The acupuncture treatment formulae for some common conditions are reviewed. These conditions include low back pain, sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia, facial nerve palsy, asthma, nausea and vomiting, gastritis and dysmenorrhoea. It is found that in many cases, the acupuncture points traditionally used for the treatment have a neuroanatomical significance from the viewpoint of Western medicine. And from that one can hypothesise a plausible mechanism of action as to how acupuncture achieves its therapeutic effects in terms of contemporary Western medicine. These mechanisms of action include intramuscular stimulation for treating muscular pain and nerve stimulation for treating neuropathies. The sympathetic ganglion may be involved in the acupuncture treatment of asthma. Somato-autonomic reflex may be responsible for the acupuncture effect on gastritis.

Acupunct Med. 2009 Jun;27(2):61-4. Cheng KJ. North East Medical Services, 82 Leland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94134, USA; kjcheng@sbcglobal.net.

by Tim Brunson, PhD

If systems can entrain to those of their external environment – whether through physical or mirror neuron means – then what would happen if the input came from mental resources? Can thoughts, imagination, or suggestion have an entraining impact? Can such entrainment become a positive therapeutic tool?

There are several examples of people using imagery to self-entrain. Charles Garfield's (1986) "peak performance" book series popularized the concept that a person should visualize the results they aspire to manifest. In fact, he pointed out how Russian Olympic weightlifters could significantly improve their performance merely by visualizing their desired results. In fact in the world of sports psychology this technique has pretty much become a cliché as it is widely acceptable. Within the medical arena, the wound healing research conducted in 2003 by psychologist Carol Ginandes, PhD, at the Harvard Medical School indicates that we may be able to affect somatic changes merely by visualizing the desired results.

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A Book Review by Tim Brunson, PhD

Handbook of Ericksonian and Solution-Oriented Hypnosis continues that accomplishment by presenting an enjoyable and practical guide to permissive hypnosis. I highly recommend this to the serious clinician. However, this is a book that would benefit just about anyone interested in personal change. I will definitely encourage my students to add this new book to their library.

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The dynamic interactions among physiological rhythms imbedded in the heart rate signal can give valuable insights into autonomic modulation in conditions of reduced outward attention. Therefore, in this study we analyzed the heart rate variability (HRV) in different levels of practice in Zen meditation (Zazen). Nineteen subjects with variable experience took part in this study. In four special cases we collected both HRV and respiration data. The time series were analyzed in frequency domain and also using the Continuous Wavelet Transform, which detects changes in the time domain and in the frequency domain simultaneously. The shifts in the respiratory modulation of heart rate, or respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), reflect the different levels of practice among practitioners with variable experience in Zazen; in turn the modulation of the RSA may reflect changes in the breathing pattern as in the parasympathetic outflow related to the quality and focus of attention in each stage.

Int J Cardiol. 2009 Jul 23. Peressutti C, Martín-González JM, M García-Manso J, Mesa D. Departamento de Educación Física, Facultad de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Canary Islands, Spain.

by Coach Cary Bayer

There is no time that a client appreciates a healing session more than at the moment he has to leave your table, couch, or office. (The only possible exception is when, in the case of bodyworkers, he's injured and needs relief from pain, or, in the case of psychological and emotional counselors, he's in the throes of an emotional crisis. So when I recently polled some licensed massage therapist clients, whom I recently started coaching, I was astonished to discover that quite a few have regularly failed to take advantage of this ripe moment. Allow me to explain.

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BACKGROUND: Data about quality of life (QoL) are important to estimate the impact of diseases on functioning and well-being. The present study was designed to assess the association of different aspects of panic disorder (PD) with QoL and to examine the relationship between QoL and symptomatic outcome following brief cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT). METHOD: The sample consisted of 55 consecutively recruited outpatients suffering from PD who underwent CBGT. QoL was assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) at baseline, post-treatment and six months follow-up. SF-36 baseline scores were compared with normative data obtained from a large German population sample. RESULTS: Agoraphobia, disability, and worries about health were significantly associated with decreased QoL, whereas frequency, severity and duration of panic attacks were not. Treatment responders showed significantly better QoL than non-responders. PD symptom reduction following CBGT was associated with considerable improvement in emotional and physical aspects of QoL. However, the vitality subscale of the SF-36 remained largely unchanged over time. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are encouraging for cognitive-behavior therapists who treat patients suffering from PD in groups, since decrease of PD symptoms appears to be associated with considerable improvements in QoL. Nevertheless, additional interventions designed to target specific aspects of QoL, in particular vitality, may be useful to enhance patients' well-being.

