Self-hypnosis training represents a rapid, cost-effective, nonaddictive and safe alternative to medication for the treatment of anxiety-related conditions. Here we provide a review of the experimental literature on the use of self-hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders, including anxiety associated with cancer, surgery, burns and medical/dental procedures. An overview of research is also provided with regard to self-hypnotic treatment of anxiety-related disorders, such as tension headaches, migraines and irritable bowel syndrome. The tremendous volume of research provides compelling evidence that hypnosis is an efficacious treatment for state anxiety (e.g., prior to tests, surgery and medical procedures) and anxiety-related disorders, such as headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. Although six studies demonstrate changes in trait anxiety, this review recommends that further randomized controlled outcome studies are needed on the hypnotic treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and in documenting changes in trait anxiety. Recommendations are made for selecting clinical referral sources.

Expert Rev Neurother. 2010 Feb;10(2):263-73. Hammond DC. University of Utah School of Medicine, PM&R, 30 No. 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132-2119, USA. d.c.hammond@utah.edu

Full Title: A single point acupuncture treatment at large intestine meridian: a randomized controlled trial in acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis

OBJECTIVES: One out of 4 patients visiting a general practitioner reports of a sore throat associated with pain on swallowing. This study was established to examine the immediate pain alleviating effect of a single point acupuncture treatment applied to the large intestine meridian of patients with sore throat. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis were enrolled in this randomized placebo-controlled trial. They either received acupuncture, or sham laser acupuncture, directed to the large intestine meridian section between acupuncture points LI 8 and LI 10. The main outcome measure was the change of pain intensity on swallowing a sip of water evaluated by a visual analog scale 15 minutes after treatment. A credibility assessment regarding the respective treatment was performed. RESULTS: The pain intensity for the acupuncture group before and immediately after therapy was 5.6+/-2.8 and 3.0+/-3.0, and for the sham group 5.6+/-2.5 and 3.8+/-2.5, respectively. Despite the articulation of a more pronounced improvement among the acupuncture group, there was no significant difference between groups (Delta=0.9, confidence interval: -0.2-2.0; P=0.12; analysis of covariance). Patients' satisfaction was high in both treatment groups. The study was prematurely terminated due to a subsequent lack of suitable patients. DISCUSSION: A single acupuncture treatment applied to a selected area of the large intestine meridian was no more effective in the alleviation of pain associated with clinical sore throat than sham laser acupuncture applied to the same area. Hence, clinically relevant improvement could be achieved. Pain alleviation might partly be due to the intense palpation of the large intestine meridian. The benefit of a comprehensive acupuncture treatment protocol in this condition should be subject to further trials.

Clin J Pain. 2009 Sep;25(7):624-31. Fleckenstein J, Lill C, Lüdtke R, Gleditsch J, Rasp G, Irnich D. Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Munich, Pettenkoferstr 8A, 80336 München, Germany.

By Sharon Esonis, PhD

"Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so. If you assume there is an instinct for freedom, there are opportunities to change things, there's a chance you may contribute to making a better world. The choice is yours." Noam Chomsky

With the advent of the Positive Psychology movement, there has been a great deal of interest in the topic of optimism. Voluminous and robust research has brought wonderful news indeed. Optimism has been shown to generate improved physical and mental health, longevity, performance excellence, creativity and success in attaining goals and dreams. Research indicates that an optimistic attitude helps to relieve and prevent depression. According to Professor Martin Seligman at the University of Pennsylvania, optimism has even played a significant role in the outcomes of professional sporting events and Presidential elections.

Developing the strength of optimism is a powerful way to increase the opportunities and successes in your life. In my professional training and experience, I've become convinced that working with clients on the cognitive and behavioral components of optimism can be life altering. The process is enjoyable with results often occurring within a short time frame.

What is this promising elixir? Optimism is a belief system with three major components: first, the belief in your own power to make your life and your future better; second, the belief that negative events in your life are not permanent, personal or pervasive; and third, the belief that positive events in your life are permanent, personal and pervasive.

Permanent refers to the lasting effects of an event. If you make a mistake, fail at some task or encounter an obstacle, do you tell yourself that this is not going to go away or change, that this problem is permanent? Or do you, as the optimist, tell yourself that this is a temporary state of affairs? If something positive happens, do you tell yourself it's temporary, or as the optimist, you tell yourself that it will have a permanent and positive effect on your future?

Personal refers to your interpretation of who is responsible for the event and why it happened. If you're besieged by a negative event, do you believe you're a victim or that you brought this terrible thing upon yourself? Or, as the optimist, do you believe bad things happen to everyone, that your response to them is what will make the difference in the future? If something positive happens, do you tell yourself that this is a fluke, or as the optimist, do you tell yourself that you had a lot to do with this welcome occurrence?

