.

In the past I have struggled to find classes that are really worth my time
and money. You are the answer to my prayers. I am a little embarrassed to
admit how little I have done to stay on top in this field only because of
past disappointments.

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with me.

Sharon O'Connor

Hypnosis and the Science of Memory

James McGaugh, Ph.D., a neuroscientist from the University of California, Irvine has completed some study regarding the science of memory.

What is known is that memories are processed and formed in different areas of the brain.

"If you look at a visual scene, the memory of that visual scene is being processed by the visual cortex, but if you're talking about it at the same time, that memory is going to be processed in the auditory cortex, and if you're emotional about it, that's going to engage another region of the brain," McGaugh explained.

McGaugh also says memories happen when the information is repeated and rehearsed and when we experience an "emotional arousal." That means we remember things better when we become emotionally "excited" about them.

So with that information, it is important for for hypnotists to reinforce suggestions over and over again, rehearse the end result, and help our clients to FEEL, HEAR OR SEE the change they desire !!

Hypnosis for Pain Management in Arthritis

I treat many clients for pain management hypnosis who have arthritis. I have noticed a pattern of physical abuse and repressed anger in these patients.

Today, there was a study released regarding findings of a link between physical abuse and arthritis.

I have found a connection between physical abuse and arthritis in my clients I see for pain hypnosis, Here is a study regarding such:

Childhood Physical Abuse Linked To Arthritis, Study Finds

From the November issue of the journal Arthritis Care & Research.

University of Toronto researchers investigated the relationship between self-reported childhood physical abuse and a diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA). After analyzing representative data from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey, the researchers determined a significant association between childhood physical abuse and osteoarthritis in adulthood.

"We found that 10.2 per cent of those with osteoarthritis reported they had been physically abused as children in comparison to 6.5 per cent of those without osteoarthritis," says lead author Esme Fuller-Thomson of U of T's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and Department of Family and Community Medicine. "This study provides further support for the need to investigate the possible role that childhood abuse plays in the development of chronic illness."

Co-author Sarah Brennenstuhl, stated that, "We were surprised that the significant association between childhood physical abuse and osteoarthritis persisted even after controlling for major potentially confounding factors such as obesity, physical activity levels as well as age, gender, income and race."

According to Fuller-Thomson, one important avenue for future research is to investigate the pathways through which arthritis may develop as a consequence of childhood physical abuse.

Laughter and You

Researchers led by a team from the College of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, researched how the expectation of a funny event affected a person's stress levels and immune system function.

Several subjects at nearby Loma Linda University were told that they would be viewing a humorous video in three days. A control group was told nothing. In the days before show time, the participants who were informed in advance showed a 39 percent decrease in cortisol and a 70 percent drop in epinephrine, both stress hormones that can be detrimental to health. They also saw an 87 percent rise in growth hormone and a 27 percent gain in beta-endorphin. Both these compounds can reduce the effects of stress and strengthen the immune system. The control group saw none of these changes. "This has profound wellness and disease prevention implications, and may indeed constitute a real 'biology of hope,'" says lead researcher Lee Berk, Dr.PH. (doctorate in public health), an assistant professor of family medicine at the College of Medicine.

Self-Hypnosis More Effective than Biofeedback for Pain

At the University of Washington in Seattle, there was a study with randomly assigned 37 adults with spinal-cord injury and chronic pain to receive 10 sessions of self-hypnosis or EMG biofeedback relaxation training for pain management. Participants in both treatment conditions reported substantial, but similar, decreases in pain intensity from before to after the treatment sessions.

Participants in the SELF-HYPNOSIS condition, but not the BIOFEEDBACK condition, reported statistically significant decreases in daily average pain pre- to post-treatment. These pre- to posttreatment decreases in pain reported by the SELF-HYPNOSIS participants were maintained at 3-month follow-up.

Those who took part int the SELF-HYPNOSIS part, but not the BIOFEEDBACK PART, also reported significant pre- to posttreatment increases in perceived control over pain, but this change was not maintained at the 3-month follow-up.

Citation: Jensen MP, Barber J, Romano JM, Hanley MA, Raichle KA, Molton IR, Engel JM, Osborne TL, Stoelb BL, Cardenas DD, Patterson DR. Effects of self-hypnosis training and EMG biofeedback relaxation training on chronic pain in persons with spinal-cord injury. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 2009 Jul; 57 (3): pages 239-68.

We Can Use Hypnosis to Help with IVF treatments

Below is an article regarding the study of how stress management increases successful IVF treatments. It is know that stress can cause spasm of the fallopian tubes and influences the pituitary gland.

I have had much success with my clients using hypnosis to relieve anxiety and fear of becoming pregnant and various emotional issues that may lead to this anxiety.

Below is the article:

Stress Reduction May Improve IVF Success Rate

http://www.redorbit .com/news/ health/1771631/ stress_reduction _may_improve_ ivf_success_ rate/

Posted on: Monday, 19 October 2009, 14:30 CDT

A new study by doctors in Massachusetts finds that relaxation and stress management may actually work to help some women become pregnant.

Women hoping to get pregnant have long been told to relax and stop worrying about it, but not all obstetricians and gynecologists agreed with that advice.

But the latest research, presented Monday at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's 65th Annual Meeting, suggests the idea may actually have merit.

Alice Domar, who runs a fertility center in Boston and works at the Harvard Medical School, found that women who participated in a stress management program prior to or during their second in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle had a 160 percent greater pregnancy rate than those who did not take part in a program.

The research showed a pregnancy rate of 52 percent among women who participated in the program, versus a 20 percent pregnancy rate for those who did not.

The 10-session stress management program focused on educating women on the utilization of cognitive, relaxation and lifestyle techniques to manage stress.

The program had an even greater impact on pregnancy rates for women with higher baselines symptoms of depression at the beginning of the study. For those women, pregnancy rates spiked to 67 percent among those who took part in the stress reduction program, compared with no pregnancies for those that did not.

"Reproductive health experts have long wondered about the impact that stress may have on fertility, thus impeding a woman's ability to conceive," says Alice Domar, Ph.D., Executive Director of The Domar Center for Mind/Body Health at Boston IVF and assistant professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School.

"This study shows that stress management may improve pregnancy rates, minimizing the stress of fertility management itself, improving the success rates of IVF procedures, and ultimately, helping to alleviate the emotional burden for women who are facing challenges trying to conceive."

Domar and her colleagues randomly assigned 97 patients at the clinic to participate in the 10-session stress reduction program while undergoing IVF treatments.

The program had no effect on the number of women who conceived during the first attempt, with 43 percent of the women becoming pregnant, Domar said.

However, for those who failed to become pregnant the first time and were making a second attempt, 52 percent of the program participants became pregnant, compared with just 20 percent of those who did not take part in the program.