Eur Psychiatry. 2009 Jun 20. Rufer M, Albrecht R, Schmidt O, Zaum J, Schnyder U, Hand I, Mueller-Pfeiffer C. Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Zürich, Culmannstrasse 8, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland.

by David Kohlhagen LPC, NBCCH

It is not news any more that hypnosis, employed in such systems as my own Force of Habit, is successful in eliminating subconscious mind "habits" like anxiety, sleep problems, anger issues, unresolved grieving and the many effects of trauma. It is also no longer news that hypnotic processes are effective in speeding up wound healing (1), clearing up headaches, many pain conditions and any number of stress-related digestive disorders, and that hypnosis is fast becoming the treatment of choice for relieving the symptoms of such medically incurable disorders as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (2). And now, in a climate where researchers are demonstrating that gene expression is triggered by mental processes (3) (4), there is room for growing conviction about the potential for mind/body healing of increasingly serious physical and medical conditions. The Simontons have for decades documented the healing effects of creative visualization with cancer patients (5). In The Biology of Belief (op. cit., 108-9) Bruce Lipton reports on a Baylor School of Medicine study in which an orthopedic knee condition is being treated just as successfully by the placebo effect as by orthopedic surgery. Is the sky the limit?

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by Randy Herron, SPHR

Performance Appraisals are very complicated. They have ties to job security, promotions, salary and morale. Depending upon their effectiveness, PA's can be either a sound employee development tool or a workplace nightmare. The reason that a well thought out, reasonably planned performance appraisal system is needed at most companies is the fact that most managers are not effective and comfortable (during the year) in giving frequent, specific, job-related feedback which tells the employee where he\she stands regarding goals or expectations on the job.

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Full Title: The effects of improvisational music therapy on joint attention behaviors in autistic children: a randomized controlled study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of improvisational music therapy on joint attention behaviors in pre-school children with autism. It was a randomized controlled study employing a single subject comparison design in two different conditions, improvisational music therapy and play sessions with toys, and using standardized tools and DVD analysis of sessions to evaluate behavioral changes in children with autism. The overall results indicated that improvisational music therapy was more effective at facilitating joint attention behaviors and non-verbal social communication skills in children than play. Session analysis showed significantly more and lengthier events of eye contact and turn-taking in improvisational music therapy than play sessions. The implications of these findings are discussed further.

J Autism Dev Disord. 2008 Oct;38(9):1758-66. Epub 2008 Jul 1. Kim J, Wigram T, Gold C. Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark. jinahkim@jj.ac.kr

Hypnosis is a modified state of consciousness linking the conscious and the unconscious of a person. In the context of chronic pain, hypnosis enables to help controlling the intensity of the pain, managing the pain and the emotions accompanying it and to help the patient finding his own resources allowing him getting involved in his treatment.

Rev Med Suisse. 2009 Jun 17;5(208):1380-2, 1384-5. Grünenwald M. Centre multidisciplinaire de la douleur, Service de pharmacologie et toxicologie cliniques, HUG, Genève. grunenwaldmichele@hotmail.com

by Charles Wm. Skillas, PhD, DD, BCH, FNGH, CI

What are the monsters within us that keep us sick -- that keep reigniting the flames of misery when we think we have snuffed them out by wondrous therapies, only to have them reappear stronger than before? We do what the therapist says – we think we have cleared ourselves – we take the potions, guaranteed to heal us and maybe we feel better for a short while, only to have the malady recur and we feel bad again. What in us causes this to happen?

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Full Title: The effect of massage on immune function and stress in women with breast cancer - A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: To examine the short-term effects of light pressure effleurage on circulating lymphocytes by studying the number and activity of peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells in patients with breast cancer compared to a control group. Furthermore, the effect of light pressure effleurage on salivary cortisol levels, heart rate and blood pressure was studied. DESIGN: Single centre, prospective, randomized and controlled study. METHODS: Thirty women, aged 50 to 75 years (mean 61 sd=7.2) with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy in a hospital in southwestern Sweden were enrolled in the study. They were allocated to either receive massage in the form of a full-body light pressure effleurage treatment, or a control visit where they were given an equal amount of attention. Blood samples, saliva, notation of heart rate and blood pressure were collected before and after massage/control visit. Differences in change over time between groups were analyzed by Student's t-test. RESULTS: Light pressure effleurage massage decreased the deterioration of NK cell activity occurring during radiation therapy. Furthermore it lowered heart rate and systolic blood pressure. No effects were demonstrated on cortisol and diastolic pressure. CONCLUSIONS: A single full-body light pressure effleurage massage has a short-term effect on NK cell activity, systolic blood pressure and heart rate in patients with breast cancer. However, the long-term clinical importance of these findings needs to be further investigated.

