This intensive case study used an A-B time-series analysis design to examine whether 5 adult patients with various AIDS-related pain symptoms benefited from a hypnosis-based pain management approach. The 3 dependent variables in this study were: (a) self-ratings of the severity of pain, (b) self-ratings of the percentage of time spent in pain, and (c) amount of p.r.n. pain medication taken. Data were collected over a period of 12 weeks, including a 1-week baseline period and an 11-week treatment period. Autoregressive integrated moving-average (ARIMA) models were used to determine the effects of the hypnotic intervention over and above autoregressive components in the data. All 5 patients showed significant improvement on at least 1 of the 3 dependent variables as a result of the hypnotic intervention. Four of the 5 patients reported using significantly less pain medication during the treatment phase.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2002 Apr;50(2):170-88. Langenfeld MC, Cipani E, Borckardt JJ. California School of Professional Psychology-Fresno, 93727-2014, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the recent scientific research progress on homeopathy. METHODOLOGY: Homeopathy was evaluated in terms of its clinical research; in vitro research, and physical foundations. The Medline database was the main reference source for the present research, concerning data of approximately the last 10 years. Secondary references (not available in this database) were obtained by means of direct requests to authors listed in the primary references. RESULTS: Clinical studies and in vitro research indicate the inefficacy of homeopathy. Some few studies with positive results are questionable because of problems with the quality and lack of appropriate experimental controls in these studies. The most recent meta-analyses on the topic yielded negative results. One of the few previous meta-analyses with positive results had serious publication bias problems, and its results were later substantially reconsidered by the main authors. The sparse in vitro homeopathic research with positive results has not been replicated by independent researchers, had serious methodological flaws, or when replicated, did not confirm the initial positive results. A plausible mechanism for homeopathic action is still nonexistent, and its formulation, by now, seems highly unlikely. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the recent scientific research on homeopathy, it can be concluded that ample evidence exists to show that the homeopathic therapy is not scientifically justifiable.

Rev Hosp Clin Fac Med Sao Paulo. 2003 Nov-Dec;58(6):324-31. Epub 2004 Jan 28. Almeida RM. Program of Biomedical

Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Full Title: Use of complementary and alternative therapy by women in the first 2 years after diagnosis and treatment of invasive breast cancer

OBJECTIVE:: Our aim was to document patterns of consultation with alternative practitioners, use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) commonly used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, and lifestyle changes made by women in the first 2 years after their diagnosis with invasive breast cancer. METHODS:: A total of 1,588 women in the MBF Foundation Health and Wellbeing After Breast Cancer Study completed both the enrollment questionnaire and the first follow-up questionnaire (FQ1), on average, 41 and 92 weeks after diagnosis, respectively. The Menopause Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Psychological General Wellbeing Index were included in the FQ1. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine characteristics associated with consulting a CAM practitioner or using CAMs. RESULTS:: At the time of completion of the FQ1, 16.4% of women had consulted a CAM practitioner and 10.6% reported using at least one CAM commonly used to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Women who consulted a CAM practitioner and women who were using at least one CAM at the time of completion of the FQ1 were, on average, younger and more educated and had a higher Menopause Quality of Life Questionnaire score than did women who did not. Of the women, 33.6% reported having made a dietary change, and the most common lifestyle change was an increase in physical activity, which was reported by 29.0% of women. CONCLUSIONS:: The frequency of use of CAMs in common usage for menopausal symptoms by women with breast cancer was lower than anticipated, increased with time from diagnosis, and is associated with more severe menopausal symptoms.

Menopause. 2010 May 24. Davis SR, Lijovic M, Fradkin P, Bradbury J, La China M, Schwarz M, Bell RJ. From the 1Women's Health Program, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital; 2Department of Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital; and 3Alfred Health, Prahran, Victoria, Australia.

Carol Denicker assists her clients to achieve their goals of increased motivation, confidence and creativity; improved memory and learning ability, relief of stress, fear, and freedom from negative habits like overeating, smoking, nail biting, as well as easier natural birthing, etc. Goals are accomplished through the utilization of hypnotism, EFT (the Emotional Freedom Technique), HypnoBirthing®, and Reiki. Hypnosis programs on CD (for limited applications) are offered to those for whom an office visit would be impractical or impossible.

