The current status of energy medicine and its increasing challenge to the biochemical paradigm that has dominated conventional medicine are reviewed. Although energy medicine represents only a small fraction of 1% of the $2.2 trillion healthcare industry, 6 properties of energy medicine give it strengths that could augment conventional health care models. These include the ways energy medicine (1) can address biological processes at their energetic foundations (reach), (2) regulates biological processes with precision, speed, and flexibility (efficiency), (3) fosters health and prevents illness with interventions that can be readily, economically, and noninvasively applied (practicality), (4) includes methods that can be used on an at-home, self-help basis, fostering a stronger patient-practitioner partnership in the healing process (patient empowerment), (5) adopts non-linear concepts consistent with distant healing, the healing impact of prayer, and the role of intention in healing (quantum compatibility), and (6) strengthens the integration of body, mind, and spirit, leading not only to a focus on healing, but to achieving greater well-being, peace, and passion for life (holistic orientation).

Altern Ther Health Med. 2008 Jan-Feb;14(1):44-54. Feinstein D, Eden D. Energy Medicine Institute, Ashland, Oregon, USA.

by Tim Brunson, PhD

Frequently when I am asked to explain the influences on the development of Advanced Neuro-Noetic Hypnosis^TM I mention the role of quantum physics. Yet, rarely do I clarify my comment. So, this article is intended to correct that as I give a very brief introduction to the major tenets that affect ANNH. What I am going to answer here is what is quantum physics and what are its implications for psychotherapy.

I wish to start out by saying that this is not the same banal "name dropping" that you have become accustomed to hearing from many self-help figures, who speak frequently at conferences. Indeed, if you are like me, you've probably been bombarded by the word "quantum" prefixing the words birthing, touch, breathing, and focus – concepts that rarely have anything to do with either science or subatomic particles. (Of course, I apologize to my esteemed colleagues who espouse such doctrines should my education have missed this connection. However, I have yet to find it.) Conversely, I assure you that the influence of quantum physics on ANNH is both genuine and scientific.

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Full Title: Behavioral persistence in carrying out a posthypnotic suggestion beyond the hypnotic context: a consideration of the role of perceived demand characteristics

Compliance with a posthypnotic suggestion (PHS) to carry out a specific behavior in a subsequent nonhypnotic setting was investigated in high and medium hypnotizable participants. The target behavior--solicited by either a PHS given during hypnosis, a waking social request, or both--was to be performed daily for an unspecified period of time. Findings indicated that the waking request alone yielded a high level of compliance, particularly among medium hypnotizable participants. In contrast, highly hypnotizable participants who received the PHS coupled with instructions for posthypnotic amnesia exhibited considerable variation in responding, whereas high hypnotizables, who received either a waking request, or a combination of PHS and waking request, performed similarly to medium hypnotizables. Postexperimental interview data suggest that perceived demand characteristics may contribute to variation in the persistence of posthypnotic behavior outside the hypnotic context.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2010 Jan;58(1):1-20. Damaser E, Whitehouse WG, Orne MT, Orne EC, Dinges DF. Private practice, and Unit for Experimental Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021, USA.

Full Title: Application of intensified (+) Qi Gong energy, (-) electrical field, (S) magnetic field, electrical pulses (1-2 pulses/sec), strong Shiatsu massage or acupuncture on the accurate organ representation areas of the hands to improve circulation and enhance drug uptake in pathological organs: clinical applications with special emphasis on the "Chlamydia-(Lyme)-uric acid syndrome" and "Chlamydia-(cytomegalovirus)-uric acid syndrome"

Various methods of improving circulation and enhancing drug uptake which were used in treating some intractable medical problems caused by infections, and two syndromes based on the co-existence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection (mixed with either Lyme Borrelia burgdorferi or Cytomegalovirus) with increased Uric acid are described. The principal author's previous studies have indicated that there are two opposite types of Qi Gong energy, positive (+) and negative (-). Positive (+) Qi Gong energy has been used clinically to enhance circulation and drug uptake in diseased areas where there is a micro-circulatory disturbance and drug uptake is markedly diminished. (-) Qi Gong energy has completely the opposite effect and therefore has not been used although there may be some as yet undiscovered application. Since the late 1980's the principal author has succeeded in storing (+) Qi Gong energy on a variety of substances including small sheets of paper, and recently has been able to intensify this energy by concentrating it as it passes through a cone-shaped, tapered glass or plastic object placed directly on the (+) Qi Gong energy stored paper. Application of (+) Qi Gong energy stored paper on the cardio-vascular representation area of the medulla oblongata at the occipital area of the skull often improved circulation and enhanced drug uptake. If the drug-uptake enhancement was still not sufficient for the drug to reach therapeutic levels in the diseased organ, direct application of (+) Qi Gong from the practitioner's hand often enhanced the drug uptake more significantly. However, this direct method often results in the practitioner developing intestinal micro-hemorrhage within 24 hours which may or may not be noticed as mild intestinal discomfort with soft, slightly tarry stool. For intensifying (+) Qi Gong energy one of the most efficient shapes is a cone with increased intensification occurring at an optimal height. However when the total mass and the total distance from base to peak is increased beyond an optimal limit, the power decreases. Clinical application of Intensified (+) Qi Gong stored energy was evaluated in this preliminary study which indicated that intensified (+) Qi Gong energy application on the heart representation area of the middle finger on the hands markedly improved circulation in the corresponding organ, and increased drug uptake and acetylcholine even more effectively than some of the previously used drug enhancement methods (Shiatsu massage of the organ representation areas and/or application of (+) Qi Gong energy stored paper to the occipital area above the cardiovascular representation area of the medulla oblongata).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acupunct Electrother Res. 1995 Jan-Mar;20(1):21-72. Omura Y, Beckman SL. Heart Disease Research Foundation, New York, USA.