"It's clear based on this carefully designed study, that a holistic approach to infertility care leads to better outcomes for patients," Reuters quoted Dr. R. Dale McClure, president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, as saying.

The study was a collaboration of Dr. Domar and Janet Nikolovski, PhD, Manager, R&D, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc., which funded the study.

"With stress increasing over the last decade and being associated with health concerns, we are committed to advancing clinical research on stress. The goal is to provide solutions that reduce stress and its emotional and physical impact on women so that they can lead happier and healthier lives," said Janet Nikolovski, R&D manager of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.

Hypnosis and Pregnant Women : A Study

Researchers from Women's & Children's Hospital in Adelaide, Australia investigated whether there was a difference in hypnotizability between pregnant and nonpregnant women. (Hypnosis during pregnancy and childbirth has been shown to reduce the use of pain medication during labor and other medical interventions.)

Study participants had hypnotizability measured by the Creative Imagination Scale (CIS) in the third trimester of pregnancy and subsequently between 14 and 28 months postpartum and again, further beyond that.


The 37 participants who completed the study gave birth between January 2006 and March 2007. CIS scores were significantly increased in women when pregnant (Mean 23.5, SD 6.9) as compared to when they were not pregnant (Mean 18.7, SD 6.6), p < 0.001. The mean effect size was 0.84 suggesting that the hypnotizability change was both statistically significant and clinically meaningful.

The study findings support previous evidence showing that women are more hypnotizable when pregnant than when not pregnant.

Citation: Alexander B, Turnbull D, Cyna A. The effect of pregnancy on hypnotizability. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis. 2009 Jul; 52 (1): pages 13-22.

Funny Hypnotized Kittens

I just have to add this post for a little laugh. Laughter is the best medicine after all.

From Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCk6cD_6nac

Research: Hypnosis Works on Children in Pain

Although this article talks about a relaxation CD working with children in pain WE KNOW that is what hypnosis is !! Here is the results of research on this subject that is from the BBC


Children can 'imagine away' pain

Children can be taught to use their imagination to tackle frequent bouts of stomach pain, research shows.

A relaxation-type CD, asking children to imagine themselves in scenarios like floating on a cloud led to dramatic improvements in abdominal pain.

The US researchers said the technique worked particularly well in children as they have such fertile imaginations.

It has been estimated that frequent stomach pain with no identifiable cause effects up to one in five children.

The research, published in Pediatrics, follows on from studies showing hypnosis is an effective treatment for a range of conditions known as functional abdominal pain, which includes things like irritable bowel syndrome.

“ There is really a dearth of information on how to manage children with abdominal pain ”
Professor David Candy
In this study, the children had 20 minute sessions of "guided imagery" - a technique which prompts the subject to imagine things which will reduce their discomfort.

One example is letting a special shiny object melt into their hand and then placing their hand on their belly, spreading warmth and light from the hand inside the tummy to make a protective barrier inside that prevents anything from irritating the belly

The researchers, from the University of North Carolina and Duke University Medical Center, said a lack of therapists led them to the idea of using a CD to deliver the sessions.

In all 30 children aged between six and 15 years took part in the study - half of whom used the CDs daily for eight weeks and the rest of whom got normal treatment.

Among those who had used the CDs, 73.3% reported that their abdominal pain was reduced by half or more by the end of the treatment course compared with 26.7% in the standard care group.

In two-thirds of children the improvements were still apparent six months later.

Anxiety

It is not clear exactly how the technique works but studies have shown it is partly about reducing anxiety but there is also a direct effect on the pain response.

Some researchers think hypnosis-like techniques reduce "hypersensitivity" in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Study leader Dr Miranda van Tilburg said it was especially exciting that the children were able to use the technique on their own.

"Such self-administered treatment is, of course, very inexpensive and can be used in addition to other treatments, which potentially opens the door for easily enhancing treatment outcomes for a lot of children suffering from frequent stomach aches.

"Children are very good at using their imagination - when you use this in adults you have to overcome a barrier first."

Professor David Candy, a consultant paediatric gastroenterologist at Western Sussex Hospitals, said his team had tried hypnosis in a small group of children with severe abdominal pain problems and had 100% success rate.

He added they are now keen to try the guided imagery technique to see if they can replicate the US findings.

"There is really a dearth of information on how to manage children with abdominal pain and it's a very common problem which keeps children out of school."

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/8299719.stm

Published: 2009/10/09 23:00:40 GM

Hypnosis helps Parkinson's Tremors- a study from Israel

The Department of Neurology at Rambam Hospital in Haifa, Israel conducted a study to examine whether a Parkinson’s Disease (PD) tremor, known to worsen with stress, would improve with  “relaxation guided imagery”  (RGI) and calming music. 

The number of participants in the study was twenty . They had moderate to severe tremors. Relaxation techniques were used. The tremor was objectively monitored using an accelerometer.

All 20 subjects iwith the "relaxation guided imagery"   had dramatically decreased  tremor (baseline 270.38 +/- 85.82 vs. RGI 35.57 +/- 43.90 movements per minute P <>

The average tremor activity remained significantly bellow baseline, at both 15 min and 30 min after imagery was discontinued (P <>

It is interesting to note that the relaxing music also significantly reduced the tremor, but to a lesser degree than imagery (220.04 +/- 106.53 movements per minute P = 0.01).  Even more note worthy was that  simple, self-relaxation had no significant effect on tremor. 

The researchers concluded that RGI can supplement conventional medical treatments for tremor in patients with PD. My focus as a clinical hypnotherapist is that another door has opened for the use of hypnosis. 

Citation:  Schlesinger I, Benyakov O, Erikh I, Suraiya S, Schiller Y.  Parkinson's disease tremor is diminished with relaxation guided imagery. Movement Disorders. 2009 Sep 18. [Epub ahead of print]

Medical Hypnosis Certification

Medical Hypnosis Certification telecourse starts tonight 5PM Pacific

Medical Hypnotherapy Telecourse with Seth-Deborah Roth CRNA, CHt, CI, Certified Registered Nurse  Anesthetist and Certified Medical Hypnotherapist

Become a Certified Medical Hypnotherapist!