Auton Neurosci. 2009 Apr 17. Billhult A, Lindholm C, Gunnarsson R, Stener-Victorin E. Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology/Physiotherapy, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden; Research and Development Unit in Primary Health Care, Södra Alvsborg County, Sweden.

Andrew McCombe has a Bachelor of Physical Education Degree from the University of Otago in New Zealand and is the owner and managing director of Activate Your Life, which has over 16 years experience as an international life, business and high performance coaching company.

Andrew is a Life, Business and High Performance Coach which he combines with his expertise as an Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner. Andrew regularly facilitates Health, Wealth, Relationship, Career and Business Workshops and Retreats throughout Australasia.

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Patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and noncardiac chest pain, can suffer from a range of severe symptoms that often substantially erode quality of life. Unfortunately, these conditions are notoriously difficult to treat, with many patients failing to improve despite being prescribed a wide variety of conventional medications. As a consequence, the potential benefits of hypnotherapy have been explored with evidence that this approach not only relieves symptoms but also appears to restore many of the putative psychological and physiological abnormalities associated with these conditions toward normal. These observations suggest that this form of treatment has considerable potential in aiding the management of functional gastrointestinal disorders and should be integrated into the ongoing medical care that these patients are receiving.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2009 Jul;57(3):279-92. Miller V, Whorwell PJ. University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.

Full Title: Effects of the intelligent-turtle massage on the physical symptoms and immune functions in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the intelligent-turtle massage on the physical symptoms and immune functions in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). METHODS: 182 cases of CFS were randomly divided into an experimental group of 91 cases treated by the intelligent-turtle massage, and a control group of 91 cases treated with the conventional massage method. After 2 courses of treatment, the therapeutic effects were statistically analyzed with the accumulated score for the improved clinical symptoms; and the changes of IgA, IgM and IgG were compared in 96 cases. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the two groups in the accumulated scores for improvement of the symptoms (P<0.05). A remarkable difference was found in the therapeutic effect. And there was a significant difference in the IgA, IgM and IgG levels between the two groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The intelligent-turtle massage is an effective therapy for relieving the physical symptoms of CFS, and it may show certain effects on the immune functions.

J Tradit Chin Med. 2009 Mar;29(1):24-8 Wang JH, Chai TQ, Lin GH, Luo L. The First Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou TCM University, Guangzhou 510405, China.

2009, Crown House Publishing, Ltd., Wales

Reviewed by Judith E. Pearson, Ph.D.

For mental health practitioners trained in hypnotherapeutic approaches to addictions, compulsions, and habit control, Joseph Tramontana's new book will make an excellent library addition. Hypnotically Enhanced Treatment for Addictions provides strategies and scripts for alcohol abuse, drug addiction, gambling addiction, smoking cessation, and weight loss. The methods in this book can be extended to other compulsions and impulse control disorders as well.

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by Alfred A Barrios, Ph.D.

The following is an excerpt from Dr. Barrios' book, Understanding Hypnosis: Theory, Scope and Potential.

There are a number of ways the theory has helped increase the effectiveness of hypnotic induction both in terms of providing a proper pre-induction talk as well as providing more effective hypnotic induction techniques. The ideas to be discussed were first pre¬sented in a paper delivered at the 6th International Congress for Hypnosis on 3 July, 1973 in Upsala Sweden (Barrios, 1973b).