by Alfred A Barrios, PhD

Introduction

Throughout the years there have been periodic surges of great interest in hypnosis. Many extraordinary phenomena have been attributed to its effects and great claims made as to its effectiveness in therapy. Yet, in spite of such claims, there still appear to be relatively few therapists using hypnosis as a major tool. Why? Is it because the criticisms usually leveled at hypnosis are true? That it is overrated, actually limited to a small range of problems, unable to produce lasting changes? Will removal of symptoms by hypnosis lead to new symptoms? Is it dangerous? No, there is far too much clinical evidence contradicting these statements. Such evidence can no longer be ignored. It is felt that the major reason behind the rejection of hypnosis has been that for most people it is still virtually an unknown. It seems to be human nature to stay clear of or reject anything that doesn't seem to fit in or be explained rationally, especially when it seems to be something potentially powerful. It is mainly its unknown nature that has led to the many misconceptions surrounding hypnosis and has kept us from making the best use of it.

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OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this project was to review the literature for the use of spinal manipulation for low back pain (LBP). METHODS: A search strategy modified from the Cochrane Collaboration review for LBP was conducted through the following databases: PubMed, Mantis, and the Cochrane Database. Invitations to submit relevant articles were extended to the profession via widely distributed professional news and association media. The Scientific Commission of the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP) was charged with developing literature syntheses, organized by anatomical region, to evaluate and report on the evidence base for chiropractic care. This article is the outcome of this charge. As part of the CCGPP process, preliminary drafts of these articles were posted on the CCGPP Web site www.ccgpp.org (2006-8) to allow for an open process and the broadest possible mechanism for stakeholder input. RESULTS: A total of 887 source documents were obtained. Search results were sorted into related topic groups as follows: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of LBP and manipulation; randomized trials of other interventions for LBP; guidelines; systematic reviews and meta-analyses; basic science; diagnostic-related articles, methodology; cognitive therapy and psychosocial issues; cohort and outcome studies; and others. Each group was subdivided by topic so that team members received approximately equal numbers of articles from each group, chosen randomly for distribution. The team elected to limit consideration in this first iteration to guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, RCTs, and coh ort studies. This yielded a total of 12 guidelines, 64 RCTs, 13 systematic reviews/meta-analyses, and 11 cohort studies. CONCLUSIONS: As much or more evidence exists for the use of spinal manipulation to reduce symptoms and improve function in patients with chronic LBP as for use in acute and subacute LBP. Use of exercise in conjunction with manipulation is likely to speed and improve outcomes as well as minimize episodic recurrence. There was less evidence for the use of manipulation for patients with LBP and radiating leg pain, sciatica, or radiculopathy.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Nov-Dec;31(9):659-74. Lawrence DJ, Meeker W, Branson R, Bronfort G, Cates JR, Haas M, Haneline M, Micozzi M, Updyke W, Mootz R, Triano JJ, Hawk C. Center for Teaching and Learning, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa, USA. dana.lawrence@palmer.edu

Gina Graci, PhD, C.BSM is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Behavioral Sleep Medicine Specialist and is employed as a private practitioner specializing in both sleep disorders and psychosocial oncology. She has conducted clinical trials with funding from both the private and public sectors. Her clinical and research interests include both sleep and oncology. Dr. Graci also has presented and published widely in leading medical journals and has been interviewed frequently for stories in national and local print and broadcast media. She can be contacted at gmgraci@aol.com.

Full Title: Effects of hypnosis as an adjunct to intravenous sedation for third molar extraction: a randomized, blind, controlled study

The effects of hypnosis/therapeutic suggestion in connection with intravenous sedation and surgery have been described in many clinical publications; however, few randomized, controlled, and blind studies have been performed in the outpatient area. This study aimed to evaluate the use of hypnosis/therapeutic suggestion as an adjunct to intravenous (IV) sedation in patients having 3rd molar removal in an outpatient setting. The patients were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 46) or control (n = 54) group. The treatment group listened to a rapid conversational induction and therapeutic suggestions via headphones throughout the entire surgical procedure along with a standard sedation dose of intravenous anesthetic. The control group listened to only music without any hypnotic intervention. Intraoperative Propofol administration, patient postoperative pain ratings, and postoperative prescription pain reliever consumption were all significantly reduced in the treatment compared to the control group. Implications of these results are discussed.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2010 Jan;58(1):21-38. Mackey EF. Department of Nursing, West Chester, University of Pennsylvania, 855 S. New Street, West Chester, PA 19348, USA. emackey@wcupa.edu