Increase  your income as a Medical Hypnotherapist. Boost your client base and outreach, even in challenging times. Receive certification in an important and growing field. This wonderful telecourse presents theory and clinical application of chronic and acute pain management and medical hypnosis using the latest advancements in hypnosis and energy therapies. You will master techniques to increase your clients' pain thresholds, reducing the need for drugs and medications and helping to speed recovery. You'll learn about hypnosis in pain management, emergencies, irritable bowel, pre- during- and after surgery, cancer treatment support, auto immune diseases, and simple everyday procedures and much more. You will be given an understanding of the basic physiology and biology behind medical hypnosis. You'll also learn how to market your services in this field. This once weekly, eight module telecourse is taught by Seth-Deborah Roth, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and a Certified Medical Hypnotherapist. She brings over 36 years of diverse medical knowledge to this depth filled course. Gain a feeling of confidence, and broaden your scope of practice and knowledge in this very exciting course. What You'll Learn: Learn the physiology of the mind body connection for yourself and your practice. Understand the belief systems of your clients in order to facilitate change. Learn how to tailor inductions and techniques for individual patients or clients. Obtain critically important questions to ask all medical and pain management patients or clients during the clinical interview. Design suggestions. Learn valuable interventions/management for allergies, asthma, arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular clients, irritable bowel, fibromyalgia, diabetes, hypertension, dermatological disorders and more. Help clients eliminate anxiety and discomfort for surgery and other medical procedures.  Alleviate side effects of chemo and radiation therapy and accelerate healing. Discover powerful pain management strategies. Learn the Esdaille hypnoanesthesia technique Understand hypnosis for emergencies. Discover hypnosis for dental procedures. Learn specialized techniques for children. Discover marketing techniques specifically for medical hypnosis. Plus much, much more! This is not a course on reading scripts. Learn to individualize for your clients’ success. What You'll Receive: Eight modules of intensive instruction and experiential learning Medical Hypnotherapy handouts for each session building into a comprehensive Training Manual Powerful suggestions and imagery scripts Certification as a Certified Medical Hypnotherapist from The Center for Hypnotherapy, Oakland CA if you're a certified hypnotherapist, or a certificate of completion if not. Medical Hypnosis is gaining credibility! In 1958 a report published by an AMA advisory committee on hypnosis, stated: "The use of hypnosis has a recognized place in the medical armamentarium that is a useful technique in the treatment of certain illnesses…" Complementary therapies are having an incredible impact on people's perception of health. A 1998 survey by Stanford University reported that 69% of all Americans use some form of complimentary or alternative medicine. It is estimated they spend almost $28 billion a year on them - more than they spend out of pocket for conventional medicine. An American Medical Association study that same year showed U.S. adults made over 600 million visits to alternative practitioners - exceeding the number of visits made to primary care physicians. The medical community is now taking notice. About Seth-Deborah Roth Seth-Deborah Roth, CRNA, CHt, CI has had many years of experience in the medical field as a Nurse Anesthetist. She graduated from The Hypnotherapy Center in August of 2000. After graduation, she received masters' certifications in NLP and Reiki, and she became a practitioner in Time Line Therapy and HypnoBirthing. She has special advanced hypnosis training in Medical Hypnosis, Pain Control, Hypno-Anesthesiology, Cancer Hypnosis, Emergency Hypnosis, Hypno-Birthing®, Habit Control and Weight Loss, Advanced Reiki, Lux-Mani Energy Work, and Pediatric Hypnosis. She also is a Master NLP Practitioner, Time-Line Practitioner®, and a Certified Results Coach trained by Christopher Howard. Her practice "Hypnotherapy for Health" is located in both Castro Valley and Pleasanton, CA, where she specializes in Medical Hypnosis. She presents frequently to various hospitals on the application of medical hypnosis and has also been featured on various radio shows regarding medical hypnosis. She produces hypnosis CDs and specializes in customizing CDs for different medical issues or surgical procedures. Seth-Deborah is a Certified Instructor and adjunct faculty member of the National Guild of Hypnosis. She is also a member of the National Board of Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists, the International Hypnosis Federation, the American Board of Hypnosis, the International Medical and Dental Hypnosis Association  and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. She is an instructor in Medical Hypnosis at the "Hypnotherapy Center" in Oakland California. She received the 2005 "Award of Excellence" in the category of Health Care from the International Hypnosis Federation (IHF) and was chosen to speak at the National Guild of Hypnotists 2009 "Solid Gold" meeting in Las Vegas. She has been featured on the Discovery Channel's "Myth Busters" segment on hypnosis. For more information please go to her web site at http://www.hypnotherapyforhealth.com

Using Hypnosis to Stop Eating Fats

A  new study in The Journal of Clinical Investigation has found that a certain fat found in foods like ice cream, burgers, and cheese can trick your brain  into telling your body to continue eating more than you should. This can last p to three days !!! The brain sends out messages to your body’s cells that tell them to ignore the usual signals from the appetite hormones leptin and insulin that would normally tell you when to stop eating.

The researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, where able to  pinpoint a specific type of fat called palmitic acid that changes your brain chemistry quickly and leads to overeating. It is found in things like butter, milk, cheese, and beef. This could help to explain why we tend to overeat when we have things like burgers, pizza, tacos, fried chicken and ice cream. 

So...how about using hypnosis to stop the desire for those fat foods that only keep us eating more and more. Watch the appetite get back to normal as we start eating normally !!!

Study on Guided Imagery & Burns (WE CALL IT HYPNOSIS)

Here is some information on a recent study about the use of Guided Imagery for burn patients and its positive results. We call it HYPNOSIS. We know how powerful our mind is and that we are just learning to tap into this strength. There is evidence out there that athletes using Imagery while weight lifting will have better results on the side they used imagery with. 

Researchers from the Université de Lyon in Villeurbanne Cedex, France, studied whether guided imagery could improve motor performance in the rehabilitation of burn patients.

This study looked at the effects of a 2-week Motor Imagery training program, combined with conventional rehabilitation, on the recovery of motor functions in patients specifically with hand burns. 

Fourteen patients at the Medical Burn Center took part in the study and were randomly assigned to either the guided imagery or the control group.  Behavioral data related to the ability to perform each successive step of three manual motor sequences were collected at five intervals.

The results showed evidence that Motor Imagery training may facilitate motor recovery, and noted that the belief in the effectiveness of Motor Imagery was strong in all patients. Motor Imagery may substantially contribute to improve the efficacy of conventional rehabilitation programs. Therefore, this technique should be considered as a reliable alternative method to help burn patients to recover motor functions.

Citation:  Guillot A, Lebon F, Vernay M, Girbon JP, Doyon J, Collet C.  Effect of motor imagery in the rehabilitation of burn patients.  Journal of Burn Care Research. 2009 Jul-Aug; 30 (4): pages 686-93.

Hypnosis, Blood Pressure and Memory

Let's Use Hypnosis to Help Lower High Blood Pressure.

This Will Help to Lessen Possible Higher Chance of Memory Problems

We know that high blood pressure has  been linked to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke, however,  did you know that it can also signal an increase in risk for memory problems and thinking problems?