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Full Title: Healthcare provided by a homeopath as an adjunct to usual care for Fibromyalgia (FMS): results of a pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) design of usual care compared with usual care plus adjunctive care by a homeopath for patients with Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). METHODS: In a pragmatic parallel group RCT design, adults with a diagnosis of FMS (ACR criteria) were randomly allocated to usual care or usual care plus adjunctive care by a homeopath. Adjunctive care consisted of five in depth interviews and individualised homeopathic medicines. The primary outcome measure was the difference in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) total score at 22 weeks. RESULTS: 47 patients were recruited. Drop out rate in the usual care group was higher than the homeopath care group (8/24 vs 3/23). Adjusted for baseline, there was a significantly greater mean reduction in the FIQ total score (function) in the homeopath care group than the usual care group (-7.62 vs 3.63). There were significantly greater reductions in the homeopath care group in the McGill pain score, FIQ fatigue and tiredness upon waking scores. We found a small effect on pain score (0.21, 95% CI -1.42 to 1.84); but a large effect on function (0.81, 95% CI -8.17 to 9.79). There were no reported adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Given the acceptability of the treatment and the clinically relevant effect on function, there is a need for a definitive study to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of adjunctive healthcare by a homeopath for patients with FMS.

Homeopathy. 2009 Apr;98(2):77-82. Relton C, Smith C, Raw J, Walters C, Adebajo AO, Thomas KJ, Young TA. School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. c.relton@sheffield.ac.uk

This is an excellent physical induction technique demonstrated by Rob Hadley.

A sensitive, simple, rapid, and efficient high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method has been developed and validated for the analysis of berberine in marketed Ayurvedic formulations containing Berberis aristata DC for regulatory purposes. Chromatography of methanolic extracts of these formulations was performed on silica gel 60 F254 aluminum-backed TLC plates of 0.2 mm layer thickness. The plate was developed up to 66 mm with the ternary-mobile phase butanol-acetic acid-water (8 + 1 + 1, v/v/v) at 33 +/- 5 degrees C with 5 min of tank saturation. The marker, berberine, was quantified at its maximum absorbance of 350 nm. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation values were found to be 5 and 10 ng/spot. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plot showed a good linear relationship with correlation coefficient = 0.9994 in the concentration range of 10 to 50 ng/spot for berberine with respect to peak area. The instrumental precision was found to be 0.49% coefficient of variation (CV), and repeatability of the method was 0.73% CV. Recovery values from 98.27 to 99.11% indicate excellent accuracy of the method. The developed HPTLC method is very accurate, precise, and cost-effective, and it has been successfully applied to the assay of marketed formulations containing B. aristata for determination of berberine.

J AOAC Int. 2008 Sep-Oct;91(5):1149-53. Rout KK, Pradhan S, Mishra SK. Utkal University, Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Division, University Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India.

Brain oscillatory activity is associated with different cognitive processes and plays a critical role in meditation. In this study, we investigated the temporal dynamics of oscillatory changes during Sahaj Samadhi meditation (a concentrative form of meditation that is part of Sudarshan Kriya yoga). EEG was recorded during Sudarshan Kriya yoga meditation for meditators and relaxation for controls. Spectral and coherence analysis was performed for the whole duration as well as specific blocks extracted from the initial, middle, and end portions of Sahaj Samadhi meditation or relaxation. The generation of distinct meditative states of consciousness was marked by distinct changes in spectral powers especially enhanced theta band activity during deep meditation in the frontal areas. Meditators also exhibited increased theta coherence compared to controls. The emergence of the slow frequency waves in the attention-related frontal regions provides strong support to the existing claims of frontal theta in producing meditative states along with trait effects in attentional processing. Interestingly, increased frontal theta activity was accompanied reduced activity (deactivation) in parietal-occipital areas signifying reduction in processing associated with self, space and, time.

Cogn Process. 2009 Jul 22. Baijal S, Srinivasan N. Centre of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, 211002, India.

by Savely Savva

In the 1970s, when I worked as mechanical engineer in Leningrad, USSR, and had written my PhD dissertation in the field of physical chemistry, I was introduced to what was called "psychic healing." I saw a movie about Pilipino "psychic surgeons" that was privately brought and shown at the Academic Institute of Neurophysiology. I didn't think about how it might have been faked -- I thought "What if this is true?" --after all, science progresses through paradoxical observations.

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Bob Lucas holds dual roles as President of Creative Presentation Resources --- a creative training and products company, and as a founding Managing Partner for Global Performance Strategies, LLC --- an organization specializing in performance-based training, consulting services, and life planning seminars.