Negative symptoms account for much of the functional disability associated with schizophrenia and often persist despite pharmacological treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a promising adjunctive psychotherapy for negative symptoms. The treatment is based on a cognitive formulation in which negative symptoms arise and are maintained by dysfunctional beliefs that are a reaction to the neurocognitive impairment and discouraging life events frequently experienced by individuals with schizophrenia. This article outlines recent innovations in tailoring CBT for negative symptoms and functioning, including the use of a strong goal-oriented recovery approach, in-session exercises designed to disconfirm dysfunctional beliefs, and adaptations to circumvent neurocognitive and engagement difficulties. A case illustration is provided.

J Clin Psychol. 2009 Aug;65(8):815-30. Perivoliotis D, Cather C. University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St., Room 2032, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. dimitrip@mail.med.upenn.edu

by Joyce-Anne Locking

In a little coffee shop, where I worked during my last year of university, I met a quiet newspaperman. An elderly gentleman with gray, thinning hair spent time in the coffee shop every evening. He ordered coffee as he sat and read the newspaper. Gradually, I came to realize he was a newspaperman who worked for the city paper. It wasn't until much later I realized the valuable impact his words would make on my belief in my own writing abilities. One day, before my graduation, he asked what I wanted to do with my life.

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Acupuncture modulation of activity in the human brainstem is not well known. This structure is plagued by physiological artifact in neuroimaging experiments. In addition, most studies have used short (<15 min) block designs, which miss delayed responses following longer duration stimulation. We used brainstem-focused cardiac-gated fMRI and evaluated time-variant brain response to longer duration (>30 min) stimulation with verum (VA, electro-stimulation at acupoint ST-36) or sham point (SPA, non-acupoint electro-stimulation) acupuncture. Our results provide evidence that acupuncture modulates brainstem nuclei important to endogenous monoaminergic and opioidergic systems. Specifically, VA modulated activity in the substantia nigra (SN), nucleus raphe magnus, locus ceruleus, nucleus cuneiformis, and periaqueductal gray (PAG). Activation in the ventrolateral PAG was greater for VA compared to SPA. Linearly decreasing time-variant activation, suggesting classical habituation, was found in response to both VA and SPA in sensorimotor (SII, posterior insula, premotor cortex) brain regions. However, VA also produced linearly time-variant activity in limbic regions (amygdala, hippocampus, and SN), which was bimodal and not likely habituation--consisting of activation in early blocks, and deactivation by the end of the run. Thus, acupuncture induces different brain response early, compared to 20-30 min after stimulation. We attribute the fMRI differences between VA and SPA to more varied and stronger psychophysical response induced by VA. Our study demonstrates that acupuncture modulation of brainstem structures can be studied non-invasively in humans, allowing for comparison to animal studies. Our protocol also demonstrates a fMRI approach to study habituation and other time-variant phenomena over longer time durations.

Neuroimage. 2009 Aug 1;47(1):289-301. Epub 2009 Apr 1. Napadow V, Dhond R, Park K, Kim J, Makris N, Kwong KK, Harris RE, Purdon PL, Kettner N, Hui KK. Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA. vitaly@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu

by Mark Gorkin, LICSW

Part I of this two-part essay focused on my format for illustrating the concept of "Letting Go" during a 20-minute after dinner keynote for the career transition/support group, Forty Plus. I reviewed both the dynamics and dangers of not being able to "let go": "if you have invested so much time, money and ego in one right person or position, and you can't step back and gain a new perspective...then you are setting in motion the 'erosive spiral,' that is, the groundwork is being laid for apathy, callousness and despair, my phrase for the burnout process."

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Meditation refers to a family of complex emotional and attentional regulatory practices, which can be classified into two main styles - focused attention (FA) and open monitoring (OM) - involving different attentional, cognitive monitoring and awareness processes. In a functional magnetic resonance study we originally characterized and contrasted FA and OM meditation forms within the same experiment, by an integrated FA-OM design. Theravada Buddhist monks, expert in both FA and OM meditation forms, and lay novices with 10 days of meditation practice, participated in the experiment. Our evidence suggests that expert meditators control cognitive engagement in conscious processing of sensory-related, thought and emotion contents, by massive self-regulation of fronto-parietal and insular areas in the left hemisphere, in a meditation state-dependent fashion. We also found that anterior cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices play antagonist roles in the executive control of the attention setting in meditation tasks. Our findings resolve the controversy between the hypothesis that meditative states are associated to transient hypofrontality or deactivation of executive brain areas, and evidence about the activation of executive brain areas in meditation. Finally, our study suggests that a functional reorganization of brain activity patterns for focused attention and cognitive monitoring takes place with mental practice, and that meditation-related neuroplasticity is crucially associated to a functional reorganization of activity patterns in prefrontal cortex and in the insula. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Manna A, Raffone A, Perrucci MG, Nardo D, Ferretti A, Tartaro A, Londei A, Del Gratta C, Belardinelli MO, Romani GL. Brain Res Bull. 2010 Mar 16. ITAB, Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, "G. D'Annunzio" University Foundation, Chieti, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Bioimaging, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.