Pervasive pertains to your belief about how other parts of your life will be affected by the event. In the case of a negative event, do you believe this will have a counterproductive influence on other aspects of your life, or as the optimist, believe that the effect is relative only to the context in which it occurred? If a positive event occurs, are you convinced that the results will only be beneficial to this specific part, or as the optimist, do you think that the sunshine will spread throughout your life?

Optimism is about positive, can-do beliefs, expectations, choices and strategies, about knowing you are responsible for your life and that you have the ability to be effective on your own behalf. The optimist learns all he can from adversity and then propels himself forward toward his goals and vision. The optimist takes credit for the things he has accomplished, savors the victories, and utilizes them as fuel for the ongoing journey of dreams and discovery.

For more information visit www.PositivePathLifeCoaching.com.

Seligman, M.E.P. (1998) Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life New York: Knopf
Seligman, M.E.P. (2202) Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment New York: Knopf

©Copyright 2010. Sharon S. Esonis, PhD

Co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent in addiction treatment programs and a risk factor for negative outcomes. Although interventions have been developed to address substance use and PTSD, treatment options are needed that are effective, well tolerated by patients, and potentially integrated with existing program services. This paper describes a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for PTSD that was adapted from a treatment for persons with severe mental illnesses and PTSD in community mental health settings. The new adaptation is for patients in community addiction treatment with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders. In this study, 5 community therapists delivered the CBT for PTSD. Outcome data are available on 11 patients who were assessed at baseline, post-CBT treatment, and at a 3-month follow-up post-treatment. Primary outcomes were substance use, PTSD severity, and retention, of which all were favorable for patients receiving the CBT for PTSD.

Addict Behav. 2009 Oct;34(10):892-7. Epub 2009 Mar 14. McGovern MP, Lambert-Harris C, Acquilano S, Xie H, Alterman AI, Weiss RD. Dartmouth Medical School, 2 Whipple Place, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA. mark.p.mcgovern@dartmouth.edu

Master Hypnotist Alan Crossley began studying Hypnosis over 25 years ago. He has trained extensively at the University of Toronto Campus with award winning Hypnotist and Trainer Dr. Mike Mandel. Alan has also trained with the National Guild of Hypnotists, NLP Canada and through the Holistic practitioner program at Centennial College.

He is a Master Hypnotist, Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner,certified Reflexologist, EFT Practitioner and certified member of the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH). You will find that Mr. Crossley has a soothing, relaxing voice that will help you easily drift off into a wonderful trance experience.

For more information visit www.hypnosisdownloads.org.

This article both summarizes the previous reviews of randomized, controlled trials of hypnotic analgesia for the treatment of chronic and acute pain in adults, and reviews similar trials which have recently been published in the scientific literature. The results indicate that for both chronic and acute pain conditions: (1) hypnotic analgesia consistently results in greater decreases in a variety of pain outcomes compared to no treatment/standard care; (2) hypnosis frequently out-performs non-hypnotic interventions (e.g. education, supportive therapy) in terms of reductions in pain-related outcomes; and (3) hypnosis performs similarly to treatments that contain hypnotic elements (such as progressive muscle relaxation), but is not surpassed in efficacy by these alternative treatments. Factors that may influence the efficacy of hypnotic analgesia interventions are discussed, including, but not limited to, the patient's level of suggestibility, treatment outcome expectancy, and provider expertise. Based upon this body of literature, suggestions are offered for practitioners who are using, or would like to use, hypnosis for the amelioration of pain problems in their patients or clients.

Contemp Hypn. 2009 Mar 1;26(1):24-39. Stoelb BL, Molton IR, Jensen MP, Patterson DR. University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation. Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA

Full Title: Neck pain and disability outcomes following chiropractic upper cervical care: a retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of an upper cervical low-force (UCLF) chiropractic procedure, based on a vertebral alignment model, in the management of neck pain and disability by assessing the impact on valid patient outcome measures. DESIGN: A retrospective case series. METHODS: Consecutive patient files at a private chiropractic practice over a 1-year period were reviewed for inclusion. Data for the first visit, pre- and post-adjustment atlas alignment radiographic measurements, baseline and 2-weeks NDI (100 point) and verbal NRS (11 point) were recorded. The data were analyzed in their entirety and by groups comparing <30% vs. >30% post adjustment atlas alignment changes. RESULTS: Statistically significant clinically meaningful improvements in neck pain NRS (P < 0.01) and disability NDI (P < 0.01) after an average of 13.6 days of specific chiropractic care including 5.7 office visits and 2.7 upper cervical adjustments were demonstrated. There were no serious adverse events. Cases with the post-adjustment skull/atlas alignment measurement (atlas laterality) that were changed more than 30% on the first visit toward the orthogonal alignment predicted a statistically and clinically significant better outcome for NDI in 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: UCLF chiropractic instrument adjustments utilizing a vertebral alignment model are promising for the management of patients with neck pain based on assessment using valid outcome measures.

