AIM: To measure brain activity in near-death experiencers during a meditative state. METHODS: In two separate experiments, brain activity was measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) during a Meditation condition and a Control condition. In the Meditation condition, participants were asked to mentally visualize and emotionally connect with the "being of light" allegedly encountered during their "near-death experience". In the Control condition, participants were instructed to mentally visualize the light emitted by a lamp. RESULTS: In the fMRI experiment, significant loci of activation were found during the Meditation condition (compared to the Control condition) in the right brainstem, right lateral orbitofrontal cortex, right medial prefrontal cortex, right superior parietal lobule, left superior occipital gyrus, left anterior temporal pole, left inferior temporal gyrus, left anterior insula, left parahippocampal gyrus and left substantia nigra. In the EEG experiment, electrode sites showed greater theta power in the Meditation condition relative to the Control condition at FP1, F7, F3, T5, P3, O1, FP2, F4, F8, P4, Fz, Cz and Pz. In addition, higher alpha power was detected at FP1, F7, T3 and FP2, whereas higher gamma power was found at FP2, F7, T4 and T5. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the meditative state was associated with marked hemodynamic and neuroelectric changes in brain regions known to be involved either in positive emotions, visual mental imagery, attention or spiritual experiences.

Resuscitation. 2009 Sep;80(9):1006-10. Epub 2009 Jul 1. Beauregard M, Courtemanche J, Paquette V. Unité de Neuroimagerie Fonctionnelle, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Canada. mario.beauregard@umontreal.ca

Full Title: Computer-assisted CBT for depression & anxiety: increasing accessibility to evidence-based mental health treatment

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective nonpharmacological treatment for almost all mental disorders, especially anxiety and depression. The treatment is time limited, encourages self-help skills, is problem focused, is inductive, and requires that individuals develop and practice skills in their own environment through homework. However, most of those with mental health issues are unable to seek help because of factors related to treatment availability, accessibility, and cost. CBT is well suited to computerization and is easy to teach to nurses. In this article we describe outcome studies of computer-assisted CBT (cCBT), outline the current technologies available, discuss concerns and resistance associated with computerized therapy, and consider the role of nurses in using cCBT.

J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2009 Jul;47(7):32-9. Stuhlmiller C, Tolchard B. School of Social Work, Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawaii Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. cstu@hawaii.edu

From Becoming Slender For Life by Roger Moore, PhD

There are many common roadblocks to weight release success and the biggest boulder of them all: a lack of true motivation.

I guess maybe I'll give this a try . . . I know I should lose weight . . . it would be better for my health. These are typical half-hearted reasons I hear to release weight. And then there are the reasons for failure like: "Oh, this it too hard." or "I'm too busy or stressed to do this now."

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This article reports on the use of hypnosis to facilitate the diagnostic process and the treatment of an unusual case of adult psychogenic amnesia. An Iraqi citizen living in the U.S. developed an atypical case of Dissociative Amnesia, Systematized type, post-automotive collision. The amnesia presented with features encompassing complete loss of the patient's native language. Dissociation theory as a conceptualization of hysterical reactions was employed as the basis in the formulation of this case. The differential diagnosis was facilitated by the Hypnotic Diagnostic Interview for Hysterical Disorders (HDIHD) Adult Form, an interview tool specifically designed for cases such as this. Treatment consisted exclusively of ego strengthening and time projection approaches in hypnosis. It was hypothesized that, as the coping capacities became more viable, the dissociative symptoms would remiss. After 6 weekly visits the patient regained complete command of his native language. Follow-up at 6 months indicated that the patient remained devoid of symptoms.

Am J Clin Hypn. 2009 Oct;52(2):123-31. Iglesias A, Iglesias A. phdalex@aol.com

Full Title: Effects of listening to music on auditory hallucination and psychiatric symptoms in people with schizophrenia

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of listening to music in inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia, on their auditory hallucinations, and positive and negative symptoms. METHODS: A quasi-experimental research design with 2x2 cross-over trial and convenience sample was used. Eleven patients (Group AB) listened to music followed by a wash out period and then a usual care period, and 12 patients (Group BA) had a usual care period followed by a wash out period and then listened to music. For one week those who were in the experimental period listened to individualized music using an MP3 player whenever they heard hallucinations. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of auditory hallucinations after listening to the music. There was a decrease in the mean scores for positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and general psychopathology after listening to music, but only negative symptoms showed a statistically significant decrease. The treatment effects on scores for positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and general psychopathology were greater in Group BA than Group AB. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that listening to music may be useful for managing auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia inpatients.