Hypnotizing people quickly requires mastering the David Elman induction, which takes four or five minutes to communicate with the client's subconscious. Learn about rapid hypnosis with information from a certified hypnotist trainer in this free video on hypnotism.

Massage therapy is widely used by patients with fibromyalgia seeking symptom relief. We performed a review of all available studies with an emphasis on randomized controlled trials to determine whether massage therapy can be a viable treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms. Extensive narrative review. PubMed, PsychInfo, CINAHL, PEDro, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases (inception-December 2009) were searched for the key words "massage", "massotherapy", "self-massage", "soft tissue manipulation", "soft tissue mobilization", "complementary medicine", "fibromyalgia" "fibrositis", and "myofascial pain". No language restrictions were imposed. The reference lists of all articles retrieved in full were also searched. The effects of massage on fibromyalgia symptoms have been examined in two single-arm studies and six randomized controlled trials. All reviewed studies showed short-term benefits of massage, and only one single-arm study demonstrated long-term benefits. All reviewed studies had methodological problems. The existing literature provides modest support for use of massage therapy in treating fibromyalgia. Additional rigorous research is needed in order to establish massage therapy as a safe and effective intervention for fibromyalgia. In massage therapy of fibromyalgia, we suggest that massage will be painless, its intensity should be increased gradually from session to session, in accordance with patient's symptoms; and the sessions should be performed at least 1-2 times a week.

Rheumatol Int. 2010 Mar 20. Kalichman L. Department of Physical Therapy, Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel, kleonid@bgu.ac.il.

Gil Boyne has made numerous original contributions to the contemporary practice of hypnotherapy. He has brought to the counseling professions an awareness of the "inner wisdom" of the human psyche. He teaches that the "inner creative mind" not only knows all the questions but knows all of the answers as well.

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by Tim Brunson, PhD

In this article I will explain a system for transformation can be used for just about any endeavor. Of course, my focus at this point is on how it can be used in a hypnotherapy session. Nevertheless, the core ideas that I am about to share with you can be easily applied to many different areas of a person's business or personal life.

Transformation requires a person to pursue any possible and probable option. I often call the decision making that this entails "selective thinking." Going back to pattern theory for a moment, remember that resistance to change is a natural enemy of selective thought. Any intention or goal is going to initially be faced with inertia. The ability to overcome this and to start pursuing desired options is critical for transformation to occur. Reducing the power of pattern resistance and allowing more efficient selective thinking is the essence of hypnosis. Doing this for clinical reasons is called hypnotherapy.

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Full Title: An HMO-based prospective pilot study of energy medicine for chronic headaches: whole-person outcomes point to the need for new instrumentation

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate an energy healing treatment for possible inclusion as a Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW) Pain Clinic provided therapy, and to identify the appropriate number of treatment sessions for a Pain Clinic protocol, should the intervention prove successful. In addition, our intent was to document the full range of outcomes experienced by patients undergoing energy healing, including whole-person and transformative outcomes should they occur. SETTING: The setting for this study was Kaiser Permanente Northwest Pain Clinic. Participants: Thirteen (13) patients with chronic headache who were members of the KPNW Health Plan were recruited through flyers or mailings. METHODS: Thirteen (13) participants received at least three energy healing sessions at approximately weekly intervals. Assessments were based on pre- and post-treatment qualitative interviews. INTERVENTION: The treatment consisted of three Healing Touch sessions provided by a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner. Treatments contained elements common to all sessions, and elements that were tailored to the individual subject. RESULTS: Twelve (12) of 13 participants experienced improvement in frequency, intensity, or duration of pain after three treatments. In addition, 11 of 13 participants experienced profound shifts in their view of themselves, their lives, and their potential for healing and transformation. These changes lasted from 24 hours to more than 6 months at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Energy healing can be an important addition to pain management services. More in-depth qualitative research is needed to explore the diversity of outcomes facilitated by energy healing treatments. Furthermore, the development of new instrumentation is warranted to capture outcomes that reflect transformative change and changes at the level of the whole person.

J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug;15(8):819-26. Sutherland EG, Ritenbaugh C, Kiley SJ, Vuckovic N, Elder C. Helfgott Research Institute, National College of Natural Medicine , Portland, OR 97201, USA. lsutherland@ncnm.edu

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a significant healthcare problem, and many individuals with CLBP remain unresponsive to available interventions. Previous research suggests that hypnosis is effective for many chronic pain conditions; however, data to support its efficacy for CLBP are outdated and have been limited primarily to case studies. This pilot study indicated that a brief, 4-session standardized self-hypnosis protocol, combined with psycho-education, significantly and substantially reduced pain intensity and pain interference. Significant session-to-session improvements were also noted on pain ratings and mood states; however, follow-up data suggest that these benefits may not have been maintained across time in this sample. These findings need to be replicated and confirmed in a larger clinical trial, which could also assess the long-term effects of this treatment