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Full Title: Developing an integrated treatment for substance use and depression using cognitive-behavioral therapy

Providing a unified treatment approach to meet the substance abuse and mental health needs of clients is the preferred model for addressing co-occurring disorders. We developed a group-based cognitive-behavioral (CBT) integrated treatment for depression and substance use disorders (SUD) that could be delivered by counselors in SUD treatment settings and evaluated its feasibility and acceptability. We conducted an in-depth case study examining one implementation of the treatment using 15 focus groups with clients (n = 7) and semistructured interviews with counselors (n = 2) and administrators (n = 3). Using CBT as a treatment approach to integrate the treatment was widely accepted by clients, counselors, and administrators. Clients stated the treatment was applicable to multiple aspects of their lives and allowed them to recognize their clinical improvements over time. Counselors and administrators discussed challenges for long-term feasibility. Key decisions used to develop the treatment and recommendations for implementing integrated care in SUD settings are discussed.

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2009 Jun 19. Osilla KC, Hepner KA, Muñoz RF, Woo S, Watkins K. RAND Corporation, PO Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138, USA.

Because it considers problems that are often encountered in the mental health field, this article is an essential read for anyone practicing any form of psychotherapy. --Dr. Tim Brunson

The Postconcussion Syndrome Reconsidered:
A Disorder Consequent to Comorbid Neurological and Somatic Injury With Expression Dependent Upon the Post-Injury Interval.

by Rolland S. Parker, Ph.D., ABPP (cn,cp) Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine

OVERVIEW OF COMORBID TBI AND SOMATIC INJURY

The Postconcussive Syndrome (PCS) describes the multiple consequences of mechanical injuries to the brain that frequently result in comorbid traumatic brain injury (TBI) and somatic injuries. Its definition derives from common, but not universal, alterations of consciousness (AOC) after impact and/or acceleration and deceleration of the head and neck. Understanding TBI and AOC is enhanced by the examiner's attempted reconstruction of the accident: Geometric configuration of the head and body; the physical environment; and, the size, direction, and nature of the injuring physical force and surface. Characteristic AOC includes retrograde and anterograde amnesia), a limited interval of unconsciousness, confusion or disorientation varying from minutes to years with unpredictable disappearance. Injuries are caused by physical forces (impact; acceleration/deceleration) from injuries in motor vehicle accidents, assault, falls, falling objects, blast, and also electrical accidents.

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by Lawrence Gold

The first step of growth is release from the grip and gravity of old memories, old feelings, old sensations embodied in the physical self.

Sigmund Freud has come into and gone out of favor over the decades, but his seminal contributions to human understanding, which began with his observations of the interrelation of mind and body, are acquiring new relevance. "Hysteria" was the diagnosis he gave to a woman whose physical symptoms (paralysis) stemmed from repressed emotional disturbance. "Somatization" is now the more general term used to indicate physical manifestations of fixated (stuck and unconscious) emotional states. What makes Freud's contribution particularly interesting is that he did not start out as a psychologist and discover a physiological expression of mind; rather, he started but as a physiologist and discovered the correlation of physiological functioning and psychological state. His first interest was the physical body, and only after investigation did he discover that a person's physical functioning had a psychological correlate.

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The purose of this study was to investigate bereaved parents' experiences of music therapy with their terminally ill child. In-depth interviews were conducted with 7 bereaved parents who were recruited through a community-based palliative care program. The parent participants' experiences varied as their children who received music therapy ranged in ages from 5 months to 12 years old. The interview transcripts were analyzed using phenomenological strategies. Five global themes emerged from the analysis. These included (a) music therapy was valued as a means of altering the child's and family's perception of their situation in the midst of adversity, (b) music therapy was a significant component of remembrance, (c) music therapy was a multifaceted experience for the child and family, (d) music therapy enhanced communication and expression, and (e) parents shared perceptions of and recommendations for improving music therapy services. These emergent themes yield knowledge into the relevance of music therapy within pediatric palliative care.

J Music Ther. 2008 Fall;45(3):330-48. Lindenfelser KJ, Grocke D, McFerran K. University of Melbourne.

Full Title: Effects of therapeutic massage on the quality of life among patients with breast cancer during treatment

OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic massage has demonstrated positive physical and emotional benefits to offset the effects of treatments associated with breast cancer. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of therapeutic massage on the quality of life of patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. DESIGN: Using a pre/post intervention assessment design, this prospective, convenience sample pilot study measured anxiety, pain, nausea, sleep quality, and quality of life. Treatment consisted of one 30-minute treatment per week for 3 consecutive weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Instruments selected for this study were used in previous massage therapy studies to measure quality of life/health status and have documented validity and reliability. RESULTS: Participants experienced a reduction in several quality of life symptom concerns after only 3 weeks of massage therapy. Respondents' cumulative pre- and post-massage mean for state anxiety, sleep quality, and quality of life/functioning showed significant improvement. Among study participants, there was variability in reported episodes of nausea, vomiting, and retching; although participants reported decreased pain and distress, changes were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic massage shows potential benefits for ameliorating the effects of breast cancer treatment by reducing side affects of chemotherapy and radiation and improving perceived quality of life and overall functioning.