In the journal Neurology, new research shows that even as young as 45, if you have hypertension, you are more likely to experience problems with memory and thinking skills.

Especially, people with high diastolic blood pressure are at greater risk than people with normal readings. That is the bottom number of your blood pressure. For every 10-percent increase in the diastolic reading, the odds of an individual having cognitive problems jumped by 7 percent. 

The optimal blood pressure is below 120/80. Hypertension is considered at 140/90 or above.

The researchers felt that preventing or treating high blood pressure could potentially prevent the cognitive impairment.
Lowering your blood pressure with proper diet and exercise, stop smoking, loosing weight, as well as stress management can be helpful and this is where hypnosis fits in.

Using Hypnosis for That Late-Night Snack

Here is some interesting info about how late night snacking can help you to gain weight. What perfect information for us hypnotists to use in our seminars to help more people.

Late-night Snack: Worse Than You Think
ScienceDaily (Sep. 7, 2009) — Eat less, exercise more. Now there is new evidence to support adding another "must" to the weight-loss mantra: eat at the right time of day.

A Northwestern University study has found that eating at irregular times -- the equivalent of the middle of the night for humans, when the body wants to sleep -- influences weight gain. The regulation of energy by the body's circadian rhythms may play a significant role. The study is the first causal evidence linking meal timing and increased weight gain.

A Place for Self-Hypnosis in Asthma

Hi Everyone,

New study info. Although self- hypnosis, per se, wasn't mentioned; it sure sounds like what we hypnotists know to be true. Self-Hypnosis works to relax and make breathing easier.

Enjoy,
Seth-Deborah

Researchers from the Technische Universitat Munchen in Munich, Germany, investigated the efficacy of a brief relaxation technique called functional relaxation (FR) and guided imagery (GI) in adult asthmatics, in a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Sixty-four patients with extrinsic bronchial asthma were treated over a 4-week period and assessed at baseline, after treatment and after 4 months, for follow-up. Sixteen patients completed Functional Relaxation (FR), 14 the guided imagery (GI), and 15 both FR and GI together (FR/GI), while 13 received a placebo relaxation technique as the control intervention (CI).

The forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV(1)) as well as the specific airway resistance (sR(aw)) were employed as primary outcome measures.

The study found that participation in FR, GI and FR/GI led to increases in FEV(1) (% predicted) of 7.6 +/- 13.2, 3.3 +/- 9.8, and 8.3 +/- 21.0, respectively, as compared to -1.8 +/- 11.1 in the CI group at the end of the therapy.

After follow-up, the increases in FEV(1) were best in the FR group: 6.9 +/- 10.3 in the FR group, 4.4 +/- 7.3 in the GI and 4.5 +/- 8.1 in the FR/GI, compared to -2.8 +/- 9.2 in the CI. Improvements in sR(aw) (% predicted) were in keeping with the changes in FEV(1) in all groups.

The study confirms a positive effect of relaxation and imagery on respiratory parameters, but especially functional relaxation, and suggests a clinically relevant long-term benefit as a non-pharmacological and complementary therapy treatment option.

Citation: Lahmann C, Nickel M, Schuster T, Sauer N, Ronel J, Noll-Hussong M, Tritt K, Nowak D, Rohricht F, Loew T. Functional relaxation and guided imagery as complementary therapy in asthma: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics. 2009;78 (4):pages 233-9. Epub 2009 Apr 28. lahmann@tum.de

Sleep, Diabetes and Hypnosis

This is the latest from Dr. Amen . Enjoy its reference to hypnosis for sleep!!


"Brain in the News" is a weekly commentary on how brain science relates to the news. The brain is involved in everything we do. Wherever there are human stories the brain is involved. From the impact of war and natural disasters on the brain to drug abuse scandals to courtroom dramas to politics, the brain is in the news, and you can read about it here.

Less Sleep = Greater Risk for Diabetes

You probably know that a sedentary lifestyle and obesity increase your odds of developing type 2 diabetes. What you may not know is that sleep deprivation can also put you at risk for this serious condition. In a study with healthy volunteers, a shortened sleep cycle led to insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance — two signs of diabetes — after just two weeks.

For the two-part study, which appeared in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, participants were restricted to 5.5 hours of bedtime each night for a two-week period. In this short amount of time, their glucose tolerance measured in at a mean of 144 mg/dL and insulin sensitivity was reduced.

In an attempt to mimic the primary contributing factors of metabolic syndrome, which is associated with a heightened risk for type 2 diabetes, the volunteers also kept exercise to a minimum and gulped down as much food as they wanted.

For the other part of the study, the participants continued with limited exercise and ate without restriction, but their sleep duration was increased. Instead of 5.5 hours of shut-eye, they got 8.5 hours of bedtime each night. After this two-week trial, the mean glucose tolerance level was 132 mg/dL.

Each participant completed the two 14-day tests in random order, at least three months apart.

Considering that one in five Americans is estimated to get less than six hours of sleep each night, this is alarming news. For peak brain performance, everybody needs to get at least seven hours of sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping, try the following tips:
Maintain a regular sleep schedule, including on weekends.
Create a soothing nighttime routine that encourages sleep.
Don’t take naps!
Take supplements that promote relaxation and sleep.
Try hypnosis.
To your brain health,
Daniel

Daniel G. Amen, MD
CEO, Amen Clinics, Inc.

Let's Use Hypnosis to Reduce the Level of Cortisol that is Making us Fat

Cortisol  affects metabolic function. The chemical response to stress, Cortisol,  tells the body to consume more calories (especially high carbohydrate foods), and to store those calories. The body’s natural response is to save calories in times of stress so that incase the stress continues or recurs we will have the fuel we need. The body does this by lowering the metabolic rate. This effect is that  under stress, the body will burn fewer calories.

High levels of cortisol trigger an enzyme called HSD, which actually reactivates inactive cortisol, causing fat cells to store increasing numbers of calories.

In addition to managing our stress with hypnosis, HSD can be down-regulated by flavenoids. Flavenoids are plentiful in vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables such as berries, citrus, leafy greens and also in dark chocolate and red wine. Flavenoids can counteract and reduce the impact of cortisol, while also increasing metabolism. I like the dark chocolate in IsaDelights by Isagenix as they also have amino acids. If interested you can read about them or order them at www.sethdeborahroth.isagenix.com. Post Hypnosis Cortisol levels have been measured and they are lower.

However, one must consider that cortisol alone makes up only half the equation. The other half is testosterone. There is a balance between cortisol and testosterone that accounts for much of the negative effect of stress on our body.. This is true both for men and women. The balance of cortisol and testosterone is essential for managing depression, fatigue and mental function. You might ask how is this done. The answer is with exercise and sleep, where we as hypnotists can help with both. We can help to motivate exercise and heal issues that are keeping our clients awake.