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2010 Jan;58(1):53-68. Tan G, Fukui T, Jensen MP, Thornby J, Waldman KL. Anesthesiology Pain Program, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA. TAN.GABRIEL@va.gov

Forty-five patients of essential hypertension differentiated into two TCM types, i.e. Gan Yang Shang Kang Zheng (GYSK) and Yin Xu Yang Kang Zheng (YXYK) were randomly selected. Among them, the 31 patients received qi-gong therapy including 12 GYSK cases (group b) and 19 YXYK cases (group c) and 14 patients (group d) received nifedipine therapy. It was found that the plasma 6-K-PGF1 alpha was increased and TXB2 as well as TXB2/6-K-PGF1 alpha ratio were decreased after the therapy (P < 0.05) in group b, c and d. No statistical significant difference was found between group b and group c (P > 0.05). The results suggest that qi-gong is regulatory on TXB2 and 6-K-PGF1 alpha in patients with essential hypertension and is identical in the two different TCM Zheng types.

Hunan Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 1997;22(6):497-9. Li W, Xing Z, Pi D, Li X. Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan Medical University, Changsha.

by Jef Gazley, MS, LMFT, DCC

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive and fatal disease that has many interrelated causes, but no cure at the present time. Among the causes is a liver disorder that breaks down alcohol at one-half the rate compared to non-alcoholics. Alcohol abuse is different than alcoholism in that it has no physical symptoms of tolerance or withdrawal, but is serious and characterized by excessive drinking with pervasive negative consequences.

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Full Title: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of chiropractic and medical prophylactic treatment of adults with tension-type headache: results from a stopped trial

OBJECTIVES: Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common headache experienced by adults in Western society. Only 2 clinical trials of spinal manipulation for adult tension-type headache have been reported, neither of which was fully controlled. In 1 trial, spinal manipulation was compared to amitriptyline. There is an urgent need for well-controlled studies of chiropractic spinal manipulation for TTH. This trial was stopped prematurely due to poor recruitment. The purposes of this report are (1) to describe the trial protocol, as it contained several novel features, (2) to report the limited data set obtained from our sample of completed subjects, and (3) to discuss the problems that were encountered in conducting this study. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with a factorial design in which adult TTH sufferers with more than 10 headaches per month were randomly assigned to four groups: real cervical manipulation + real amitriptyline, real cervical manipulation + placebo amitriptyline, sham cervical manipulation + real amitriptyline, and sham cervical manipulation + placebo amitriptyline. A baseline period of four weeks was followed by a treatment period of 14 weeks. The primary outcome was headache frequency obtained from a headache diary in the last 28 days of the treatment period. RESULTS: Nineteen subjects completed the trial. In the unadjusted analysis, a statistically significant main effect of chiropractic treatment was obtained (-2.2 [-10.2 to 5.8], P = .03) which was just below the 3-day reduction set for clinical importance. As well, a clinically significant effect of the combined therapies was obtained (-9 [20.8 to 2.9], P = .13), but this did not achieve statistical significance. In the adjusted analysis, neither the main effects of chiropractic nor amitriptyline were statistically significant or clinically important; however, the effect of the combined treatments was -8.4 (-15.8 to -1.1) which was statistically significant (P = .03) and reached our criterion for clinical importance. CONCLUSION: Although the sample size was smaller than initially required, a statistically significant and clinically important effect was obtained for the combined treatment group. There are considerable difficulties with recruitment of subjects in such a trial. This trial should be replicated with a larger sample.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Jun;32(5):344-51. Vernon H, Jansz G, Goldsmith CH, McDermaid C. Division of Research, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, ON, Canada. hvernon@cmcc.ca

Kathy Sexton-Radek, PhD, C.BSM is Licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice part-time at Suburban Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine, Westmont, Illinois for the last twelve years. She is a Full Professor of Psychology at Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois where she has taught undergraduate and graduate Psychology courses for the last twenty-six years. She is the author of a number of peer-reviewed presentations, articles, book chapters and books in the areas of Sleep Medicine, Health Psychology and Anti-Violence programming in Schools. Her most recent publication, "Combating Your Sleep Problems", is coauthored with Dr. Gina Graci. She lives with her husband, Matt and three sons, Brett, Neal and Ted in North Riverside, Illinois. She can be contacted at ksrsleep@aol.com.

Over the past several years many of our members and readers have asked if they could certify through the Institute. Although some time ago we announced a specialty certification and an advanced certification (Certication Programs), traditionally we did not offer any opportunity to formally recognize a basic hypnotherapy practitioner certification. We have always accepted all of the credentials provided to us by our members. Also, providing a full spectrum of certifications was not part of our original plan. However, we now are full engaged with the community of clinical hypnotherapists and integrative health care providers. We must listen to the needs being expressed. Therefore, it is now time for a change.

Starting on Tuesday, April 21, 2010, we will initiate a new program, which will formally accept clinical hypnotherapist certifications issued by reputable nationwide or international clinical hypnotherapy-oriented organizations and associations. This will constitute an official recognition of such accomplishment by our members. Approved applicants will be considered as Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists and authorized to use CCHt credentials after their name.