J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Apr;15(4):373-80. Sturgeon M, Wetta-Hall R, Hart T, Good M, Dakhil S. Integrative Therapies Inc., Wichita, KS, USA.

Dr. Alexander R. Lees has been in private practice for over 20 years, as a counsellor, therapist and personal coach. He is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, with a Doctorate in Clinical Hypnotherapy. He is also an EFT Expert with over nine years experience, and a Certified International Trainer of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) having been involved with NLP for 25 years.

Besides seeing clients privately, he presents international seminars and workshops, and has taught EFT to thousands of people. As well, he has taught NLP and a wide variety of topics related to health, happiness and the mind/body connection. The focus of his workshops is on the how-to techniques people can use to create healthier, happier lives.

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by Andrew McCombe

From fear to sugar cravings to obesity and poor self-esteem to having her life back again.

The following is an example from a client, Mary (not her real name), prior to spending 30 minutes with me to rid herself of her (very common symptom) obesity.

"Andrew, I am 47 years old. I grew up as a confident and sociable person. I used to think of myself as a good-looking person. I was always comfortable with my sexuality and never seemed to have problems attracting the opposite sex. At my best, I used to weigh 55 kg and was always very active.

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Full Title: Women's views regarding hypnosis for the control of surgical pain in the context of a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess women's satisfaction with a hypnotic intervention for anxiety and pain management during a pregnancy-terminating procedure. METHODS: Women (N = 350) scheduled for first-trimester surgical abortion were randomly assigned to standard care or to a short, standardized hypno-analgesia intervention before and during the procedure. We assessed their individual use of the various hypnotic strategies proposed during the intervention and their views (likes/dislikes) about the hypnotic intervention, the pregnancy termination experience, and their participation in this randomized study. RESULTS: Mental imagery of a secure place was the strategy used by most women (71%) in the hypnosis group, but a significant proportion of them also used dissociation (42%) and focal analgesia (39%). Advantages of hypnosis over standard care were found in the patients' report that they could resume their normal activities right after being discharged from the hospital (72% in hypnosis vs. 56% in control group) and in their appreciation of the accompaniment (hypnotherapist vs. nurse) provided during the procedure (97% in hypnosis vs. 56% in control group). Among those who received hypnosis, 97% affirmed that they would recommend hypnosis to a friend for a similar procedure. More than 98% in both groups indicated they would again volunteer to participate in a study evaluating hypnosis for pain management. CONCLUSIONS: Women in the hypnosis group generally reported higher levels of satisfaction with various aspects of the procedure. This is consistent with the growing literature in favor of hypnotic interventions to improve pain management and care.

J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2009 Sep;18(9):1441-7. Marc I, Rainville P, Masse B, Dufresne A, Verreault R, Vaillancourt L, Dodin S. Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de l'Universite Laval, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada. Isabelle.Marc@crsfa.ulaval.ca

'Ayurveda' is an ancient system of healthcare that is native to India. At present, in India, there are more than 240 colleges that offer a graduate-level degree (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery-BAMS) in Ayurveda. Even though the Central Council of Indian Medicine, the governing body that monitors the matters related to Ayurveda education, has imposed various educational norms and regulations, the standard of education has been a cause of concern in recent years. The mushrooming of substandard Ayurvedic colleges is the most important factor that is being held responsible for this kind of erosion in the standards. The present study is a mailed survey, which was carried out to evaluate the 'Extent of exposure to basic clinical skills during BAMS course' as perceived by the sample groups of students and teachers drawn from 32 Ayurvedic educational institutions spread all over India. A methodically validated questionnaire was used as the tool in the study, to which 1022 participants responded. The study indicates that there are some serious flaws in the existing system of the graduate-level Ayurveda education. Since the Ayurvedic graduates play an important role in the primary healthcare delivery system of the country, governing bodies are required to take necessary steps to ensure the adequate exposure of the students to basic clinical skills. Along with the strict implementation of all the regulatory norms during the process of recognition of the colleges, introducing some changes in the policy model may also be required to tackle the situation.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Aug 17. Patwardhan K, Gehlot S, Singh G, Rathore HC. Department of Kriya Sharir, Faculty of Ayurveda, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India. patwardhan.kishor@gmail.com.