J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2009 Aug;53(3):173-85. Rochester RP. Chiropractic Spine Center of North Georgia, Inc., 475 S. Washington Street, Suite C, Clarkesville, GA 30523. Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology, Inc. (Non-profit organization) Board of Directors, Co-Author of the text: Orthospinology Procedures, An Evidence-Based Approach to Spinal Care. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007.

by Joyce-Anne Locking

Life is short and dreams are too easily given up and forgotten. Pressed to choose a course of action, we often waste the time and gifts of dreams. What we do with our lives is important. Springtime is a time for dreaming new dreams.

Wonderful gardens are a source of pride and peaceful respite in the middle of a downtown busy with daily traffic and bustling activity. A reprieve from stress and worries, flowers in summer gardens provide colour to nourish our too frequently frazzled existence. A stroll through such gardens last summer found me wondering why such few green spaces are left in the area to enjoy. Green space ought to be taken much more seriously, especially in residential areas. Little room is left for thought or creativity, recreation or just plain relaxation. A place to ponder is something everyone can make use of. Even a drive by such a place is beneficial in that it suggests creative thought.

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BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass graft and cardiac valve surgeries are frequently performed in medical facilities in the United States, and postoperative nausea (PON) is a prevalent problem in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single preoperative acupuncture treatment in the prevention of PON in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft or cardiac valve surgery, or both. METHODS: Ninety participants presenting for coronary artery bypass graft or cardiac valve surgery, or both, were recruited for this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either one preoperative acupuncture and standard postoperative care (acupuncture group) or solely standard postoperative care (control group). Acupuncture was performed 0.5 to 3 hours before surgery. The PON incidence and severity on postoperative day (POD) 2 and POD 3 were measured with validated nausea tools. RESULTS: The acupuncture group had a significantly lower incidence of nausea compared with the control group (POD 2, odds ratio [OR], 0.38; p = 0.05; and POD 3, OR, 0.26; p = 0.01). The acupuncture group also had a significantly lower score of nausea severity than the control group (POD 2, OR, 0.29; p = 0.01; and POD 3, OR, 0.25; p = 0.01). No adverse effects due to acupuncture treatment were reported. Antiemetics, pain medications, and anesthetics administered intraoperatively did not differ between the two groups and did not influence study results. CONCLUSIONS: A single preoperative acupuncture treatment decreased incidence and severity of PON in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft or cardiac valve surgery, or both, and caused no adverse effects.

Ann Thorac Surg. 2009 Aug;88(2):537-42. Korinenko Y, Vincent A, Cutshall SM, Li Z, Sundt TM 3rd. Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.

by Andrew McCombe, BPhEd

Emotional Freedom Techniques (or EFT) is a revolutionary new healing aid being used worldwide by those in the healing professions and because of it's simplistic and complementary nature has become an excellent addition to the coaching tool box.

EFT is a psychological form of acupuncture, but without the needles. Instead, you stimulate well established energy meridian points on your body by tapping on them with your fingertips whilst repeating specific statements. The process is easy to memorize and is portable so you can do it anywhere.

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Full Title: Cognitive-behavioral family treatment for childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder: a 7-year follow-up study

This study evaluated the long-term durability of individual and group cognitive-behavioral family-based therapy (CBFT) for childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Thirty-eight participants (age 13-24 years) from a randomized controlled trial of individual or group CBFT for childhood OCD were assessed 7 years post-treatment. Diagnostic, symptom severity interviews and self-report measures of OCD, anxiety, and depression were administered. Seven years after treatment, 79% of participants from individual therapy and 95% from group therapy had no diagnosis of OCD. These results are near identical to results found at 12 and 18 months follow-ups of the same sample. No significant differences were found between treatment conditions, self-reports of symptom severity, except that depressive symptoms were significantly more pronounced for individual treatment condition, and those in the older age group (19-24 years of age). Results suggest that CBFT for obsessive-compulsive disorder is effective 7 years post-treatment.

J Anxiety Disord. 2009 Oct;23(7):973-8. Epub 2009 Jun 26. O'Leary EM, Barrett P, Fjermestad KW. Pathways Health and Research Centre, PO Box 5699, West End, Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia. emilyoleary@pathwayshrc.com.au

This is an interesting video detailing various methods of rapid induction.

For more information visit www.HypnosisGurus.com.