This program is only available to Institute members. Others may join so that they can take advantage of the certification process. Existing members may apply for the CCHt credentials. The procedure is outlined on our certifications Web site.

Full Title: Hypnotizability and opinions about hypnosis in a clinical trial for the hypnotic control of pain and anxiety during pregnancy termination

This descriptive study evaluates the hypnoanalgesic experience's effect on participants' hypnotizability and opinions about hypnosis and identifies factors associated with hypnotizability. Hypnotizability was assessed using the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale: Form A in 290 women 1 month after their participation in a randomized clinical trial evaluating hypnotic intervention for pain/anxiety versus standard care during pregnancy termination. Opinions were collected before and after the intervention. The regression model describing hypnotizability (F = 13.55; p < .0001; R(2) = 0.20) retained 5 variables but not the intervention group. The variable explaining most of total variance (62.9%) was the level of perceived automaticity/involuntariness. Opinions about hypnosis were modified by the hypnotic experience compared to standard care but were not associated with hypnotizability. Exposure to hypnoanalgesia did not influence hypnotizability but modifies significantly the opinions about hypnosis. Consistent with previous findings, perceived automaticity appears to best predict hypnotizability.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2010 Jan;58(1):82-101. Dufresne A, Rainville P, Dodin S, Barré P, Masse B, Verreault R, Marc I. Laval University, Quebec City, Canada.

Full Title: A randomized pilot study of motivation enhancement therapy to increase utilization of cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety

Despite the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), most socially anxious individuals do not seek treatment or seek treatment only after many years of suffering. This study evaluated the efficacy of a three-session motivation enhancement therapy (MET) designed to increase CBT utilization among socially anxious individuals. Twenty-seven non-treatment-seeking socially anxious individuals (92.6% met current DSM-IV criteria for social anxiety disorder) were randomly assigned to either MET for CBT (n = 12) or a control condition (n = 15). The primary outcome was attendance at first CBT appointment. Secondary outcomes included openness to therapist contact and willingness to schedule a CBT appointment. After the intervention, seven of the 12 (58.3%) participants in the MET condition attended a CBT appointment compared to two of 15 (13.3%) control participants. Eight of 11 (72.7%) participants in the MET condition indicated they would like a CBT therapist to contact them compared to four of 12 (33.3%) controls. Further, willingness to schedule a CBT appointment increased at a significantly greater rate in the MET condition. Results suggest MET for CBT may be a time-efficient means to increase CBT utilization among socially anxious individuals.

Behav Res Ther. 2009 Aug;47(8):710-5. Epub 2009 May 7. Buckner JD, Schmidt NB. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. jbuckner@lsu.edu

by Debra Burdick, LCSW

If you are like most people these days, your life is full of things that need to be done. No matter how much you do, there is always more to be done. There are chores around the house and yard, cooking and cleaning, chauffeuring the kids to their activities, helping them get their homework done, going to work, and on and on. Even friends who are retired tell me they are so busy they wonder how they ever had time to work. So how do you take care of yourself and rest?

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The aim of this literature review is to explore how music therapy influences the behaviour of older people with dementia. BACKGROUND: Music therapy is often informally used in residential care units to enhance communication, emotional, cognitive and behavioural skills in elderly patients diagnosed with dementia both nationally and internationally. However, in Ireland the benefits of music therapy have not been fully recognized. Many studies have been carried out to establish the effectiveness of music therapy on the behaviour of older people with dementia with positive findings. Music therapy should be welcomed into care of the elderly settings in Ireland and elsewhere; however, more research is required to validate the effects of this therapy as a holistic tool to build altruistic connections between carers and clients. METHOD: A comprehensive review of nursing literature using the online databases CINAHL, PsycINFO and MEDLINE were carried out. The search was limited to articles in the English language and peer-reviewed journals dating 2003-2009. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were reviewed and the majority of these studies reported that music therapy influenced the behaviour of older people with dementia in a positive way by reducing levels of agitation. The research further identified a positive increase in participants' mood and socialization skills, with carers having a significant role to play in the use of music therapy in care of the elderly nursing. However, methodological limitations were apparent throughout each of the studies reviewed. RECOMMENDATIONS: With reference to clinical practice, the authors recommend the undertaking of further research to explore the effects of music therapy on the behaviour and wellbeing of older people with dementia.

Br J Nurs. 2010 Jan 28-Feb 10;19(2):108-13. Wall M, Duffy A. St Vincent's Hospital, Athy, Co Kildare, Ireland.

By Coach Cary Bayer

"If you build it, he'll come."--The Voice, in A Field of Dreams

Recently, while communicating on my Facebook for massage therapists, an LMT in New York State asked me how to get more clients. I asked her how many more sessions she wanted to do each week, and how much time she had for them. She said she wanted 10 more weekly clients. A business coach for massage therapists and alternative healers, I proceeded to teach her a secret for manifesting that I teach in some of my continuing education courses that wasn't mentioned in The Secret, the best-selling video and book. In other words, you heard it here first.