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OBJECTIVE: To describe and discuss the epidemiologic characteristics and determinants of the use of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) from a European, particularly German, perspective. DATA SOURCES: An unrestricted literature search using the keywords alternative, allergy, complementary, epidemiology, and medicine was performed in PubMed (National Library of Medicine). In addition, background literature and the opinion of the author contributed to the article. STUDY SELECTION: European studies that provided data on the epidemiology of the use of CAM were selected and discussed in more detail. RESULTS: Approximately 30% of patients with allergies report experiences with CAM in Europe. In selected in-patient populations, the prevalence reaches 50%. Users of CAM tend to be younger women with a higher educational background. Furthermore, users and nonusers differ in terms of psychomedical characteristics, such as health locus of control or health-related quality of life. Although a larger number of different CAM modalities are provided, only a few techniques account for the majority of use (eg, acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, bioresonance, autologous blood injection). The use of CAM is associated with considerable costs, reaching an estimated amount of 0.9 billion Euro (approximately 1 billion US dollars) in Germany. CONCLUSIONS: CAM is widely used by the public to treat allergies. National peculiarities concerning the individual methods, providers, or reimbursement must be considered. The economic and public health implications should be discussed in context with the limited evidence of efficacy.

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2004 Aug;93(2 Suppl 1):S5-10. Schäfer T. Institute of Social Medicine, Medical University of Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany. torsten.schaefer@sozmed.mu-luebeck.de

Immediate and persisting effects of misleading questions and hypnosis on memory reports were assessed. After listening to a story, 52 highly suggestible students and 59 low and medium suggestible students were asked misleading or neutral questions in or out of hypnosis. All participants were then asked neutral questions without hypnosis. Both hypnosis and misleading questions significantly increased memory errors, and misleading questions produced significantly more errors than did hypnosis. The 2 effects were additive, so that misleading questions in hypnosis produced the greatest number of errors. There were no significant interactions with level of hypnotic suggestibility. Implications of these findings for the per se exclusion of posthypnotic testimony are discussed.

J Exp Psychol Appl. 2002 Mar;8(1):26-32. Scoboria A, Mazzoni G, Kirsch I, Milling LS. Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, USA.

by Mark Gorkin, LICSW

Full Title: Keys to Strengthening Buy-in, Trust and Team Coordination in a Generationally-Culturally Diverse (Military) Workforce - Part I

I'm preparing for a major offsite event with the Command Teams of the 1st Cavalry/Ft. Hood, TX. I've been asked to explore new (for me) conceptual territory -- Generational Diversity. More specifically, the Army wants me to provide some fresh ideas and exercises for "Communicating with the Younger Soldier." To oversimplify matters: how can the predominant generations in authority -- the Traditionals and Boomers -- connect with GenXers and Millennials. And in today's 24/7 always on world, rapidly cycling between constant upgrading and "doing more with less," creating communication and team coordination bridges among the military (and civilian) generations -- and among all its culturally diverse components -- is mission and morale critical.

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Full Title: Hypnotic interview and age regression procedures in the elicitation of multiple personality symptoms: a simulation study

Patients diagnosed as suffering from multiple personality (i.e., multiples) behave as though they possess two or more distinct personal identities. When behaving as one identity, these patients often display signs of amnesia for events that occurred while they were behaving as a different identity (Sutcliffe and Jones 1962; Taylor and Martin 1944). In most theoretical accounts multiples are conceptualized as the passive victims of unconscious psychological processes that are beyond their sphere of control. For instance, patients' secondary identities are typically described as "dissociated" mental entities, as "taking over" behavioral control, as behaving independently of (and often in opposition to) patients' wishes and intentions, and so on (Allison and Schwarz 1980; Gruenewald 1984; Prince 1930; Watkins and Johnson 1982). Our paper criticizes this traditional account and suggests instead that multiple personality may be more usefully conceptualized as a social role enactment. Along these lines we present a study using college student role players as subjects to test the hypothesis that the kinds of clinical interview procedures employed routinely to diagnose multiple personality may instead encourage and legitimate enactments of this syndrome.

Psychiatry. 1986 Nov;49(4):298-311. Spanos NP, Weekes JR, Menary E, Bertrand LD.

by Joyce-Anne Locking B.Mus.

Music is abstract sound expressing emotion which is subjective not concrete. Music is deep rather than horizontal in thought. It reminds me of a saying about happiness. Happiness, as poet Robert Frost put it, makes up in height what it lacks in length. Music is a kind of happiness too and it can describe happiness, or the lack of it, beyond words.

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ABSTRACTBackground: Anxiety has a high prevalence among individuals with dementia, and it has a significant negative impact on their functioning; yet intervention studies are lacking. We developed Peaceful Mind, a cognitive-behavioral intervention for persons with dementia. In this paper, we describe the intervention and results of an open trial evaluating the feasibility and utility of the intervention and assessment procedures.Methods: Peaceful Mind is implemented over a period of three months in the participant's home with involvement of a caregiver or "collateral." Dyads are followed for an additional three months via telephone. An assortment of simplified skills is offered, including self-awareness, breathing, behavioral activation, calming thoughts, and sleep skills.Results: Nine participants were enrolled, eight completed the three-month assessment, and seven completed the six-month assessment. Overall, participants and collaterals were satisfied with the intervention and reported that they benefited in terms of anxiety, depression, and collateral distress.Conclusions: A randomized controlled trial would help determine whether this promising new treatment has a statistically significant impact on anxiety in this population.