The objective of this systematic review was to assess the evidence for the effectiveness of internal qigong as a treatment option for pain conditions. Nineteen databases were searched through to February 2009. Controlled clinical trials testing internal qigong in patients with pain of any origin assessing clinical outcome measures were considered. Trials using any type of internal qigong and control intervention were included. The selection of studies, data extraction, and validation were performed independently by 2 reviewers. Four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 3 controlled clinical trials met all inclusion criteria. One RCT suggested no significant difference for low back pain compared with electromyographic biofeedback. Two RCTs failed to show effects of internal qigong in neck pain compared with exercise therapy and waiting list control. One RCT suggested that qigong is inferior to aerobic exercise in patients with fibromyalgia. There are few RCTs testing the effectiveness of internal qigong in the management of pain conditions. Collectively, the existing trial evidence is not convincing enough to suggest that internal qigong is an effective modality for pain management. PERSPECTIVE: This review of controlled clinical trials focused on the effects of internal qigong, a self-directed energy healing intervention involving movement and meditation. Collectively, the existing trial evidence is not convincing enough to suggest that internal qigong is an effective modality for pain management. Future studies should be of high quality with particular emphasis on designing an adequate control intervention.

J Pain. 2009 Jun 24. Lee MS, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Division of Standard Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea; Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Exeter, United Kingdom.

Frederick "Cork" Graham was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Cork has lived and traveled extensively throughout Asia, and Latin America, first as a Third Culture Kid (TCK), and then as an award-winning journalist. Cork was a guest speaker on NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS and Good Morning America. He lectures on many subjects including Vietnam, political prisons, guerrilla warfare, post-traumatic stress, hypnotherapy and environmental issues. Cork is also the second American trained by the US Navy Seals at the Salvadoran Naval Special Forces School.

For more information visit: www.CorkGraham.com

by Tim Brunson, PhD

Over the past few years there has been a constant clamor regarding the wonders of a new version of Positive Psychology involving mindfulness. This leaves me to wonder if there is any substance to this or if it is yet another pop psychology mantra waiting to be pushed aside by the next trend. Is this unjustified panacea, merely yet another placebo claiming wondrous results, or a therapeutically significant concept? My intent here is to explore the origin, foundation, and potential value of mindfulness psychotherapy – and its relationship to hypnotherapy.

I first became acquainted with the concept when I attended a three-day workshop jointly conducted by two psychologists at an annual conference held each December in Hilton Head, South Carolina. The presenters were Mark S. Weisberg, PhD, an established authority in mind/body healing who practices in Minnesota, and Ronald D. Siegel, PsyD, who is affiliated with the Harvard Medical School. Since then I have become familiar with the work of Richard J. Davidson, PhD, a Harvard-educated scientist working at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Tenzin Nagi, PhD, at Emory University in Atlanta.

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Many patients use chiropractic as a treatment of fibromyalgia, and many chiropractors seem to be convinced that it is effective for that condition. The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review of randomised clinical trials testing the effectiveness of chiropractic care for fibromyalgia. Six electronic literature searches were conducted. No language restrictions were applied. Data extraction and validation were carried out by two independent reviewers. Three studies met the inclusion criteria. Their methodological quality was poor. They generated no evidence to suggest that chiropractic care is effective for fibromyalgia. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that chiropractic is an effective treatment for fibromyalgia.

Clin Rheumatol. 2009 Oct;28(10):1175-8. Epub 2009 Jun 21. Ernst E. Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter & Plymouth, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter, EX2 4NT, UK. Edzard.Ernst@pms.ac.uk

Full Title: Improvements in Spelling after QEEG-based Neurofeedback in Dyslexia: A Randomized Controlled Treatment Study

Phonological theories of dyslexia assume a specific deficit in representation, storage and recall of phonemes. Various brain imaging techniques, including qEEG, point to the importance of a range of areas, predominantly the left hemispheric temporal areas. This study attempted to reduce reading and spelling deficits in children who are dyslexic by means of neurofeedback training based on neurophysiological differences between the participants and gender and age matched controls. Nineteen children were randomized into an experimental group receiving qEEG based neurofeedback (n = 10) and a control group (n = 9). Both groups also received remedial teaching. The experimental group improved considerably in spelling (Cohen's d = 3). No improvement was found in reading. An indepth study of the changes in the qEEG power and coherence protocols evidenced no fronto-central changes, which is in line with the absence of reading improvements. A significant increase of alpha coherence was found, which may be an indication that attentional processes account for the improvement in spelling. Consideration of subtypes of dyslexia may refine the results of future studies.

Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2009 Aug 27. Breteler MH, Arns M, Peters S, Giepmans I, Verhoeven L. EEG Resource Institute, P.O. Box 31070, 6503 CB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands, r.breteler@eegbiofeedback.nl.