Let's Use Hypnosis to Help Reduce Stress

Reducing stress in our culture has finally made its way into the mainstream. Let's spread the word how hypnosis and the different tools we have can help in this area of our culture. Stress reduction for adults, children, couples and]] indeed people in chronic pain and trauma .

Check out this post on YouTube (see below.) Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) is asking Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius about stress reduction via mindfulness in a Congressional hearing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE4e5sPnxWg

Article on Hypnosis and Pain

Take a look at this regarding hypnosis and pain
http://sci.washington.edu/info/forums/reports/hypnosis_for_sci_pain.asp

Listen to me talking about "The Uses of Hypnosis for Surgery" on The Hypnotists Show on Elsom Eldridge Jr. anytime on BlogTalkRadio. 

90 minute show

http://tobtr.com/s/620948 

Hypnosis and Surgery

Come take a listen this Sunday morning, July 26th, 10 am EST, I will be talking on Blog-Talk Radio about the "Use of Hypnosis pre-op, intra-op and post-operatively". Come take a listen.

Upcoming Episodes
Seth Deborah Roth on The Hypnotists Show
Elsom Eldridge Jr.
Date / Time: 7/26/2009 7:00 AM
Category: Self Help
Call-in Number: (646) 716-4439

Elsom Eldridge Jr. is the host of The Hypnotists Show, sponsored by the National Guild of Hypnotist. Everyday at 10 AM, leading the convention August 7 to 9, a consulting hypnotist will talk about hypnotism and their area of expertise. The show is produced by Ken English, the BlogTalkRadioGuy.

Hypnosis and Stress and Foods

As hypnotists we often work with people who are in states of stress or want to lose some weight. Here ares some interesting foods that are helpful in times of stress

A bowl of oatmeal fills you up and lowers cholesterol as well as having that soothing, warm feeling that is going to keep you satisfied.

Eating oranges can also ease stress. Studies show vitamin C returns blood pressure to normal levels. Apricots are another a-plus for relieving stress. They're rich in magnesium -- a natural stress-buster and a muscle relaxant. And don't forget spinach. One cup of spinach can ease migraines and fatigue.

Turkey can also be a stress reliever because it triggers the release of serotonin, a feel-good brain chemical. Almonds, pistachios, walnuts, salmon and avocados are also considered good choices to lower your stress level.

Fetal Memory and Hypnosis

Take a look at this study regarding fetal memory:
In a study of 100 of pregnant women in the Netherlands, researchers say they found evidence that fetuses have short-term memory of sounds by the 30th week of pregnancy, and develop a long-term memory of sound after that.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/story?id=8083181

I have had many clients say they remember things from inside the womb.

Study on T4 cells and Mindfulness. Can we Utilize Hypnosis?

The Department of Psychiatry at UCLA studied the effects of mindfulness meditation training on selected biological markers of HIV-1 progression.

The study tested an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction meditation program (MBSR), as compared to a 1-day control seminar, to assay CD4+ T lymphocyte counts in stressed HIV infected adults.

A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted between November 2005 and December 2007. A diverse community sample of 48 HIV-1 infected adults was randomized to enter treatment in either an 8-week MBSR or a 1-day control stress reduction education seminar.

The main outcome measure was the circulating counts of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Participants in the 1-day control seminar showed declines in CD4+ T lymphocyte counts, whereas counts among participants in the 8-week MBSR program were unchanged from baseline to post-intervention (time x treatment condition interaction, p=.02).

This effect was independent of antiretroviral (ARV) medication use. Additional analyses indicated that treatment adherence and class attendance mediated the positive effects of the mindfulness meditation training buffering of the CD4+ T lymphocyte declines.

The findings of this pilot provide an initial indication that mindfulness meditation training can buffer CD4+ T lymphocyte declines in HIV-1 infected adults.

Citation: Creswell JD, Myers HF, Cole SW, Irwin MR. Mindfulness meditation training effects on CD4+ T lymphocytes in HIV-1 infected adults: a small randomized controlled trial. Brain, Behavior & Immunity. 2009 Feb;23 (2): pages 184-8. Epub 2008 Jul 19. creswell@cmu.edu

Can Hypnosis Help with Stress Induced Weight Gain

In the July 15 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.

For the study, 1,355 men and women was followed for more than nine years. The research was supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the National Institute on Aging

“Today’s economy is stressing people out, and stress has been linked to a number of illnesses —such as heart disease, high blood pressure and increased risk for cancer. This study shows that stress is also linked to weight gain,” according to Jason Block, M.D., M.P.H., who conducted the research.

Women’s waistlines are affected by more types of stress, according to the study, “Psychosocial Stress and Change in Weight Among U.S. Adults.”

In addition to weight gain associated with financial problems or a difficult job, women also added pounds when grappling with strained family relationships and feeling limited by life’s circumstances.

For men, the numbers on the scale did not go up when facing difficult family relationships or feeling constrained by life circumstances. Among men, lack of decision-making authority at work and lack of skill discretion was associated with greater weight gain. Skill discretion can be defined as the ability to learn new skills on the job and to perform interesting job duties.

Overall, this study found that people who reported increased psychological stress gained more weight if they already had higher body mass indexes (BMI).

Also according to the study, similar weight-gain patterns were not found among lower-weight people who were dealing with the same types of stress.

When coping with life’s stressful periods, individuals may change their eating behaviors which, can lead to changes in weight. Stress-induced weight gain is influenced by a person’s gender, what types of foods people eat when they change their eating behaviors, and whether the person is already overweight or obese.


Stress reduction may be an important part of weight-loss programs in the workplace and in clinical and public health programs, the study recommended. In the workplace, access to weight-loss programs, flexible work schedules and exercise programs can help stressed-out workers. It is my feeling that the obvious, using hypnosis for stress management, is a simple solution.

“This is one of the first studies to explore the relationship between stress and weight gain in a U.S. population,” Block said. “Our findings show that stress should be recognized as a threat to the well-being of American adults, especially those who are already overweight.”

Another Reason for Hypnosis to Stop Smoking

Thought this would be of interest to all:

Boxed warnings are VERY serious !!!!!


Popular Stop-Smoking Drugs to Carry Mental Health Risk Warnings

ABC News

Popular Stop-Smoking Drugs to Carry Mental Health Risk Warnings
ABC News
The US Food and Drug Administration said it will immediately require boxed warnings about the risk of serious neuropsychiatric symptoms on the packaging of two popular smoking cessation drugs -- varenicline (Chantix) and buproprion (Zyban ...
FDA Warning on Stop-Smoking DrugsWebMD
Two anti-smoking drugs to carry mental-health warningsCNN
Suicide Warnings for 2 Anti-Smoking DrugsNew York Times

Mental Imagery and Stroke Patients Study

1: Stroke. 2009 Jun;40(6):2222-5. Epub 2009 Apr 23. Links
A randomized controlled trial of mental imagery augment generalization of learning in acute poststroke patients.