Int Psychogeriatr. 2010 Jun 16:1-10. Paukert AL, Calleo J, Kraus-Schuman C, Snow L, Wilson N, Petersen NJ, Kunik ME, Stanley MA. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

This is a rapid and effective technique to help you to remove or relieve pain or discomfort. Remember pain is a signal and should be checked out before removing or altering it. Pain also is likely to return if it needs to as a message to let you know to look after that part of you. Check out www.discoverdanjones.co.uk.

Full Title: Differences in practitioners' proficiency affect the effectiveness of massage therapy on physical and psychological states

OBJECTIVE: An examination was made of how differences in the proficiency of massage practitioners had different physical and psychological effects on clients. METHOD: Eight healthy 50-year-old females, suffering from chronic neck and shoulder stiffness, were recruited and four interventions were conducted: three 40-minute massage therapy interventions, one each by a freshman and a sophomore student studying massage therapy, and one by their instructor, and one rest on the massage table. Visual analogue scale score for muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulder, state anxiety score, and salivary cortisol concentration levels and secretory immunoglobulin A, were measured pre- and post- interventions. RESULTS: Visual analogue scale of neck and shoulder stiffness after massage by the instructor was significantly lower than that after the other interventions, and the score of state anxiety was lower than that after resting. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2010 Jul;14(3):239-44. Epub 2009 Feb 20. Donoyama N, Shibasaki M. Course of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Department of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tsukuba University of Technology, 4-12-7, Kasuga, Tsukuba 305-8521, Ibaraki, Japan. donoyama@k.tsukuba-tech.ac.jp

Carol Tuttle, MRET, is an electrifying catalyst for healing who has devoted her life to helping people rise out of deprivation into overflowing abundance. She literally wakes up people's souls to living so they realize their greatness. She has a gift for identifying blocks and patterns that are keeping a person stuck and uses her evolving intuitive gifts and clearing techniques to reconnect people with their spirit truth and life purpose. She shares, "The healing technologies I am working with make traditional therapy look like a covered wagon. People are ready and eager to heal their personal pain and generational issues, and we have been blessed with the knowledge and tools now to make that possible."

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OBJECTIVE: To survey the use of complementary and alternative medical therapies by pediatric pain management services affiliated with major universities. DESIGN: A telephone survey was conducted of pediatric anesthesia training programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in the United States. The survey instrument included questions on the provision of complementary and alternative medical therapies in their pediatric pain programs. RESULTS: Forty-three pediatric anesthesia fellowship programs (100%) responded to the survey. Thirty-eight institutions (86%) offered one or more complementary and alternative medical therapies for their patients. Those therapies included biofeedback (65%), guided imagery (49%), relaxation therapy (33%), massage (35%), hypnosis (44%), acupuncture (33%), art therapy (21%), and meditation (21%). CONCLUSIONS: This report documents trends in complementary and alternative medical therapies usage in the tertiary pediatric pain management service. There is a high prevalence in the integration of complementary and alternative medical therapies in pediatric pain management programs. Additional clinical research in the safety and efficacy in complementary and alternative medical therapies for pediatric pain management is urgently needed.

Pain Med. 2005 Nov-Dec;6(6):452-8. Lin YC, Lee AC, Kemper KJ, Berde CB. Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. yuan-chi@tch.harvard.edu

Full Title: Understanding dissociation and insight in the treatment of shortness of breath

Training in hypnosis is particularly valuable for the physician seeking to better appreciate the interplay between mind and body. Through such experiences the physician can learn that presentation of symptoms often is affected by patients' psychological states, and that symptoms sometimes serve as solutions for patients' psychological dilemmas. The presented case study demonstrates how an 11-year-old's complaint of shortness of breath becomes an opportunity for an appropriately trained physician to provide treatment by helping the patient to engage his inner resources. The case illustrates the strength of hypnosis for accessing resources outside of conscious awareness and use of dissociative language to both support and alter the patient's defenses. We discuss the role of hypnosis when working psychodynamically with a patient, and whether and when insight is important or necessary for change of behavior.