J Korean Acad Nurs. 2009 Feb;39(1):62-71. Na HJ, Yang S. College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.

Nanci Trivellato, MS is one of world's leading non-local consciousness researchers, with over 20 years of experience as an educator, research, and practioner of out-of-body experience and psychical perception. Trivellato is the editor of the Journal of Conscientiology, a quarterly consciousness science publication read in over 30 countries for over a decade. An international circuit speaker, currently based at IAC Campus in Portugal, she is IAC's Director of Research and Scientific Communication. Trivellato has been featured in numerous media around the world from Brazil to Japan, People Magazine to Univision's Show de Cristina. Her best-known research are a survey on the out-of-body experience with over 12,000 participants; the Projective Field experiments on remote perception; Goal: Intrusionless on training energy perception and self-defense; and studies on the so-called vibrational state.

For more information visit www.iacworld.org.

PURPOSE: To better understand how Therapeutic Touch can be used in today's health care arena, this integrative literature review will examine current research that will help answer the question, Does Therapeutic Touch reduce pain? METHOD: An extensive search was conducted of the online databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsychLIT, and PubMed to retrieve research articles published from 1997 to 2007. FINDINGS: Seven studies that were conducted between 1997 and 2004 were found and only five of the seven were included as pertinent evidence to answer the question. All of the research that was reviewed to answer whether Therapeutic Touch could significantly reduce pain revealed a majority of statistically significant positive results for implementing this intervention.

CONCLUSION: Because there are no identified risks to Therapeutic Touch as a pain relief measure, it is safe to recommend despite the limitations of current research. IMPLICATIONS: Therapeutic Touch should be considered among the many possible nursing interventions for the treatment of pain.

J Holist Nurs. 2009 Jun;27(2):85-92. Epub 2009 Mar 19. Monroe CM. New York University, USA. carolynmonroe2008@hotmail.com

by Adele Wang

Over the years in working with people, I've noticed a number of interesting attitudes people have on why illness occurs, from a spiritual or metaphysical standpoint. I've collected them here to share with you. It's a fascinating study of people and spirituality if it weren't also so serious in its impact on peoples' ability to heal. Peoples' beliefs on illness vary widely, often lurking subconsciously. What I find interesting is the context behind these attitudes. It's as if things have gotten a bit distorted from the meaning of the initial idea. Sometimes these ideas do not serve people well.

Ultimately, serious illness always brings up the fear of the unknown. This is not so easy for our human egos to handle! We feel we should know the reason for everything, and that everything simply must have a logical answer. Even something as illogical as illness and how we go about healing....

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Full Title: A concurrent validity study between the Hypnotic Induction Profile (HIP) and the Stanford Hypnotic Clinical Scale for Adults (SHCS:A) in an inpatient sample: a brief report.

The Hypnotic Induction Profile (HIP) is a brief, standardized assessment of hypnotizability which takes 5-10 minutes to administer. The Stanford Hypnotic Clinical Scale for Adults (SHCS:A) is a different clinical measure of hypnotizability that takes about 20-25 minutes to administer. Although both scales purport to measure the same thing, they were based on different theories of hypnosis and constructed using different psychometric techniques. The present investigation is a concurrent validation study comparing scores on the two instruments in a sample of 24 inpatients. The correlation between the SHCS:A and HIP Induction score was 0.41 (p < .01). However, the Eye Roll Sign (ERS) did not correlate significantly with either the SHCS:A (.04, ns) or the HIP-IND score (-.05, ns). These results indicate that while scores on the HIP and SHCS:A are significantly correlated the inter-correlations are not high enough to consider them as interchangeable measures. Implications of these findings for future research are discussed.