Full Title: The tribute of the pioneer of hypnotherapy- Franz Anton Mesmer, MD, PhD in the history of psychotherapy and medicine

Modern hypnosis started with the Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815), who believed that the phenomenon known as mesmerism, or animal magnetism, or fluidum was related to an invisible substance - a fluid that runs within the subject or between the subject and the therapist, that is, the hypnotist, or the "magnetizer". The term hypnosis was introduced in the 1840s by a Scottish surgeon James Braid (1795-1860), who believed the subject to be in a particular state of sleep - a trance. In the late 19th century, a French neurologist Jean Martin Charcot (1825-1893) thought hypnotism to be a special physiological state, and his contemporary Hyppotite-Marie Bernheim (1840-1919) believed it to be a psychological state of heightened suggestibility. Sigmund Freud, who studied with Charcot, used hypnosis early in his career to help patients recover repressed memories. He noted that patients would relive traumatic events while under hypnosis, a process know as abreaction. Freud later replaced hypnosis with the technique of free associations. Today, hypnosis is used as a form of therapy (hypnotherapy), a method of investigation to recover lost memories, and research tool. According to Caplan & Sadock, F.A. Mesmer is generally thought of as the fons et origo of modern psychotherapy; and from the early techniques of mesmerism, it is said, have evolved the more elaborate and sophisticated therapeutic measures of the analyst and his colleagues. Although Mesmer was certainly dealing with individuals suffering from a variety of neurotic disorders, and though the clinical successes he achieved were the result of psychological processes that his procedures induced in his patients, Mesmer's theoretical formulations, his understanding of the nature of the treatment he developed, and his specific procedures were all totally different from those of the 20th - century analyst. He was one of the corne stones in the development of psychoanalysis through hypnosis mainly of hysterical patients.

Acta Med Hist Adriat. 2009 Spring;7(1):49-60. Radovancevic L. Neuropsychiatric Polyclinic A.B.R., Petrova 158, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.

by Jef Gazley

When someone experiences trauma they go into immediate shock. This is very similar to hypnosis. Under hypnosis a person is more suggestible and tends to remember everything that occurred while in that state, even if it is on a subconscious level. Because of this a person, when abused, will remember vividly everything about what it was to feel like a victim and they will also remember everything about what it is like to be an abuser.

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Full Title: Music therapy to relieve anxiety in pregnant women on bedrest: a randomized, controlled trial

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of music therapy on anxiety alleviation for antepartal women on bedrest in China. DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients recruited from one tertiary hospital in Changsha city, China were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. Women in the experimental group received music therapy for 30 minutes on 3 consecutive days. Usual care participants had a 30-minute rest on 3 consecutive days. Variables included anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and physiological responses (vital signs, fetal heart rate). Descriptive statistics, t tests, chi tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and Pearson correlation analyses were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Anxiety levels decreased and physiological responses improved significantly in the intervention group, which was provided with music therapy while on bedrest. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Carefully selected music that incorporates a patient's own preferences may offer an inexpensive and effective method to reduce anxiety for antepartal women with high risk pregnancies who are on bedrest.

MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs. 2009 Sep-Oct;34(5):316-23. Yang M, Li L, Zhu H, Alexander IM, Liu S, Zhou W, Ren X. The Mental Health Institute, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China. yangmin426@yahoo.com.cn

Michael is an energetic and effective professional with solid experience in motivating, mentoring and training individuals and groups to attain personal and professional excellence. Michael has served clients in the automotive, real estate and customer service industries through inspirational presentations and one to one coaching and consultation. A creative and innovative individual, Michael has developed a series of workshops focused on A.D.A.P.T. I N G developmental and behavioral change from within. A master of Clinical Hypnotherapy and a Certified Hypnotist, Michael holds a Practitioners Certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and is a member of good standing with the National Guild of Hypnotists and the Ontario Association of Hypnotherapists. A past director of C.A.P.S. (Canadian Association of Professional Speakers), Michael has an innate ability to engage participants and identify potential for success in individuals resulting in improved personal and professional performance.

For more information visit www.adapting.ca.

Hypnotists, Chiropractors, Licence Social Workers, Psychologists, Medical Doctors, Acupuncturists, and others...

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Full Title: Contact-free infrared thermography for assessing effects during acupuncture: a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Although evidence of its effects is tentative, acupuncture has long been used in the treatment of multiple maladies. So far, it has not been possible to discriminate the effects of the venue from specific results of needling itself, thus physicians merely depend on patients' statements. The authors investigated the efficacy of infrared thermography in distinguishing response to true acupuncture as compared to nonacupoint cutaneous and muscular needling (sham or minimal acupuncture), as well as without manipulation. METHODS: Thermographic imaging was performed in 50 healthy volunteers randomly assigned to four groups: Acupuncture of Hegu (LI 4), needling of a cutaneous and a muscular point where no acupuncture point has been described yet, and without manipulation. In a crossover protocol, each proband completed all four arms of the protocol in a random order. Infrared thermograms were gathered at defined points in each group. RESULTS: A significant increase in surface temperature occurred within 2 min after needling the acupuncture point Hegu (from 30.1 +/- 2.7 degrees C [SD] to 31.2 +/- 3.0 degrees C and to 31.9 +/- 2.5 degrees C after 10 min, P < 0.001), whereas needling of the cutaneous and muscular point, as well as without any manipulation resulted in a decrease of temperature in the monitored area. CONCLUSION: Contact-free infrared thermographic imaging is a reliable and easy-to-handle tool to distinguish between needling at Hegu and needling of a nonacupoint ("sham" acupuncture).