Liu KP, Chan CC, Wong RS, Kwan IW, Yau CS, Li LS, Lee TM.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our previous studies demonstrated that mental imagery intervention enhanced poststroke patients relearning daily task performance. This study aimed to test the efficacy of mental imagery for promoting generalization of the task skills learned in a training environment to trained and untrained tasks carried out in a novel environment. METHODS: Thirty-five acute poststroke patients were randomly assigned to the mental imagery (MI; n=18) or conventional functional rehabilitation (FR; n=17) group. The MI intervention was 3-week standardized practices and daily tasks using the chunking-regulation-rehearsal strategies. Outcome measurements were the performances on trained and untrained tasks in the training and novel environments. RESULTS: The MI patients showed significantly better performances on 4 of 5 trained tasks (P=0.001 to 0.026) versus only 1 task in the FR patients (P=0.021). The MI patients also outperformed their FR counterpart on the 3 (of 5) (P=0.025 to 0.049) trained and 2 (of 3) untrained tasks (P=0.042 to 0.045) carried out in the novel environment. CONCLUSIONS: The mental imagery intervention was useful for improving patients' ability on performing the tasks which they did not previously trained on and in places different from the training environments. These involved generalization of the skills learned at the task performance level. Our findings are limited to poststoke patients who share similar characteristics with those in this study.

Hypnosis and Hypnosis Paralysis

Have you ever wondered how, when you are in hypnosis, and someone tells you to "Try and lift your right hand and you cannot" you really can't even though you know you could?

In a recent study from the Journal of Neuron from Switzerland, volunteers made a hand movement in response to a cue. Some participants were hypnotized with the suggestion their left hands were paralyzed. Others were told to act as though their left hands were paralyzed. Then MRIs were done.

The MRI's showed that there was a change in communication between the motor areas of the brain and the rest of the brain in those who were hypnotized.

Researchers believe that hypnosis can result in a disconnection between the command areas of the brain and the part of the brain that would actually do the moving.

Check out this link !!

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2009-06-24-paralyzed-hypnosis_N.htm?csp=27&RM_Exclude=Juno

Dr. Spiegel of Stanford talks about Hypnosis in the Operating Room

I found this article today and want to share it with everyone,

UT News from England
Hypnotise your patient, surgeons told

US calls for doctors to be taught to use hypnosis instead of general anaesthetic during some operations

Sunday, 07 June 2009

Doctors should be taught to hypnotise patients not to feel pain instead of using general anaesthetics during some operations, the Royal Society of Medicine will be told today.

In what he has described as a "clarion call to the British medical profession", Professor David Spiegel, of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at Stanford University in the US, will also call on the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) to add hypnotherapy to its list of approved therapeutic techniques for the treatment of conditions ranging from allergies and high blood pressure to the pain associated with bone marrow transplantation, cancer treatment and anaesthesia for liver biopsy. Nice has already approved the technique for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

"It is time for hypnosis to work its way into the mainstream of British medicine," Spiegel will say at the joint conference of the Royal Society of Medicine, the British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis and the British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis.

"There is solid science behind what sounds like mysticism and we need to get that message across to the bodies that influence this area. Hypnosis has no negative side-effects. It makes operations quicker, as the patient is able to talk to the surgeon as the operation proceeds, and it is cheaper than conventional pain relief. Since it does not interfere with the workings of the body, the patient recovers faster, too.

"It is also extremely powerful as a means of pain relief. Hypnosis has been accepted and rejected because people are nervous of it. They think it's either too powerful or not powerful enough, but, although the public are sceptical, the hardest part of the procedure is getting other doctors to accept it."

Professor Marie-Elisabeth Faymonville, head of the Pain Clinic at Liege University Hospital in Belgium, who has operated on more than 6,000 patients using hypnosis combined with a light local anaesthetic, said: "The local anaesthetic is used only to deaden the surface of the skin while a scalpel slices through it. It has no effect inside the body.

"The patient is conscious throughout the operation and this helps the doctor and patient work together. The patient may have to move during an operation and it's simple to get them to do so if they remain conscious. We've even done a hysterectomy using the procedure."

The theory behind medical hypnosis is that the body's brain and nervous system can't always distinguish an imagined situation from a real occurrence. This means the brain can act on any image or verbal suggestion as if it were reality. Hypnosis puts patients into a state of deep relaxation that is very susceptible to imagery. The more vivid this imagery, the greater the effect on the body.

Dr Martin Wall, president of the Section Hypnosis and Psychosomatic Medicine at the Royal Society of Medicine, said hypnosis fundamentally alters a subject's state of mind. Hypnosis is not, he said, simply a matter of suggestibility and relaxation.
Nice said it would welcome submissions for hypnotherapy to be considered as an approved therapeutic technique on the NHS if it could be cost-effective, and consistent delivery could be guaranteed.

But Professor Steve Field, who chairs the Royal College of General Practitioners, said he was sceptical as to whether hypnotherapy could meet these standards.

"It is a useful tool used by some GPs and patients for relaxation, but I don't think it is something that we should support being rolled out to all medical students and all doctors," he said.

"We can't call on the NHS to support it without there being a firm medical and economic basis, and I'm not convinced those have been proved to exist."

Hypnosis and Fibromyalgia study

A New study from Bellaruth Naparastek site:

belleruthnaparstek.com/hot-research/ericksonian-hypnosis-reduces-tender-points-in-people-with-fibromyalgia.html

Ericksonian Hypnosis Reduces Tender Points in People with Fibromyalgia
Monday, 11 May 2009

Researchers from the Unidad de Investigació Médica in Merida, Mexico, explored the efficacy of Ericksonian Hypnosis for managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Forty-three female fibromyalgia patients were randomly assigned to receive either six months of Ericksonian hypnosis (n = 20) or a sham-hypnosis protocol (n = 23). Each month, measures were taken using the Patient and Physician Global Disease Assessment, a count of tender points, and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).

During the follow-up, no inter-group differences were found on the Patient and Physician Global Disease Assessment nor the FIQ scores. But at the third month and at the fourth month of follow-up, the participants who were in the group receiving Ericksonian hypnosis had a significant reduction in the tender point count.