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There is research that serves as evidence in favor of meditation-based programs as rehabilitative for incarcerated populations. This article reviews empirical research regarding the effects of meditation-based programs in correctional populations. Three meditation-based interventions have been shown to represent the majority of empirical research and are reviewed in this article: Transcendental Meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and 10-day Vipassana retreats. Selected dissertation research is reviewed as well. Overall, research suggests three areas in which meditation-based programs provide sufficient treatment to criminal offenders: the enhancement of psychological well-being, a decrease in substance use, and a decrease in recidivism. This suggests that meditation-based programs may be proper treatment programs and support rehabilitation for correctional populations.

Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol. 2010 Mar 23. Himelstein S.

Learn Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) with Andrew McCombe, world renowned Life, Business and High Performance Coach and begin to attract your ideal Health, Wealth, Relationships and Business with EASE.

Acupuncture, which originated with traditional Chinese medicine, has been increasingly used in Western medicine over the last three decades. A huge body of scientific literature reports the physiological and clinical effects of acupuncture. In Germany, about 30,000 physicians apply acupuncture at least occasionally, and German health insurances reimburse acupuncture treatment for chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis of the knee. This overview discusses the most important historical, theoretical, practical, and scientific aspects of acupuncture in general, with a special look at anaesthesia. Regarding anaesthesia, supportive acupuncture treatment is performed for postoperative pain, anxiolysis, and postoperative nausea and vomiting, based on promising results of rigorous randomised trials. However, many unresolved questions remain, such as regarding specificity of concepts, indications, and optimum dose.

Schmerz. 2009 Aug;23(4):405-17; quiz 418. Stör W, Irnich D. Icking, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Campus Innenstadt, München. stoer@daegfa.de

David Barron is a certified master practitioner of NLP and Certified Hypnotherapist who studied with Kenrick Cleveland and Mark Cunningham. A member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, he has over 15 years of experience in the field of Hypnosis and NLP. He has taught many courses and workshops in the field of persuasion and has been a guest speaker in communications related areas. Some highlights and recent notes: He is a consultant at InnVision to help the homeless gain the needed personal resources they need to transition into traditional housing. He recently appeared on BayTV on the topic of Road Rage.

In this paper, preterm infant massage therapy studies are reviewed. Massage therapy has led to weight gain in preterm infants when moderate pressure massage was provided. In studies on passive movement of the limbs, preterm infants also gained significantly more weight, and their bone density also increased. Research on ways of delivering the massage is also explored including using mothers versus therapists and the added effects of using oils. The use of mothers as therapists was effective in at least one study. The use of oils including coconut oil and safflower oil enhanced the average weight gain, and the transcutaneous absorption of oil also increased triglycerides. In addition, the use of synthetic oil increased vagal activity, which may indirectly contribute to weight gain. The weight gain was associated with shorter hospital stays and, thereby, significant hospital cost savings. Despite these benefits, preterm infant massage is only practiced in 38% of neonatal intensive care units. This may relate to the underlying mechanisms not being well understood. The increases noted in vagal activity, gastric motility, insulin and IGF-1 levels following moderate pressure massage are potential underlying mechanisms. However, those variables combined do not explain all of the variance in weight gain, highlighting the need for additional mechanism studies. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Infant Behav Dev. 2010 Apr;33(2):115-24. Field T, Diego M, Hernandez-Reif M. Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami Medical School, Miami, FL 33101, United States. tfield@med.miami.edu

The concept of a "life energy" can be found in many cultures in the present time, as well as in past eras reaching back to the ancients. Variously called qi (chi), ki, the "four humors,"prana, "archaeus,""cosmic aether,""universal fluid,""animal magnetism," and "odic force," among other names, this purported biofield is beginning to yield its properties and interactions to the scientific method. Subtle energy is the term used in this chapter, which traces the recent history of subtle energy studies from Harold Saxton Burr and Björn Nordenström to Jim Oschman and Jacques Benveniste. This work takes signaling in living systems from the chemical/molecular to the physical/atomic level of communication. Effects on heart rate variability, stress response, inflammation, and the vagus nerve have been demonstrated and raise the question--Can the power of subtle energies be harnessed for health enhancement? It is fully accepted that good health depends on good communication both within the organism and between the organism and its environment. Sophisticated imaging procedures brought to bear on telomere, stem cell, and genetic research are confirming the ability of meditation and some other traditional practices to promote optimal health through stress reduction.

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009 Aug;1172:297-311. Rosch PJ. The American Institute of Stress, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry, New York Medical College, Yonkers, New York, USA. stress124@optonline.net

This article investigates the effect of hypnosis on immunity and whether this is the key mechanism in the hypnotic treatment of the genital infection caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease and can lead to cervical and other cancers. Current medical treatments are aimed at tissue assault (acids, freezing, surgery). Medical wart clearance rates are only 30% to 70% and recurrence is common. Our research contrasted hypnosis-only with medical-only therapies, using both urban hospital and rural community samples. Both hypnosis and medical therapy resulted in a statistically significant (p < .04) reduction in areas and numbers of lesions. Yet, at the 12-week follow-up, complete clearance rates were 5 to 1 in favor of hypnosis.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2010 Jan;58(1):102-21. Barabasz A, Higley L, Christensen C, Barabasz M. Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA. arreed_barabasz@wsu.edu

by Bernie Siegel, MD

The present health care crisis is not just related to health care it is a crisis related to what is happening in our society. We have become depersonalized as a society, invested in technology and not the experience people are having. Studies verify what happens to children who grow up unloved and experiencing indifference, rejection and abuse. By midlife if they haven't killed themselves and others while seeking revenge and experiencing guilt related to their actions, almost one hundred percent of them have experienced a major illness, while loved children have one-fourth the serious illness rate.