Am J Clin Hypn. 2010 Apr;52(4):263-73. Anbar RD, Linden JH. SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. anbarr@upstate.edu

OBJECTIVES: To develop simplified constitutional indications for homeopathic medicines so that parents of children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) could choose homeopathic medicines for their children more "accurately", and to subsequently evaluate if these choices match the prescriptions of trained homeopaths. DESIGN AND SETTING: To initially select the most commonly used homeopathic medicines for URTI, data from a survey of 1097 patients visiting 80 different Norwegian homeopaths were used. A simplified constitutional indication was then developed for the three homeopathic medicines most frequently prescribed for recurrent URTI and otitis media. The constitutional indications were developed by a group of five homeopaths and were then sent to 20 homeopaths for further evaluation. To evaluate the parents' choice of homeopathic medicines compared to the prescription by trained homeopaths, a group of 11 randomly selected homeopaths were asked to participate. They recruited parents of 70 child patients. RESULT: By using simplified constitutional indications for the three most commonly prescribed remedies, Calcarea carb, Pulsatilla and Sulphur, parents were able to choose the same homeopathic medicine as homeopaths' prescribed for 55% (95% CI 43-67) of children with URTI. There was excellent agreement between parents' choice and homeopaths' prescription for the three medicines (Kappa of 0.77, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Simplified constitutional indications can be used to improve the quality of the choice of homeopathic medicines purchased over the counter (OTC) for self-treatment.

Complement Ther Med. 2004 Jun-Sep;12(2-3):112-7. Steinsbekk A, Bentzen N, Fønnebø V, Lewith G. Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), MTFS, N-7489 Trondheim, Norway. aslak.steinsbekk@medisin.ntnu.no

by Erik Peper, Annette Booiman, Marie Tallard, and Naoki Takebayashi

Surface electromyographic biofeedback to optimize performance in daily life: Improving physical fitness and health at the worksite

ABSTRACT
Muscle pain is the primary cause of discomfort for more than 30% of patients who visit their primary physicians with severe pain. These pains are often caused by dysponesis which is unaware misdirected muscle efforts not necessary for task performances. It can consist of 1) excessively tightening muscles that are used for the task performance, 2) tightening muscles not necessary for the task performance (inappropriate co-contractions), 3) not relaxing muscles after the task has been completed, or 4) not relaxing muscles momentarily during task performance to allow for ongoing regeneration (surface electromyograhic gaps/micro-breaks).These chronic covert muscle tensions are a significant co-factor in the etiology, maintenance and progression of many disorders such as headaches, backaches, joint pain, repetitive strain injuries, myalgias, etc. Dysponesis can be identified with surface electromyographic (SEMG) feedback. The benefits of using SEMG to reduce dysponesis through awareness and training are illustrated by two clinical case examples: 1) to improve health at work when packing apples and 2) to enhance performance while working out in the gym on an elliptical exercise machine. As documented by the SEMG recorded from the upper trapezius and/or forearm flexors, the reduction of misdirected muscle efforts decreased the neck and shoulder pains at work and at home and enhanced performance on an elliptical exercise machine. SEMG is a useful clinical tool to assess, monitor, provide feedback to the therapist and client, document muscle dysponesis, and teach clients awareness and voluntary control to reduce their dysponesis and improve health.

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Full Title: The Outcomes of Visualization and Acupuncture on the Quality of Life of Adult Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND:: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat cancer patients has increased around the world, and its benefits have been described. These therapies represent an important theme in oncology and have been used in parallel with conventional therapies. OBJECTIVES:: This study aimed to assess the outcomes of using relaxation with visualization and acupuncture on the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment and to compare these outcomes with patients who did not choose to receive the intervention. METHODS:: Participants chose to be in either the intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). They completed the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 at the start and end of chemotherapy. The IG was chosen by 38 patients with different types of cancer who completed weekly relaxation with visualization and acupuncture sessions, whereas the CG was composed of 37 patients who did not receive the intervention. RESULTS:: Statistically significant results evidenced an increase in global health and emotional and social functions and a decrease in fatigue and loss of appetite for the IG, and an increase in global health for the CG (P Cancer Nurs. 2010 Jun 17. Sawada NO, Zago MM, Galvão CM, Cardozo FM, Zandonai AP, Okino L, Nicolussi AC. Author Affiliations: College of Nursing at Ribeirão Preto-University of São Paulo (Sawada, Zago, Galvão, Cardozo, Zandonai, and Nicolussi); and Centre University Barão de Mauá, Brazilian Association of Acupuncture, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil (Okino).

Roman studied hypnosis with Dr. Georgina Cannon, one of Canada's foremost hypnosis trainers and is a certified hypnotherapist with the National Guild Of Hypnotists. He is also a member of the Association of Registered Clinical Hypnotherapists.

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BACKGROUND: Interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing. Use of CAM in food-allergic patients has not previously been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of CAM use, the types of CAM modalities used, and opinions about CAM in food-allergic patients. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to attendees at a patient conference in 2002 and to patients at pediatric food allergy clinics in 2005. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 380 families. Respondents were mainly white, parents of children with multiple food allergies, and from the tri-state (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) area. Diagnostic modalities considered unproven or disproven (such as serum IgG4, electrodermal skin testing, and kinesiology) were used by 22% of respondents; CAM therapies were used by 18%. Participants used several types of CAM practitioners, the most common being chiropractors, homeopaths, and acupuncturists. Only 49% of patients using CAM disclosed this to their physicians. Efficacy ratings for CAM were poor. Regarding participants' opinions, an herbal therapy of equal efficacy, safety, and cost was preferred to a pharmaceutical drug (37% vs 12%; P = .001), but most participants (51%) had no preference or were unsure. CONCLUSION: Unproven or disproven diagnostic methods and CAM treatments were used by approximately 1 in 5 respondents. Those using CAM noted poor efficacy, but if given a choice, many would prefer herbal therapies to pharmaceutical drugs. Education regarding reliable testing for food allergy and further research on CAM therapies are warranted.