The study concludes that even though there was no apparent effect on functional status nor on the patient and physician global assessment, hypnosis produced a significant reduction in the number of tender points, resulting in a suggestion that Ericsonian hypnosis be considered as an adjuvant treatment for the management of fibromyalgia. [Article in Spanish]

Citation: Alvarez-Nemegyei J, Negreros-Castillo A, Nuño-Gutiérrez BL, Alvarez-Berzunza J, Alcocer-Martínez LM. Ericksonian hypnosis in women with fibromyalgia syndrome. Revista Medica del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. 2007 Jul-Aug; 45 (4): pages 395-401.

Hypnosis/Stress and Chemotherapy

A new study shown on Bellaruth Naparastek site:

http://belleruthnaparstek.com/hot-research/imagery-reduces-stress-when-chemo-is-done.html

Imagery Reduces Stress When Chemo Is Done
Monday, 09 March 2009
Investigators from Mind Matters Research in Anchorage, Alaska summarized their Phase I National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded clinical trial with 34 breast cancer survivors, six weeks to one year post-treatment, who were recruited to participate in a 6-class, 8-week long imagery stress reduction program entitled "Envision the Rhythms of Life."

Patients practiced imagery during and between sessions. Outcomes for quality of life and cortisol rhythm were assessed pre- to post-intervention, in two subsets of survivors (intravenous [IV] chemotherapy, or no IV chemotherapy).

Thirty of the 34 survivors completed the 8-week program. Quality of life outcomes were measured with the cancer therapy-general (FACT-G) global index and yielded statistically and clinically significant results (p<.001) in quality of life related to physical, social/family, emotional, and functional well-being. Survivors also improved significantly on the breast cancer (p<.001) and spiritual subscales (p = .008.)

The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) assessment also demonstrated significant improvement in the global index (p<.001), which included the categories of depression, somatization and anxiety. At eight weeks, cortisol rhythm, a biochemical indicator of stress, produced a trend toward improvement for the fifth time point of the day (p = .18). Likert-based stress scales showed highly significant reductions in stress (p<.0001) with subjects practicing imagery the most producing the best scores.

Outcomes suggest the imagery program may significantly improve survivor quality of life and reduce stress.

Freeman L, Cohen L, Stewart M, White R, Link J, Palmer JL, Welton D. Imagery intervention for recovering breast cancer patients: clinical trial of safety and efficacy. Journal of the Society of Integrative Oncology. 2008. Spring; 6 (2): pages 67-75

The Nocebo Effect and Hypnosis

There is a great article appearing in NewScientist about the power of negative words. It it what is called the Nocebo Effect which is different than the placebo effect in one is a positive response and one is a negative response. They even mention hypnosis in the article.

The science of voodoo: When mind attacks body
http://newscientist.com/article/mg20227081.100-the-science-of-voodoo-when-mind-attacks-body.html


There is more evidence everyday, if we pay attention, that our mind is much more in control of our body tan we CONSCIOUSLY are aware of.

Hypnosis and Sleep for Chronic PTSD

From Israel comes a study using hypnosis as an add-on therapy for patients with chronic PTSD, showing benefit for sleep. Here is the scientific abstract. Enjoy.



This study evaluated the benefits of add-on hypnotherapy in patients with chronic PTSD. Thirty-two PTSD patients treated by SSRI antidepressants and supportive psychotherapy were randomized to 2 groups: 15 patients in the first group received Zolpidem 10 mg nightly for 14 nights, and 17 patients in the hypnotherapy group were treated by symptom-oriented hypnotherapy, twice-a-week 1.5-hour sessions for 2 weeks. All patients completed the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C, Beck Depression Inventory, Impact of Event Scale, and Visual Subjective Sleep Quality Questionnaire before and after treatment. There was a significant main effect of the hypnotherapy treatment with PTSD symptoms as measured by the Posttraumatic Disorder Scale. This effect was preserved at follow-up 1 month later. Additional benefits for the hypnotherapy group were decreases in intrusion and avoidance reactions and improvement in all sleep variables assessed.



Abramowitz EG, Barak Y, Ben-Avi I, Knobler HY. Hypnotherapy in the treatment of chronic combat-related PTSD patients suffering from insomnia: a randomized, zolpidem-controlled clinical trial. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2008 Jul;56(3):270-80. Israel Defense Forces, Mental Health Department, Israel.

Hypnosis and Ulcerative Cystitis

A study I thought might be of interest:

Original Contribution

The American Journal of Gastroenterology (2008) 103, 1460–1469; doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2008.01845.x

The Effect of Hypnosis on Systemic and Rectal Mucosal Measures of Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis

Joel E Mawdsley MD1, David G Jenkins MD1, Marion G Macey PhD2, Louise Langmead MD3 and David S Rampton PhD1

1Centre for Gastroenterology, Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and the London, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
2Department of Haematology, Barts and the London NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
3Department of Gastroenterology, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
Correspondence: David S. Rampton, Endoscopy Unit, Royal London Hospital, London E1 1BB, United Kingdom.


Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Hypnotherapy is effective in several diseases with a psychosomatic component. Our aim was to study the effects of one session of hypnosis on the systemic and rectal mucosal inflammatory responses in patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC).
METHODS: In total, 17 patients with active UC underwent a 50-min session of gut-focused hypnotherapy. Before and after each procedure, the systemic inflammatory response was assessed by serum interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-13 concentrations, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) and IL-6 production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated whole blood, leukocyte count, natural killer (NK) cell number, platelet activation, and platelet–leukocyte aggregate formation. Rectal inflammation was assessed by mucosal release of substance P (SP), histamine, IL-13 and TNF-, reactive oxygen metabolite production, and mucosal blood flow. Eight patients with active UC underwent a control procedure.
RESULTS: Hypnosis decreased pulse by a median 7 beats per minute (bpm) (P= 0.0008); it also reduced the median serum IL-6 concentration by 53% (P= 0.001), but had no effect on the other systemic variables assessed. Hypnosis reduced rectal mucosal release of SP by a median 81% (P= 0.001), histamine by 35% (P= 0.002) and IL-13 by 53% (P= 0.003), and also, blood flow by 18% (P= 0.0004). The control protocol had no effect on any of the variables assessed.
CONCLUSIONS: Hypnosis reduced several components of the systemic and mucosal inflammatory response in active ulcerative colitis toward levels found previously in the inactive disease. Some of these effects may contribute to the anecdotally reported benefits of hypnotherapy and provide a rationale for controlled trials of hypnotherapy in UC.

Hypnosis and Incontinence

Thought this might be of interest:

A team of researchers from Loyola University Health System have shown that cognitive therapy (which included deep breathing and guided imagery) can help women control the bladder without medication or surgery.

Now granted, the pilot study was small,(only 10 women) which statistically is not a very good study. These women experienced a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate (Urge Incontinence). After an initial office visit, the participants of the study were told to listen to an audio recording with a series of relaxation and visualization exercises at home, twice a day for two weeks. The patients had to keep a urinary diary for one week, recording how often they had any urine leakage with urge.