Anesthesiology. 2009 Sep;111(3):632-9. Agarwal-Kozlowski K, Lange AC, Beck H. Center for Palliative Care and Pain Management, Doerenberg Medical Center, Bad Iburg, Germany. kagarwal@doerenberg-klinik.de

Effect of photo-acoustic stimulation on the flow rate and protein concentration of whole saliva was investigated. 10 medical students' and 11 edentulous patients' salivary volume and protein concentrations were measured before, during, and after stimulation. The flow rate of the students' group was significantly higher (p < or = 0.01) before and after the treatment, whereas the protein concentration was significantly lower (p < or = 0.05) before, during and after treatment comparing to the patients' group. The flow rate of the students' groups significantly decreased during stimulation (p < or = 0.05). Salivary protein concentration of the students' group significantly increased (p < or = 0.05) after stimulation. There were no significant changes in the group of patients. Repeated stimulation combined with hypnotic relaxation was used in the case of 4 psychosomatic patients. Resting salivary flow and protein concentration significantly increased in 2 cases (p < or = 0.05) as a result of the therapy.

Fogorv Sz. 2003 Oct;96(5):217-21. Kaán B, Krause WR, Krause M, Fejérdy L, Gáspár J, Bálint M, Fábián TK. Semmelweis Egyetem, Fogpótlástani Klinika, Budapest.

by Ernesto Ortiz LMT, CST

I have talk lately with many of my clients and friends and a repeated theme it's been going around. Many of them have expressed feelings that they don't quite understand, I started following this tread of information and realized that this are times of heighten awareness, tremendous input of information from the media and a deep inner desire to understand what is going on. Many of us hear the news and grind our teeth at what we hear, we feel it in our hearts and we help carry the burden at unconscious levels. But then there is something deeper than that going on. We want to wake up, we want to connect and feel that we are contributing something to the planet, to its people, our family and friends. Yes, that is all good but then something is happening to our bodies. We are in the process of conscious awakening.

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Full Title: Changes in maternal expressed emotion toward clinically anxious children following cognitive behavioral therapy

The aim of this study was to determine whether maternal expressed emotion (criticism and emotional overinvolvement) decreased across treatment for childhood anxiety. Mothers of 48 clinically anxious children (aged 6-14 years) were rated on levels of criticism (CRIT) and emotional overinvolvement (EOI), as measured by a Five Minute Speech Sample (FMSS) from mothers, prior to and following cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for their children's anxiety. Results showed a significant decrease in the proportion of mothers who expressed high levels of criticism and emotional overinvolvement from pretreatment to posttreatment. This finding suggests that interventions aimed at reducing symptoms of child anxiety can also result in a decrease of maternal expressed emotion (criticism and emotional overinvolvement).

J Exp Child Psychol. 2009 Nov;104(3):346-52. Epub 2009 Aug 5. Gar NS, Hudson JL. Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia.

by Ron Eslinger, RN, CRNA, MA, APN, BCH

The language of nursing was first mentioned by Florence Nightingale in her book Notes on Nursing when she stated that, "words are great tools." It is well understood that verbal patterns can either interfere with or enhance effective patient communication. Nursing 101 impresses the need to establish patient rapport. In doing so, we significantly impact patient cooperation, understanding and outcome.

Nurses communicate through facial gestures, body language, written, visual and verbal communication. We differ from other species in our ability to use verbal communication. Rudyard Kipling said, "Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." Often nurses forget that words are just as important as antibiotics, pain medicines, surgery and other medical treatments. The purpose of this article is to describe the difference in therapeutic and toxic language in nursing.

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Although a number of studies on traditional Chinese medicine, such as qi-gong (QG), acupuncture (AC), moxibustion and Chinese herbal drugs, have been reported in recent years, there are few reports on human cerebral evoked potentials (EPs), especially relating only to QG and AC. In the present study, we examined the changes in EPs and electroencephalogram (EEG) by QG, and by AC stimulation to the point called "Zusanli" on the left lower leg, with one healthy male adult. 1. With regard to the effect of QG, significant changes in EP-components originated from the cortex suggest both facilitating and inhibitory effects of QG on the cortex. However, no significant changes in EP-components originated from the subcortex and no significant changes in EEG power% suggest that QG does not affect the subcortex. 2.With regard to the effects of AC, significant changes in EP-components originated from the cortex suggest facilitating and inhibitory effects of AC stimulation on the cortex. Furthermore, it is suggested that AC stimulation has few effects on the somatosensory and the visual pathways up to the cortex, while it has complicated effects on the auditory pathway up to the cortex.