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2006 Sep;97(3):365-9. Ko J, Lee JI, Muñoz-Furlong A, Li XM, Sicherer SH. Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA. Jimmy.Ko@mssm.edu

PURPOSE: This study examines whether or not those women who have participated in a hypnoreflexogenous birth preparation course have a lower incidence of preterm labour and higher gestational age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 101 women participated in the birth preparation hypnosis course (hypnomental birth preparation) and were evaluated against a parallelised control group. The following parameters were evaluated: education, number of previous pregnancies and live births, average number of cigarettes smoked per day and age of the mother. The control group was selected out of the hospital birth register from 2001 to 2008 (n=10 812). RESULTS: In the hypnosis group (n=101) there were six late preterm deliveries (5.49%) whereas in the parallelised control group there were significantly more preterm deliveries (n=11; 11.3%; p=0.02). There was also a statistically significant correlation between gestational age and maternal participation in the hypnomental birth preparation. CONCLUSION: In the hypnosis group there were significantly less preterm deliveries after parallelising the socio-economical demographics. A planned randomised controlled study of preterm labour should identify whether clinical hypnosis can reduce the incidence of preterm labour. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart, New York.

Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol. 2010 Jun;214(3):82-7. Epub 2010 Jun 23. Reinhard J, Hüsken-Janssen H, Hatzmann H, Schiermeier S. Frauenklinik der Universität Witten/Herdecke, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Witten. j.reinhard@marien-hospital-witten.de

by Shealy Healy

Poor health often is a byproduct of stress. When you accumulate too much stress within your mind and body you are left depleted of healthy rejuvenating every. Your mind becomes ill. Anxiety takes over your body. You get sick.

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The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of a clinical context in the experience of hypnotic age regression. Twenty-five patients experienced hypnotic age regression in an experimental and clinical context in counterbalanced order. Patients obtained significantly lower scores for experimental age regression than for clinical age regression, in particular when the experimental assessment preceded the clinical assessment of age regression. Moreover, scores for clinical and experimental age regression were only significantly and positively correlated when the clinical assessment of age regression preceded the experimental assessment. These findings give a tentative indication that more patients are able to experience clinical age regression than can be predicted from their responses to an experimental suggestion for hypnotic age regression where almost no opportunities for patient contact or maximizing of hypnotic responsiveness are provided.

Am J Clin Hypn. 1992 Jul;35(1):40-6. Spinhoven P, van Wijk J. University of Leiden, The Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and standard medical care (SMC) as treatments for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). METHODS: Our randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared CBT with SMC in an outpatient neuropsychiatric setting. Sixty-six PNES patients were randomized to either CBT (plus SMC) or SMC alone, scheduled to occur over 4 months. PNES diagnosis was established by video-EEG telemetry for most patients. Exclusion criteria included comorbid history of epilepsy, <2 PNES/month, and IQ <70. The primary outcome was seizure frequency at end of treatment and at 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included 3 months of seizure freedom at 6-month follow-up, measures of psychosocial functioning, health service use, and employment. RESULTS: In an intention-to-treat analysis, seizure reduction following CBT was superior at treatment end (group x time interaction p < 0.0001; large to medium effect sizes). At follow-up, the CBT group tended to be more likely to have experienced 3 months of seizure freedom (odds ratio 3.125, p = 0.086). Both groups improved in some health service use measures and on the Work and Social Adjustment Scale. Mood and employment status showed no change. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy is more effective than standard medical care alone in reducing seizure frequency in PNES patients. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class III evidence that CBT in addition to SMC, as compared to SMC alone, significantly reduces seizure frequency in patients with PNES (change in median monthly seizure frequency: baseline to 6 months follow-up, CBT group, 12 to 1.5; SMC alone group, 8 to 5).

Neurology. 2010 Jun 15;74(24):1986-94. Goldstein LH, Chalder T, Chigwedere C, Khondoker MR, Moriarty J, Toone BK, Mellers JD. Department of Psychology, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK. laura.goldstein@kcl.ac.uk

You can release a negative feeling right now with this video. Tapping is a very effective method for curing Procrastination - the only reason you put off doing things is that you have negative associations with doing them.

Visit www.Tapping.com. for more Emotional Freedom Technique videos, EFT articles, and an E-Book.