Alfred A Barrios, Ph.D.

The following is an excerpt from Dr. Barrios' book, Understanding Hypnosis: Theory, Scope and Potential.

In discussing the broad implications of the definition of hypnotic induction, it was stated that the theory could also be used to explain 'the hypnotic effects (placebo effect) of psychotherapists and doctors of medicine' (Barrios, 2001: 171). The question is how? The section of the theory on prestige helps throw some light on this question:

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Full Title: Homeopathic practitioner's experiences of the homeopathic consultation: a protocol of a grounded theory study

BACKGROUND: The apparent success of homeopathy is often attributed to a collaborative, holistic, and empathic consultation and to the practitioner-patient relationship. Despite the practitioner's consultative style being shown to affect patient's health outcomes in conventional medicine, most research into the homeopathic consultation has focused on patients' experiences. However, the practitioner is a crucial component of the therapeutic context and may therefore have an important part to play in optimizing health outcomes in homeopathy. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying therapist effects are still poorly understood in clinical medicine generally and particularly so in homeopathy. AIM: The aim of this research is to gain an in-depth understanding of homeopathic practitioners' perceptions and experiences of the consultation, and the process of engaging with the patient and prescribing the remedy. We propose to generate a theoretical model to explain the processes that underpin the homeopathic consultation. DESIGN: This is a qualitative study using grounded theory methodology. Two (2) phases of data collection will be involved. Phase 1 will involve face-to-face in-depth interviews with homeopaths. From these interviews, a theoretical model of the homeopathic consultation will be developed. Phase 2 of data collection will involve observations of homeopathic consultations and the use of practitioner diaries in order to test the emerging theoretical model from phase 1. Homeopaths will be sampled from the Faculty of Homeopathy and the Society of Homeopaths. RESULTS: Results will be available in summer 2009. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study will lead to the development of a theoretical model of how homeopaths view and enact the consultation process. Revealing this process may influence the training of new practitioners and improve the practice of experienced practitioners and will therefore be of benefit to patients. In addition, the findings may be of potential benefit to practitioners of other therapeutic consultations.

J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Apr;15(4):347-52. Eyles C, Walker J, Brien S. Department of Primary Care, Complementary Medicine Research Unit, The University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. C.G.Eyles@soton.ac.uk

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to describe under real-life conditions the effects of acupuncture on symptomatic dyspepsia during pregnancy and to compare this with a group of patients undergoing conventional treatment alone. METHODS: A total of 42 conventionally treated pregnant women were allocated by chance into two groups to be treated, or not, by acupuncture. They reported the severity of symptoms and the disability these were causing in daily aspects of life such as sleeping and eating, using a numerical rating scale. The study also observed the use of medications. RESULTS: Six women dropped out (one in the acupuncture group and five in the control group). Significant improvements in symptoms were found in the study group. This group also used less medication and had a greater improvement in their disabilities when compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that acupuncture may alleviate dyspepsia during pregnancy.

Acupunct Med. 2009 Jun;27(2):50-3. da Silva JB, Nakamura MU, Cordeiro JA, Kulay L Jr, Saidah R. Rua Pernambuco 3147, Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil; jbgsilva@hotmail.com.

by Bob Lucas, BS, MA, MA, CPLP

Have you called an organization on the telephone and asked to speak to someone only to be routed around what it seems like the entire organization? If you have experienced this endless stream of transfers and frustration, you probably realize that the way that your patient or client call transfers are handled sends a powerful message about your professionalism and the level of service in your office.