J Med Invest. 1998 Feb;44(3-4):163-71. Xu M, Tomotake M, Ikuta T, Ishimoto Y, Okura M. Department of Neuropsychiatry, University of Tokushima School of Medicine, Japan.

Check out this hypnosis tutorial series by Rob Hadley, CHt:

For more information visit www.vancouverhypnotherapy.org.

Full Title: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression: Possibilities and Limitations of a Transdiagnostic Perspective

In the last several years, a number of researchers have developed a transdiagnostic or unified group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is provided to a diagnostically heterogeneous group consisting of individuals with various anxiety disorders and/or depression. This article provides a review of recent developments within this transdiagnostic perspective to CBT. Three approaches to transdiagnostic CBT are considered that vary in their theoretical emphasis. At this time, the unified protocol for emotional disorders offers the most cogent theory-driven transdiagnostic treatment approach, although its efficacy has yet to be demonstrated. The advantages and challenges of transdiagnostic CBT are reviewed, and the article concludes with a proposal that future research on transdiagnostic CBT would be better served if viewed as complementary rather than antagonist to well-established manualized disorder-specific CBT for the anxiety disorders and depression.

Cogn Behav Ther. 2009 Aug 17:1. Clark DA. Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

Carol Henderson is the founder of New Day Hypnotherapy, LLC. She practices in the Overland Park, Kansas area, serving the greater Kansas City area.

Carol holds a B.S. degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia. She is a former art teacher, as well as a former Health Educator for the City of Kansas City, Missouri.

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BACKGROUND: For children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a reduction of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity by neurofeedback (NF) has been reported in several studies. But so far, unspecific training effects have not been adequately controlled for and/or studies do not provide sufficient statistical power. To overcome these methodological shortcomings we evaluated the clinical efficacy of neurofeedback in children with ADHD in a multisite randomised controlled study using a computerised attention skills training as a control condition. METHODS: 102 children with ADHD, aged 8 to 12 years, participated in the study. Children performed either 36 sessions of NF training or a computerised attention skills training within two blocks of about four weeks each (randomised group assignment). The combined NF treatment consisted of one block of theta/beta training and one block of slow cortical potential (SCP) training. Pre-training, intermediate and post-training assessment encompassed several behaviour rating scales (e.g., the German ADHD rating scale, FBB-HKS) completed by parents and teachers. Evaluation ('placebo') scales were applied to control for parental expectations and satisfaction with the treatment. RESULTS: For parent and teacher ratings, improvements in the NF group were superior to those of the control group. For the parent-rated FBB-HKS total score (primary outcome measure), the effect size was .60. Comparable effects were obtained for the two NF protocols (theta/beta training, SCP training). Parental attitude towards the treatment did not differ between NF and control group. CONCLUSIONS: Superiority of the combined NF training indicates clinical efficacy of NF in children with ADHD. Future studies should further address the specificity of effects and how to optimise the benefit of NF as treatment module for ADHD.

J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2009 Jul;50(7):780-9. Epub 2009 Jan 12. Gevensleben H, Holl B, Albrecht B, Vogel C, Schlamp D, Kratz O, Studer P, Rothenberger A, Moll GH, Heinrich H. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göttingen, Germany.

by Tim Brunson, PhD

The words belief and thought are the two most misused ones in the English vocabulary. The difference is a vital to understanding the transformation process. This is important to anyone seeking change in themselves or others. This includes improving performance, effecting accelerated healing, and resolving any dysfunctions in how we behave – and think.

A belief involves the relationship between a perception or concept and a previously established meaning and understanding. In other words, I may say that I think that today is Friday. But that is incorrect. Saying that I believe it is Friday is what I actually mean. When our senses detect an object, we receive a suggestion, or our imagination conceives an idea, our brain is designed to rapidly find previously programmed associations. This allows us to instantaneously establish meaning and develop an understanding. For this to work we need to have already programmed our mind with the correct association. As this is a programming phenomenon, beliefs are synonymous with habituated mental patterns and behaviors. In other words, we are programmed to become who we are. The role of a therapist or someone seeking self-transformation, is to change these beliefs.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of hypnotherapy on resumption of menstruation in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA). DESIGN: Uncontrolled clinical study. SETTING: Academic clinical care center. PATIENT(S): Twelve consecutive women with FHA were selected. INTERVENTION(S): A single 45- to 70-minute session of hypnotherapy was administered, and patients were observed for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Patients were asked whether or not menstruation resumed and whether or not well-being and self-confidence changed. RESULT(S): Within 12 weeks, 9 out of 12 patients (75%) resumed menstruation. All of the patients, including those who did not menstruate, reported several beneficial side effects such as increased general well-being and increased self-confidence. CONCLUSION(S): Hypnotherapy could be an efficacious and time-saving treatment option that also avoids the pitfalls of pharmacological modalities for women with FHA.