Integrative therapies such as massage have gained support as interventions that improve the overall patient experience during hospitalization. Cardiac surgery patients undergo long procedures and commonly have postoperative back and shoulder pain, anxiety, and tension. Given the promising effects of massage therapy for alleviation of pain, tension, and anxiety, we studied the efficacy and feasibility of massage therapy delivered in the postoperative cardiovascular surgery setting. Patients were randomized to receive a massage or to have quiet relaxation time (control). In total, 113 patients completed the study (massage, n=62; control, n=51). Patients receiving massage therapy had significantly decreased pain, anxiety, and tension. Patients were highly satisfied with the intervention, and no major barriers to implementing massage therapy were identified. Massage therapy may be an important component of the healing experience for patients after cardiovascular surgery. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2010 May;16(2):70-5. Epub 2009 Jul 14. Bauer BA, Cutshall SM, Wentworth LJ, Engen D, Messner PK, Wood CM, Brekke KM, Kelly RF, Sundt TM 3rd. Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. bauer.brent@mayo.edu

Topher is a professional Hypnotherapist, Master Practitioner and Master Trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Since 1989, "Topher," as he is known to his friends and colleagues, has trained tens of thousands of people worldwide including Olympic athletes, and is acclaimed as a dynamic presenter on a wide array of topics ranging from personal growth to sales training. Dr. Morrison is internationally recognized for his columns on personal development, keynotes, and leadership training. Creative and prolific, Topher is the creator of the MusicTrance series – music specifically created for the profession of hypnotherapy. His first book on human potential will be released in 2004. Topher maintains a rigorous schedule traveling throughout North America, Australia, and the UK teaching people the importance of hypnosis and the role it plays in overall mind/body health. His unique style is at once informative and entertaining, demonstrating Topher's instinctive ability to convey the most sophisticated topics to his audience in an easy to understand manner.

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by Tim Brunson, PhD

Within the arenas of genius, mastery, and brilliance lay the seeds of evil and destruction. Understanding this is vital to the practice of any healing or helping profession. Consider two medical doctors who could easily be considered extremely capable and effective in their chosen endeavors. One was Albert Schweitzer, who won the 1953 Nobel Prize for his "Reverence of Life" philosophy; the other, Josef Mengele, the Nazi SS physician, who was called the "Angel of Death." Despite the good achieved by the former and the despair caused by the latter, it is very easy to recognize that both had a high level of competency. What I wish to explore is whether the achievement of mastery facilitates the simultaneous probability of significant good and bad outcomes and what we can do to influence the results. Hopefully, the recognition of dichotomy will increase the likelihood that transformation will benefit an individual and mankind as a whole.

As a somewhat arm-chair-neurologist, I equate mastery as a physical state in which the requisite areas of the brain are enhanced with thicker neural networks. This increased capability allows violinists to play at the expert level, golfers to improve their handicaps, languages to be mastered quickly, and culinary delights to be produced on a regular basis. On the other hand, when these substrates are enhanced, all of the capabilities related to that substrate become available at an increased level. These capabilities are functional tools. There is no assurance that the end result will always be desirable. The problem is that the increased level of functioning provides the potential for both positive and negative results.

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Full Title: Complementary and alternative medicine for pain management in U.S.- and foreign-born Chinese women with breast cancer

This study explores beliefs about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for pain management among 15 U.S.-born and 15 foreign-born Chinese women with breast cancer. For this investigation, trilingual interviewers conducted individual, face-to-face, qualitative interviews in Cantonese, Mandarin, or English. All study participants lived in San Francisco, and the foreign-born women had resided in the U.S. for 15 years or fewer. Findings indicate that many participants consider CAM a viable method of pain management. However, concerns about affordability and quality of treatment prevent some women from using CAM on a regular basis. Many participants indicated that Western health care providers are poorly equipped to provide CAM to manage the pain resulting from breast cancer treatment. Future research should explore how access to CAM can be improved for poor and uninsured patients with cancer and how alternative approaches to pain management can be integrated more broadly in the U.S. health care system.

J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2007 Nov;18(4 Suppl):118-29. Wong-Kim E, Merighi JR. Department of Social Work, California State University, Hayward 94542, USA. evaon@csueastbay.edu

Full Title: The effects of a complex homeopathic medicine compared with acetaminophen in the symptomatic treatment of acute febrile infections in children: an observational study