Am J Clin Hypn. 2009 Oct;52(2):89-93. Gritzalis N, Oster M, Frischholz EJ. John J. Madden Mental Health Center, Hines, IL 60141-7000, USA. nina.gritzalis@illinois.gov

Full Title: Might massage or guided meditation provide "means to a better end"? Primary outcomes from an efficacy trial with patients at the end of life

This article reports findings from a randomized controlled trial of massage and guided meditation with patients at the end of life. Using data from 167 randomized patients, the authors considered patient outcomes through 10 weeks post-enrollment, as well as next-of-kin ratings of the quality of the final week of life for 106 patients who died during study participation. Multiple regression models demonstrated no significant treatment effects of either massage or guided meditation, delivered up to twice a week, when compared with outcomes of an active control group that received visits from hospice-trained volunteers on a schedule similar to that of the active treatment arms. The authors discuss the implications of their findings for integration of these complementary and alternative medicine therapies into standard hospice care.

Palliat Care. 2009 Summer;25(2):100-8. Downey L, Diehr P, Standish LJ, Patrick DL, Kozak L, Fisher D, Congdon S, Lafferty WE. Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

by Deidre Madsen, OM

How am I going to go about sharing all this great Transformational Guided Imagery (TGI) knowledge if I don't really get into sharing some of my own personal examples and experiences using TGI? In this article I will share an intense experience that relates to each and every woman. I share this not to tell you how to do your own healing but to give you an avenue of creative expression in healing.

My family has a risk of ovarian cancer and for years I have been battling a feeling of pain in that general area. Dowsing and muscle testing (kineseology) showed I indeed had issues in that area. In order to correct this I knew I needed to do several things to realign my body/mind/spirit back to health. In addition to eating more properly, incorporating some exercise I have worked extensively with my own imagery work in order to facilitate inner healing. The following experience was dramatically healing. This involves decisions we women make every day. It will touch your soul. Below are my session notes.

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Introduction: Homeopathy uses information gathered from healthy volunteers taking homeopathic substances (pathogenetic trials) for clinical treatment. It is controversial whether such studies produce symptoms different from those produced by placebo. Objective: To test whether homeopathic preparations produce different symptoms than placebo in healthy volunteers. Methods: Three armed, double-blind, placebo controlled randomised experimental pathogenetic study in 25 healthy volunteers who took either one of two homeopathic remedies, Natrum muriaticum and Arsenicum album in 30CH or identical placebo. Main outcome parameter was the number of remedy-specific symptoms per group. Results: On average, 6 symptoms typical for Arsenicum album were experienced by participants taking arsenicum album, 5 symptoms typical for Natrum muriaticum by those taking natrum muriaticum, and 11 non-specific symptoms by those in the placebo group. Differences were significant overall (Kruskall Wallis test, p = 0.0002,) and significantly different from placebo (Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Homeopathic remedies produce different symptoms than placebo. Copyright (c) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Forsch Komplementmed. 2009 Apr;16(2):105-10. Epub 2009 Apr 9. Möllinger H, Schneider R, Walach H. Department of Human Sciences, University of Osnabrück, Germany.

Full Title: Efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of fibromyalgia: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

OBJECTIVE: The study sought to ascertain the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for fibromyalgia MATERIALS AND METHODS: THE FOLLOWING ELECTRONIC DATABASES WERE SEARCHED: PubMed; The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL); EMBASE; CINAHL; and Pascal Biomed (last date of search: January 2008). We analyzed pain intensity and patient withdrawals prior to termination of the study. A meta-analysis was performed, and a weighted global effect obtained using the inverse of variance. RESULTS: This review covered a total of 6 studies (323 subjects). No statistically significant differences were observed in terms of pain intensity (VAS): 0.02 (-0.24 a 0.28) or withdrawals: RR 0.91 (0.53 a 1.58) CONCLUSION: This systematic review found no evidence of benefit resulting from acupuncture versus placebo, as a treatment for fibromyalgia.

Open Rheumatol J. 2009 Jun 16;3:25-9. Martin-Sanchez E, Torralba E, Díaz-Domínguez E, Barriga A, Martin JL. Department of Clinical Research, Castile-La Mancha Health Research Foundation (FISCAM), Toledo, Spain.