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Full Title: Evaluation of a meridian-based intervention, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), for reducing specific phobias of small animals.

This study explored whether a meridian-based procedure, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), can reduce specific phobias of small animals under laboratory-controlled conditions. Randomly assigned participants were treated individually for 30 min with EFT (n = 18) or a comparison condition, diaphragmatic breathing (DB) (n = 17). ANOVAS revealed that EFT produced significantly greater improvement than did DB behaviorally and on three self-report measures, but not on pulse rate. The greater improvement for EFT was maintained, and possibly enhanced, at six- to nine-months follow-up on the behavioral measure. These findings suggest that a single treatment session using EFT to reduce specific phobias can produce valid behavioral and subjective effects. Some limitations of the study also are noted and clarifying research suggested. Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.

J Clin Psychol. 2003 Sep;59(9):943-66. Wells S, Polglase K, Andrews HB, Carrington P, Baker AH. Curtin University of Technology of Western Australia.

Louise LeBrun - Founder of the WEL-Systems® Institute and creator of CODE Model Coaching™ - is committed to changing lives! With humour, compassion and a deep connection to the human Spirit, she believes that with safety, science and a touch of the sacred, anything is possible. Her journey has been one that combined practices and technique (Trainer of NLP and Hypnosis ) with the world of energy (Reiki Master, Full Initiator of Huna and life-long student of quantum science), leading her to discover that the whole could be greater than the sum of its parts - and that magic lives in the discovery of evolution for its own sake.

For more information visit www.wel-systems.com.

Full Title: Impression on observing psychic surgery and healing in Brazil which appear to incorporate (+) qi gong energy & the use of acupuncture points

In December, 1995, the author had the opportunity to observe an elderly psychic healer of East European origin in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This man specialized in cancer treatment by pointing with the fingers of his right hand at his patients, without actually touching them, spending an average of 30 to 40 minutes with each one. The author considered this to be Qi Gong treatment. In March, 1997 the author also observed 2 leading psychic healers in Brazil. One of them, named Rubens Farias, Jr. is a 43 year-old former engineer and computer programmer if European descent, who is commonly known as "Dr. Fritz III" because he is believed to be the spirit of Dr. Adolf Fritz, a German physician who died during World War I, operates through him. The other is "Dr." Hirota, a 53 year old former farmer of Japanese decent who lives near Campinas. About 120 kilometers outside of Sao Paulo and treats large numbers of people daily using indirect and/or hand-on healing techniques. On March 6, 1997, when the author visited "Dr. Fritz III"'s clinic in Sao Paulo with a group of Brazilian physicians, he was informed the about 1,400 patients had come that day. "Dr Fritz III" examined and treated the majority of the patients in less than one minute each, often asking very quick questions and then immediately beginning treatment. Most patients received injections of a dark-brown solution, which, some of the visiting doctors speculated, may be an iodine solution mixed with either alcohol or a local anesthetic. In many patients, he injected this solution near the pathological area or at an acupuncture point near the pathological area. When the needle of the syringe was in the acupuncture pint, he twirled it with his fingers several times and the withdrew it. Minor surgery was performed in about 1/5th of the patients with whom the author observed. Most of the surgical incisions were made on the midline of the tissue over the spine near the pathological area. The clamping of the blood vessels and the closings of the surgical wounds were performed by licensed surgeons or licensed nurses. Major surgery were done by "Dr. Fritz III" who used a rather primitive and unorthodox cutting technique. Except for major surgery, assistance was performed by volunteer nurses, including his wife. After the surgical wounds were closed, gauze band-aids were applied. When the surface of the gauze facing the wound was examined, it showed strong (+) Qi Gong energy according to the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test. Essentially, "Dr. Fritz III"'s treatment consists of acupuncture, injection of iodine with other substances near the pathological area, and (+) Qi Gong energy stored gauze which is applied to the acupuncture point, pathological area, or the site of surgery. "Dr." Hirota is another famous psychic healer whom the author was able to meet and observe in practice while in Brazil. "Dr." Hirota has been practicing for over 20 years. He usually sees patients who come to his clinic in the mornings and he claims to treat 1,000 to 2,000 patients daily between 9 AM and 12 noon. His main treatment also appears to be the application of external Qi Gong energy through the fingers of his right-hand, in combination with Shiatsu Massage and a manual procedure resembling chiropractic manipulation.

Acupunct Electrother Res. 1997;22(1):17-33. Omura Y. Heart Disease Research Foundation, New York, USA.