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Full Title: Innate immune, neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to psychosocial stress do not predict subsequent compassion meditation practice time

Increasing data suggest that meditation impacts stress-related physiological processes relevant to health and disease. For example, our group recently reported that the practice of compassion meditation was associated with reduced innate immune (plasma interleukin [IL]-6) and subjective distress responses to a standardized laboratory psychosocial stressor (Trier Social Stress Test [TSST]). However, because we administered a TSST after, but not prior to, meditation training in our initial study, it remained possible that associations between practice time and TSST outcomes reflected the fact that participants with reduced stress responses prior to training were more able to practice compassion meditation, rather than that meditation practice reduced stress responses. To help resolve this ambiguity, we conducted the current study to evaluate whether innate immune, neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to a TSST conducted prior to compassion meditation training in an independent sample of 32 medically health young adults would predict subsequent amount of meditation practice time during a compassion meditation training protocol identical to the one used in our first study. No associations were found between responses to a TSST administered prior to compassion meditation training and subsequent amount of meditation practice, whether practice time was considered as a continuous variable or whether meditators were divided into high and low practice time groups based on a median split of mean number of practice sessions per week. These findings contrast strikingly with our original study, in which high and low practice time meditators demonstrated marked differences in IL-6 and distress responses to a TSST administered after meditation training. In addition to providing the first published data regarding stress responsivity as a potential predictor of subsequent ability/willingness to practice meditation, the current study strengthens findings from our initial work by supporting the conclusion that in individuals who actively engage in practicing the technique, compassion meditation may represent a viable strategy for reducing potentially deleterious physiological and behavioral responses to psychosocial stress.

Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2009 Jul 15. Pace TW, Negi LT, Sivilli TI, Issa MJ, Cole SP, Adame DD, Raison CL. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Center, 1365C Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.

Full Title: Chronic kidney disease, transplantation practices and transplantation law in pakistan: opportunity for a global meditation

The majority of countries have enacted edicts to regulate organ transplantation due to mounting recognition of its intricacies and increasing level of global disquiet. Frail national economy and status of health care infrastructure restricts access of the local population to both dialysis and transplantation in Pakistan. There is a surge in kidney transplantation activities, however. I have reported the enormity of organ crime in Pakistan. The number of commercial renal transplants range from 3000 to 4500. Foreign nationals share the marketplace. There are current attempts from the government to stop organ trade by strictly enforcing a recently sanctioned law on organ transplantation. Scarcity of comprehensive reliable data has hampered plausible assessments and indispensable modifications to facilitate designs for the future health care. Alternatives to organ transplantation will augment the choice of treatment modalities for a proliferating end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population. The whole array of existing therapeutic modalities for ESRD has to be utilized. Promoting a fresh culture of organ donation by strengthening of the family institution may be another objective.

Artif Organs. 2009 Jul;33(7):570-6. Akhtar F. Health Department Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. akhtar.bajwa@gmail.com

Adele Ryan McDowell, Ph.D., is a psychologist, teacher and healer who blends psychospiritual, vibrational and intuitive energies. She works with individuals and groups in a synergistic fashion and acts as a channel for divine input, be it energies or information.

Dr. McDowell has been trained as a transpersonal, cognitive-behavioral psychologist who specializes in addiction, abuse, anxiety, depression, transitional shifts, trauma, health crises, death and dying, existential questions of life and other intensities.

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Full Title: Cognitive behavioral therapy and physical exercise for climacteric symptoms in breast cancer patients experiencing treatment-induced menopause: design of a multicenter trial

BACKGROUND: Premature menopause is a major concern of younger women undergoing adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated in women with a history of breast cancer. Non-hormonal medications show a range of bothersome side-effects. There is growing evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and physical exercise can have a positive impact on symptoms in naturally occurring menopause. The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of these interventions among women with breast cancer experiencing treatment-induced menopause. METHODS/DESIGN: In a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial, we are evaluating the effectiveness of CBT/relaxation, of physical exercise and of these two program elements combined, in reducing menopausal symptoms, improving sexual functioning, reducing emotional distress, and in improving the health-related quality of life of younger breast cancer patients who experience treatment-induced menopause. 325 breast cancer patients (aged < 50) are being recruited from hospitals in the Amsterdam region, and randomly allocated to one of the three treatment groups or a 'waiting list' control group. Self-administered questionnaires are completed by the patients at baseline, and at 12 weeks (T1) and 6 months (T2) post-study entry. Upon completion of the study, women assigned to the control group will be given the choice of undergoing either the CBT or physical exercise program. DISCUSSION: Cognitive behavioral therapy and physical exercise are potentially useful treatments among women with breast cancer undergoing treatment-induced, premature menopause. For these patients, hormonal and non-hormonal therapies are contraindicated or have a range of bothersome side-effects. Hence, research into these interventions is needed, before dissemination and implementation in the current health care system can take place.

BMC Womens Health. 2009 Jun 6;9:15. Duijts SF, Oldenburg HS, van Beurden M, Aaronson NK. The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. s.duijts@nki.nl