Objective: Although the efficacy of meditation interventions has been examined among adult samples, meditation treatment effects among youth are relatively unknown. We systematically reviewed empirical studies for the health-related effects of sitting-meditative practices implemented among youth aged 6 to 18 years in school, clinic, and community settings. Methods: A systematic review of electronic databases (PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Reviews Database, Google Scholar) was conducted from 1982 to 2008, obtaining a sample of 16 empirical studies related to sitting-meditation interventions among youth. Results: Meditation modalities included mindfulness meditation, transcendental meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Study samples primarily consisted of youth with preexisting conditions such as high-normal blood pressure, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities. Studies that examined physiologic outcomes were composed almost entirely of African American/black participants. Median effect sizes were slightly smaller than those obtained from adult samples and ranged from 0.16 to 0.29 for physiologic outcomes and 0.27 to 0.70 for psychosocial/behavioral outcomes. Conclusions: Sitting meditation seems to be an effective intervention in the treatment of physiologic, psychosocial, and behavioral conditions among youth. Because of current limitations, carefully constructed research is needed to advance our understanding of sitting meditation and its future use as an effective treatment modality among younger populations.

Pediatrics. 2009 Aug 24. Black DS, Milam J, Sussman S. Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Alhambra, California.

Nelson Abreu is an electrical engineer and consciousness scholar. He has been researching and practicing subtle energy, out-of-body experience, and related phenomena for over a decade. Abreu is a volunteer-instructor at International Academy of Consciousness - Florida Office. His most recent work is a chapter on out-of-body experience and remote perception published in the International Consciousness Research Laboratories anthology "Filters and Reflections: Perspectives on Reality." The former Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research Laboratory intern has lectured in several cities and academic conferences. At University of Florida, he co-created an annual curricular course on Consciousness Studies.

For more information visit www.iacworld.org.

Full Title: The impact of cognitive behavioral group training on event-free survival in patients with myocardial infarction: the ENRICHD experience

OBJECTIVE: Although the Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease (ENRICHD) treatment was designed to include individual therapy and cognitive behavioral group training for patients with depression and/or low perceived social support, only 31% of treated participants received group training. Secondary analyses classified intervention participants into two subgroups, (1) individual therapy only or (2) group training (i.e., coping skills training) plus individual therapy, to determine whether medical outcomes differed in participants who received the combination of group training and individual therapy compared to participants who received individual therapy only or usual care. METHODS: Secondary analyses of 1243 usual care, 781 individual therapy only, and 356 group plus individual therapy myocardial infarction (MI) patients were performed. Depression was diagnosed using modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria; low perceived social support was determined by the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument. Psychosocial treatment followed MI, and for participants with severe or unremitting depression, was supplemented with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate intervention effects on time to first occurrence of the composite end point of death plus nonfatal MI. To control for confounding of group participation with survival (because individual sessions preceded group), we used risk set sampling to match minimal survival time of those receiving or not receiving group training. RESULTS: Analyses correcting for differential survival among comparison groups showed that group plus individual therapy was associated with a 33% reduction (hazard ratio=0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.92, P=.01) in medical outcome compared to usual care. No significant effect on event-free survival was associated with individual therapy alone. The group training benefit was reduced to 23% (hazard ratio=0.77; 95% confidence interval: 0.56-1.07, P=.11) in the multivariate-adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that adding group training to individual therapy may be associated with reduction in the composite end point. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to definitively resolve this issue.

J Psychosom Res. 2009 Jul;67(1):45-56. Epub 2009 Apr 1. Saab PG, Bang H, Williams RB, Powell LH, Schneiderman N, Thoresen C, Burg M, Keefe F; ENRICHD Investigators. Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124, USA. psaab@miami.edu

Patients with leukemia often seek additional treatments not prescribed by their oncologist in an effort to improve their cancer treatment outcome or to manage symptoms. Complementary therapies are used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments to decrease symptoms and side effects associated with cancer or cancer treatment, and to improve patients' overall quality of life. Complementary therapies are distinct from so-called 'alternative' therapies, which are unproven, ineffective and may postpone or interfere with mainstream cancer treatment. Complementary therapies are pleasant, inexpensive, nonpharmacologic and effective. For patients with leukemia, the complementary therapies that are always appropriate include mind-body interventions, such as self-hypnosis, meditation, guided imagery and breath awareness. Massage and reflexology (foot massage) decrease symptoms with effects lasting at least 2 days following treatment. Acupuncture is very beneficial for symptom management without adverse consequences. Physical fitness with regular exercise and healthy dietary habits can significantly decrease side effects of cancer treatments and may prolong survival. Botanical extracts and vitamin supplements may interfere with active cancer treatments, and should be discussed with the oncologist or pharmacist before use.

Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2009 Sep;9(9):1241-9. Wesa KM, Cassileth BR. Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1429 First Avenue, NY 10021, USA. wesak@mskcc.org

Average age of residents living in National sanatorium Hoshizuka-Keiaien where people have past history of Hansen disease is around 80 years old at present, and many of them spend their whole days in watching TV or sleeping almost alone in their rooms. Therefore music therapy was introduced in order to improve their daily activities in our sanatorium. Singing, listening to music, playing the musical instruments, and dancing were performed, either in a group or individually. Reactivation of their brain function such as recollection, sense of unity and relaxation were expected. Improvement of cardiopulmonary function was also expected. Solidarity and relaxed state were observed by being with the other participants in the group therapy. For example, when using musical instruments, some participants with hesitation tried to use their instruments, and had good performance. They seemed to be satisfied and became confident with the musical instruments. Then their confidence and satisfaction activated the group. After the sessions, mutual conversation increased. These processes obtained a synergy effect, which means that a group affects of individuals at first and next alteration of individual behavior influences the group. We could observe a better effect in their motivation and activity in their daily life in the individual therapy. The music therapy was applied to the senior participants by the music therapist in this study. The participants could easily reinforce their mind and body through this therapy. Music therapy will be continued for the improvement of quality of life of residents in the sanatorium.

Nihon Hansenbyo Gakkai Zasshi. 2009 Feb;78(1):35-9. Fukamizu Y, En J, Kano T, Arikawa I. National Sanatorium Hoshizuka-Keiaien, 4204 Hoshizuka-cho, Kanoya City, Kagoshima 893-8502, Japan. reha-ot@hoshizuka.hosp.go.jp

by Randy Herron, SPHR

Although employee termination may not be easy, proper concern for important issues (1) before, (2) during and (3) after the termination meeting decreases the pain, improves effectiveness for all concerned and strengthens your position in case of legal action.

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Full Title: Effectiveness of the application of therapeutic touch on weight, complications, and length of hospital stay in preterm newborns attended in a neonatal unit

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of therapeutic touch on weight, the presence of postnatal complications, and length of hospital stay in preterm newborns, as well as on parental satisfaction with the care provided. METHOD: We performed an experimental study in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Virgen Macarena University Hospital in Seville (Spain). Seventy eight premature neonates were randomly assigned to one of the comparison groups (39 in the control group and 39 in the experimental group). The outcome variables of weight, length of hospital stay, the presence of complications, and parental satisfaction were evaluated. Control variables related to maternal socio-demographic and clinic characteristics were also measured. The intervention was based on the application of therapeutic touch. RESULTS: The mean weight in grams was 1,867.80 (SD=149.72) in the experimental group and 1,860 (SD=181.92) in the control group (t=0.148; p=0.883). Length of hospital stay was 16.82 (SD=6.47) in the experimental group and 20.30 (SD=8.04) in the control group (t=2.100; p=0.039). Complications developed in 5.3% of the premature neonates in the experimental group and in 20% of those in the control group (chi(2)=3.78; p=0.049). The odds ratio for developing complications was 1.673 (CI 1.089-2.571). CONCLUSIONS: The application of therapeutic touch reduces the length of hospital stay and the presence of complications. Nevertheless, further research in larger samples is required.

Enferm Clin. 2009 Jan-Feb;19(1):11-5. Epub 2009 Feb 6. Domínguez Rosales R, Albar Marín MJ, Tena García B, Ruíz Pérez MT, Garzón Real MJ, Rosado Poveda MA, González Caro E. Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, España.

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

When a client comes to me with problems, be they mental, or physical, I always tell them that I do not work on illnesses or symptoms as that is for the medical profession. I do not practice medicine. I am a Hypnotherapist and I work on the body's energy field using hypnosis. By correcting the body's energy flow, many of the symptoms, which the client may be experiencing, can disappear.

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