CONTEXT: Children frequently suffer infections accompanied by fever, which is commonly treated with acetaminophen (paracetamol), a use not devoid of risk. OBJECTIVE: The effect of a complex homeopathic medicine (Viburcol, Heel Belgium, Gent, Belgium) was compared with that of acetaminophen in children with infectious fever. DESIGN: Non-randomized observational study. SETTING: Thirty-eight Belgian centers practicing homeopathy and conventional medicine. PATIENTS: Children <12 years old. INTERVENTIONS: Viburcol (drops) or acetaminophen (pills, capsules, or liquid form) for a maximum of 2 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fever, cramps, distress, disturbed sleep, crying, and difficulties with eating or drinking. Symptoms were graded by the practitioner on a scale from 0 to 3. Severity of infection was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 4. Data were captured on body temperature, subjective impression of health status, time to first improvement of symptoms, and global evaluation of treatment effects. Tolerability and compliance were monitored. RESULTS: Both treatment groups improved during the treatment period. Body temperature was reduced by 1.7 degrees C +/- 0.7 degrees C with Viburcol and by 1.9 degrees C +/- 0.9 degrees C with acetaminophen; fever score (scale from 0 to 3) from 1.7 +/- 0.6 to 0.1 +/- 0.2 with Viburcol and from 1.9 +/- 0.7 to 0.2 +/- 0.5 with acetaminophen (all values mean +/-SD). The overall severity of infection (scale from 0 to 4) decreased from 2.0 +/- 0.5 to 0.0 +/- 0.2 with Viburcol and from 2.2 +/- 0.7 to 0.2 +/- 0.6 with acetaminophen. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups in time to symptomatic improvement. Viburcol was noninferior to acetaminophen on all variables evaluated. Both treatments were very well tolerated, but the Viburcol group had a significantly greater number of patients with the highest tolerability score. CONCLUSIONS: In this patient population, Viburcol was an effective alternative to acetaminophen treatment and significantly better tolerated.

Explore (NY). 2005 Jan;1(1):33-9. Derasse M, Klein P, Weiser M. d.s.h Statistical Services GmbH, Rohrbach, Germany.

Besides more conventional tumor risks, depression and negative life events are significant risk factors in cancer here in Hungary, therefore oncopsychology is increasingly important. We discuss traumatizing effects of the diagnosis and invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures from the viewpoint of altered state of consciousness. During stress and hypnosis brain functioning is altered in a similar way, which can be seen both in the patient's symptoms and his/her physiological and neuroimaging findings. In trance state patients part from reality, they no longer communicate conventionally or maturely. Hypnosis is characterized not only by physical and mental changes, but important unique social interactions as well. These interactions affect the endocrine and immune system and the mental state of the patient, they strengthen and synchronize resources and help posttraumatic growth. Since in the stress induced spontaneous altered state of consciousness the susceptibility to suggestions is increased, suggestive communication can be used effectively and it can even result in formal hypnosis induction. Under the strong time and mental pressure characterizing the work of the oncologic departments, it might help the staff to improve the cooperation with the patient if staff members, physicians and nurses as well, are aware of the nature and the neurophysiologic background of the spontaneous trance state induced by the life-threatening diagnosis of cancer.

Magy Onkol. 2010 Jun;54(2):153-60. Jakubovits E. Semmelweis Egyetem Egészségtudományi Kar Morfológiai és Fiziológiai Intézet 1088 Budapest Vas. u. 17. ELTE Pszichológiai Doktori Iskola Magatartáspszichológiai PhD Program Budapest.

BACKGROUND: More information is needed by cancer clinicians regarding cancer patients' use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). OBJECTIVE: In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews were used to obtain the reports of adult cancer patients regarding their use of CAM. METHODS: Seven cancer patients (4 women, 3 men) who reported using CAM were recruited by snowball sampling. Content analysis was used to examine the interview transcriptions. RESULTS: Five themes and multiple categories were identified related to CAM use: (1) facing the challenges of cancer (I can't be defeated, need to cooperate with conventional medical treatment, rebuilding my confidence), (2) handling the physical and psychological distress of CAM use (extra loading due to the therapy, uncertainty and fear about the efficacy of CAM, being understood and supported, feeling guilty about being sick, (3) lifestyle disruption (altering social life, changing family living style), (4) having reasons for seeking other therapies (finding a way to cure the disease, boosting my immunity, improving my overall health status, and prolonging life and searching for peace of mind), and (5) unresolved practical concerns about CAM (finding an easy and effective way to practice CAM, needing CAM to be integrated into mainstream health care, and where to get the related information). CONCLUSION: Adult Taiwanese cancer patients who use CAM do experience burdens secondary to CAM use and prefer that oncology specialists be more informed about CAM. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Oncology specialists who know where adult cancer patients could obtain helpful information about CAM would help to decrease the burdens that patients who use CAM experience.

Cancer Nurs. 2010 Jul-Aug;33(4):320-6. Lu JH, Tsay SL, Sung SC. Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Institute of Technology, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.

Stacey earned her Master of Science Degree from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She holds a Diplomate in Acupuncture andTraditional Chinese Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) . This includes certification in Clean Needle Technique. Stacey is licensed to practice Acupuncture in the state of Colorado.