The researchers found the majority of the patients improved; the average number of urge incontinence episodes per week decreased from 38 to 12, according to the study results, which were published in the Journal of Urology.

http://www.loyolamedicine.org/News/News_Releases/news_release_detail.cfm?var_news_release_id=973440965

Share of Article on Hypnotherapy for Pediatric Cancer Patients

Hypnosis Therapy Helps Pediatric Cancer Patients

Friday, May 01, 2009 by: Steve G. Jones, M.Ed., citizen journalist http://www.naturaln ews.com/026171. html

(NaturalNews) According to the National Cancer Institute, almost 11,000 children (under the age of 15) will be diagnosed with a form of cancer in 2008. Advances in cancer research and cancer treatments have greatly improved since the 1970`s. Before the 1970`s children with cancer had a 50% 5-year survival rate. Now the 5-year survival rate is 80% and the 10-year survival rate is 75%. These survival statistics are based on children from infancy to the age of 18. New studies have now found that hypnosis, as an adjunct therapy, can help speed up the healing process due to the treatment of cancer in children.

Research has been performed using adjunct therapies to help children with cancer cope with the side effects of various cancer treatments. The goal in treating cancer is to cure the child of cancer, but there are usually unpleasant side effects of treatment. All treatments can cause fear in the child because with each procedure, they already have a preconceived notion of what is to come. There are a lot of physical and psychological side effects that go along with cancer. There have been many studies that have tested different therapies including hypnotherapy.

A study appeared in The American Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology that tested the benefits of self-hypnosis on children with cancer. The study involved 25 children at the Minneapolis Children`s Health Center that were undergoing cancer treatments. Researchers wanted to see how hypnosis would relieve side effects from the treatments.

All 25 of the pediatric cancer patients were recently diagnosed with cancer at the start of the study and were asked to use self-hypnosis exercises to help relieve their symptoms. The self-hypnosis exercises included imagery and teaching the children that they could have control over their symptoms. Twenty-one of the 25 participants agreed to use self-hypnosis. Of these 21 participants, 19 children reported substantial relief from their symptoms.

This study goes to show that substantial benefits can be realized in children suffering from the side effects of cancer. The research focused mainly on nausea and pain and most of the participants reported a reduction in both. This improvement in side effects could have a major impact on the quality of life for both pediatric cancer patients and their parents. Teaching children self-hypnosis can put them in control of their symptoms (Sugarman, 1996).

Hypnotherapy can be considered an ideal treatment for children suffering not just from cancer, but from any other disease as well. The procedure is completely painless and has very little chance of discomfort. It is also very effective on children because children have the power of imagination that exceeds that of most adults. It is simpler to make a child believe that they are well when they are sick than it would be for an adult.

Sources

Olness, K. (1981). Imagery (Self-Hypnosis) as Adjunct Therapy in Childhood Cancer: Clinical Experience with 25 Patients. The American Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology , Fall; 3(3). 313-21.

Sugarman, L.I. (1996). Hypnosis: Teaching children self-regulation. Pediatrics.

Post-Op Dental Surgery and Supplemental Hypnosis

It is four days post op dental surgery with supplemental hypnosis. Let me start out by saying that I have a VERY surprised oral surgeon. :)

The 1 1/2 surgery was more extensive than originally thought and lasted 2 1/2 hours.

When I was at the check out area and scheduling the post -op check the surgeon came out and in complete surprise commented that "I was more sedated than his sedated patients".

I knew it was lasting longer because my iPod was on a repeat cycle and my Surgery Hypnosis CD lasts an hour and I could tell when it started from the beginning. It was on its third repeat but I remained calm and relaxed.

The area of the surgery was above my top front teeth. I was told to expect bruising all the way up to my eyes. Well, I do have bruising right below my nose and below but certainly not as extensive as I was told to expect.

It was so cool to offer my CD to the surgeon for his office and to have my offer accepted. A convert has been made !

Supplemental Hypnosis and Dental Surgery

Well... tomorrow morning I get to once again use supplemental hypnosis (or as the dental surgeon calls it "that THING" during my bone implant surgery. It will be done with local anesthesia and my special surgery hypnosis CD. I have it on my iPod so that it can repeat since the surgery will be around 1 1/2 hours. Besides not being out of it and placing my airway in some dental technicians hands while they are assisting the surgeon and not really paying attention to me 100% (since they are assisting the surgeon 100%) I will also save around $400.

Using Hypnosis for Cancer Patients regarding Sleeping and Pain

Trouble Sleeping Leads To Increased Ratings Of Pain In Cancer Patients, Study Suggests

(Apr. 19, 2009) — A new study suggests that sleep problems lead to increased pain and fatigue in cancer patients. The results indicate that interventions aimed at trouble sleeping would be expected to improve both pain and fatigue in this patient population.

Results show that more than half the sample reported having trouble sleeping, with 26 percent reporting moderate or severe trouble sleeping. Compared with patients who reported no trouble sleeping, patients with moderate to severe trouble sleeping reported significantly more fatigue, pain and depressed mood. Using structural equation modeling analysis to evaluate causal relations and directions of effect, the best-fitting model indicates that trouble sleeping led to increased ratings of pain.

"We believed we would find a bi-directional relationship between insomnia and pain, but instead found that trouble sleeping was more likely a cause, rather than a consequence, of pain in patients with cancer," said lead author Edward J. Stepanski, chief operational officer at the Accelerated Community Oncology Research Network in Memphis, Tenn.

The study included demographic, clinical and patient-reported outcomes data from 11,445 cancer patients undergoing treatment at the West Clinic, a large community oncology practice in Memphis. Participants had an average age of 61.5 years, and 74 percent were female. Breast cancer was the most common form of cancer, and about 25 percent of study subjects had received chemotherapy in the last 30 days. Increases in depressed mood also led to increased ratings of pain.

Younger age and recent administration of chemotherapy were both associated with increased trouble sleeping. According to the authors, younger patients often receive more aggressive chemotherapy than older patients; therefore, younger patients may be exposed to more treatment-related toxicity.

Stepanski stated that studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improves sleep in cancer patients who have insomnia. He believes that this type of intervention may decrease patients' pain and fatigue by improving their sleep.

Here is again an indication for the modality of hypnosis as far as I am concerned. We hypnotist have so many areas where we can help this patient population, whether with pain, emotional issues, time distortion during chemo or radiation, nausea, pain, images of healing and future freedom from disease and yes ...sleeping.

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Journal reference:

1. . The Relation of Trouble Sleeping, Depressed Mood, Pain, and Fatigue in Patients with Cancer. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, April 15, 2009