Fertil Steril. 2003 Oct;80(4):982-5. Tschugguel W, Berga SL. Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vienna Medical School, Vienna, Austria. walter.tschugguel@akh-wien.ac.at

This article describes the experience of a nurse who used music therapy as the intervention to reduce a patient's pain during wound care after orthopedic surgery. The intervention was applied between April 8th and April 29th 2008. The nurse applied Roy's adaptation model as the assessment tool. The major and primary health problem identified was acute pain accelerated by wound care. The pain of this client not only triggered negative feelings, but also affected negatively on his daily life and feelings of self-belongingness. Through an individual-tailored music therapy, the client's pain during wound care was greatly reduced and even completely disappeared. The ultimate outcome of decrease in pain included reductions in negative feelings and increased positive spiritual strength. It is recommended that nurses who are responsible for wound care use this simple and economical music intervention to reduce acute postoperative pain.

Hu Li Za Zhi. 2009 Aug;56(4):105-10. Hsiao TY, Hsieh HF. School of Nursing, Fooyin University, ROC. ns128@mail.fy.edu.tw.

by Mark Gorkin, LICSW

Over lunch, my agent posed a provocative challenge: "Write an article on chutzpah." He believes the timing is right. In this difficult economy and uncertain times it's certainly tempting to withdraw into a shell. But a better strategy might be a contrary one, throwing off the shell and putting yourself out there. One "chutzpah" source involves productively tapping into what I call the "RAGE" in "Out-RAGE-ous." (And these days, there's plenty to be enraged about!) Try harnessing some aggressive energy and attitude – develop an "out of the box" presence if not an edgy essence. (Remember, if you're not living on the edge you are taking up way too much space!)

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND: The 5th Annual Smoky Mountain Nurses Conference is a continuing education experience suitable for nurse anesthetists, operating room nurses, post-anesthesia nurses, nursing instructors, nursing managers, critical care nurses, O.R. technicians, physicians, psychologists, dentists, or any other interested health care worker. Healthy Visions is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Alabama State Nurses Association.

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Full Title: The Relative Efficacy of Connectivity Guided and Symptom Based EEG Biofeedback for Autistic Disorders

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication, social interaction, and a limited range of interests with repetitive stereotypical behavior. Various abnormalities have been documented in the brains of individuals with autism, both anatomically and functionally. The connectivity theory of autism is a recently developed theory of the neurobiological cause of autisic symptoms. Different patterns of hyper- and hypo-connectivity have been identified with the use of quantitative electroencephalogray (QEEG), which may be amenable to neurofeedback. In this study, we compared the results of two published controlled studies examining the efficacy of neurofeedback in the treatment of autism. Specifically, we examined whether a symptom based approach or an assessment/connectivity guided based approach was more effective. Although both methods demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms of autism, connectivity guided neurofeedback demonstrated greater reduction on various subscales of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). Furthermore, when individuals were matched for severity of symptoms, the amount of change per session was significantly higher in the Coben and Padolsky (J Neurother 11:5-23, 2007) study for all five measures of the ATEC. Our findings suggest that an approach guided by QEEG based connectivity assessment may be more efficacious in the treatment of autism. This permits the targeting and amelioration of abnormal connectivity patterns in the brains of people who are autistic.

Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2009 Aug 1. Coben R, Myers TE. Neurorehabilitation & Neuropsychological Services, 1035 Park Blvd., Suite 2B, Massapequa Park, NY, 11762, USA, robcoben@optonline.net.

Peter McLaughlin is a Hypnotist certified by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners and the National Guild of Hypnotists. He was trained by Tim Simmerman and the legendary Gil Boyne in Santa Fe, NM at the American Academy of Hypnotherapy. He has also received training in Neuro-Linguistic Programing from the NLP Training Center in New York City. His training consisted of a variety of techniques and methods including NLP, Regression, Basic and Advanced Suggestion, Gestalt and Ericksonian.

Mr. McLaughlin is licensed by the state of Connecticut as an EMT - Emergency Medical Technician and he volunteers with the Brookfield, CT Headquarters Fire Department as a Firefighter and EMT. Peter resides in Brookfield with his wife and three children.

For more information visit www.bluesky-hypnosis.com.

In this article major ancient Buddhist meditation techniques, samatha, vipassana, Zen, and ton-len, will be described in reference to contemporary clinical hypnosis. In so doing, the Eastern healing framework out of which these techniques emerged is examined in comparison with and in contrast to its Western counterpart. A growing body of empirical literature shows that meditation and hypnosis have many resemblances despite the distinct differences in underlying philosophy and technical methodologies. Although not all meditation techniques "fit" the Western culture, each has much to offer to clinicians who are familiar with hypnosis.

Am J Clin Hypn. 2003 Oct;46(2):97-108. Otani A. University of Maryland Counseling Center, USA. aotani@wam.umd.edu