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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Allergic disorders represent a serious public health problem in children. The chronic nature of these diseases and the fear of known side effects of synthetic drugs influence many families to seek complementary and alternative medicine. This review focuses on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal products and acupuncture for treating pediatric allergies. RECENT FINDINGS: Given the general safety profile and reputed efficacy, TCM are well received by the general population. However, compared with the long human history and popularity of the use of TCM, research into its efficacy and safety is still in its infancy. In the last 2-3 years, there have been more controlled studies of TCM for allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis. Several publications including ours indicate that some TCM herbal formulas are well tolerated and produce some level of efficacy. Some herbal formulas also showed beneficial immunomodualtory effects. Several preclinical studies demonstrated that the food allergy herbal formula-2 was effective in protecting against peanut anaphylaxis in animal models. Two TCM products have entered clinical trials in the United States for treating asthma and food allergy, respectively. Both of these trials include children. SUMMARY: Recent studies indicate that TCM therapy including herbal medicines and acupuncture for allergic disorders in children is well tolerated. There are also promising clinical and objective improvements. More controlled clinical studies are encouraged.

Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 Apr;9(2):161-7. Li XM. Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA. xiu-min.li@mssm.edu

OBJECTIVE:: This case series examines the practicality of using a standardized method of training children in self-hypnosis (SH) methods to explore its efficiency and short-term efficacy in treating tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. METHODS:: The files of 37 children and adolescents with Tourette syndrome referred for SH training were reviewed, yielding 33 patients for analysis. As part of a protocol for SH training, all viewed a videotape series of a boy undergoing SH training for tic control. Improvement in tic control was abstracted from subjective patient report. RESULTS:: Seventy-nine percent of the patients trained in this technique experienced short-term clinical response, defined as control over the average 6-week follow-up period. Of the responders, 46% achieved tic control with SH after only 2 sessions and 96% after 3 visits. One patient required 4 visits. CONCLUSIONS:: Instruction in SH, aided by the use of videotape training, augments a protocol and probably shortens the time of training in this technique. If SH is made more accessible in this way, it will be a valuable addition to multi-disciplinary management of tic disorders in Tourette syndrome.

J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2010 Jun 25. Lazarus JE, Klein SK. From the *Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital; daggerCase Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH.

by Dr. Linda Berry

Through my life experience, education, clinical practice, and Eastern transformative techniques I've reversed a lifetime of sadness to enjoy a present with glimmers of bliss. This article reveals an outline of my path to bliss that came to me one night as I sat writing on my bedside. It's a simple path that can help anyone achieve moments of connection to the divine. That's always good for building happiness.

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Hypnotizable (N = 9) and simulating subjects (N = 8) were age regressed to the previous week's hypnosis session and received a suggestion to hear a phone ring during the earlier session (no phone actually rang). Pseudomemory rates in response to open-ended questions were low in this study (0% hypnotizable and simulating subjects) and in previous research (Lynn, Weekes, & Milano, 1989; 12.5% hypnotizable; 10% simulating subjects) in which the phone-ring suggestion was not embedded in the context of age regression. In response to a forced-choice question, 22.22% of the hypnotizable and 25% of the simulating subjects indicated that the suggested phone ring was an actual event, a pseudomemory rate somewhat higher than our previous study in which none of the subjects reported pseudomemories in response to a forced-choice question. When the occurrence of the target stimulus of a pseudomemory suggestion is publicly verifiable, the pseudomemory rate is low.

Am J Clin Hypn. 1992 Oct;35(2):129-37. Lynn SJ, Milano M, Weekes JR. Psychology Department, Ohio University, Athens 45701.

by Bonnie M. Morét, CCHt

In today's hectic world, we continually search for ways to bring about positive change. Hypnotherapy is a natural and effective process that utilizes the strength of your subconscious mind to improve your life by changing unwanted habits, enabling you to accomplish your goals. Hypnotherapy enables one to overcome stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, eating disorders, phobias and pain.

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Full Title: Group cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression in Spanish: culture-sensitive manualized treatment in practice

The authors applied cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression using the Healthy Management of Reality treatment manual. This 16-week group treatment comprised four 4-week modules: thoughts (cognitive restructuring), activities (behavioral activation), people (interpersonal skills training), and health (addresses physical health and depression). They illustrated the use of the culture-sensitive treatment manuals by way of the member characteristics and clinical process of a Spanish-language CBT group for depression. They highlighted the challenges and satisfactions of working with a Spanish-speaking population in the public sector, and focused on how culture and socioeconomic status influence patients, and how to adapt treatment to these factors. Last, they demonstrated how technological advances integrate with culture-sensitive, evidence-based treatments to better serve this population and reduce disparities. (c) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 66:1-11, 2010.

J Clin Psychol. 2010 Aug;66(8):857-67. Aguilera A, Garza MJ, Muñoz RF. University of California, San Francisco.

A great hypnosis stress relief process. Learn more at www.hypnocoachlisa.com.