Dr. Bodenhamer's under-graduate degree (BA) is from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC (1972). His major at Appalachian State University was Philosophy and Religion with a minor in Psychology. He received the Master of Divinity (1976) and the Doctor of Ministry Degree (1978) from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. The Master of Divinity Degree included training in Pastoral Care with both classroom and clinical work. Dr. Bodenhamer received one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education from Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, N. C. while working on his doctorate. His marriage to Linda now spans 43 years.

[More]

Full title: "Waiting and the waiting room: how do you experience them?" emotional implications and suggestions from patients with cancer.

Waiting can increase discomfort. The goal of this study was to identify moods and fears of cancer patients while in a waiting room and to capture their concrete suggestions for an anthropocentric transformation of waiting itself. A 15-item questionnaire was given to 355 patients who came to our Out-patient Oncology Clinic. Eighty-three percent of patients felt that waiting has an emotional cost, 35% were upset by talking about their condition with others while waiting, and 26% suffered a major emotional impact seeing other sick people and witnessing their clinical decline. Eighty-nine percent of patients suggested that alternative activities, such as meetings with professionals, doctors, and psychologists, be organized during the waiting period; 65% suggested fun activities (music therapy, drawing courses, library, TV). Most patients asked to have the freedom to leave the waiting room. This option, feasibly by means of IMs/"beepers," would limit their sense of having a lack of freedom or being robbed of their time. This study highlighted the complexity and heterogeneity of emotional implications that waiting causes in patients with cancer and collected many patients' suggestions about how to create a constructive, free, and personalized waiting period, overcoming the boredom, distress, and psychological suffering it causes.

J Cancer Educ. 2011 Jun;26(2):388-94. Epub 2010 Mar 4. Catania C, De Pas T, Minchella I, De Braud F, Micheli D, Adamoli L, Spitaleri G, Noberasco C, Milani A, Zampino MG, Toffalorio F, Radice D, Goldhirsch A, Nolè F. Division of Clinical Pharmacology and New Drugs, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy, chiara.catania@ieo.it.

Full title: Short-term memory effects of an auditory biofeedback on isometric force control: Is there a differential effect as a function of transition trials?

The aim of the present study was to investigate memory effects, force accuracy, and variability during constant isometric force at different force levels, using auditory biofeedback. Two types of transition trials were used: a biofeedback-no biofeedback transition trial and a no biofeedback-biofeedback transition trial. The auditory biofeedback produced a low- or high-pitched sound when participants produced an isometric force lower or higher than required, respectively. To achieve this goal, 16 participants were asked to produce and maintain two different isometric forces (30±5% and 90N±5%) during 25s. Constant error and standard deviation of the isometric force were calculated. While accuracy and variability of the isometric force varied according to the transition trial, a drift of the force appeared in the no biofeedback condition. This result suggested that the degradation of information about force output in the no biofeedback condition was provided by a leaky memory buffer which was mainly dependent on the sense of effort. Because this drift remained constant whatever the transition used, this memory buffer seemed to be independent of short-term memory processes.

Hum Mov Sci. 2011 Jun;30(3):436-45. Epub 2011 Apr 1. Cuisinier R, Olivier I, Troccaz J, Vuillerme N, Nougier V. UJF-Grenoble 1/CNRS/TIMC-IMAG UMR 5525, Grenoble, F-38041, France.

Full title: Orange Interventions for Symptoms Associated With Dimethyl Sulfoxide During Stem Cell Reinfusions: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND:: For over 2 decades, oncology nurses at a regional comprehensive cancer center offered sliced oranges to patients during the reinfusion of autologous hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) to relieve symptoms associated with the preservative dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). OBJECTIVES:: This randomized pilot study examined feasibility and efficacy of sliced orange intervention (OI), orange aromatherapy intervention (OAI), or deep breathing (control) to address unpleasant adverse effects during HPC infusion. METHODS:: Orange intervention sniffed or tasted a quartered orange, OAI sniffed orange aromatherapy, and control took deep breaths. Perceived "symptom intensity" for tickle/cough urge, nausea, retching, and perceived "relief" were measured on 0- to 10-point numerical scales. RESULTS:: Sixty of 72 eligible patients consented to participate and were randomized to OI (n = 19), OAI (n = 23), or control (n =18). Study personnel successfully administered study procedures. Over the course of 2 bags of cells infused, the OI group reported significantly greater relief with the intervention (P = .032). Among participants less than 90 kg, OI group reported significantly lower symptom intensity (P = .012). CONCLUSIONS:: Results suggest a feasible protocol and potential efficacy of sliced oranges for treating symptoms associated with DMSO-preserved stem cells. Study procedures provide a tested protocol for future studies. Follow-up study is warranted to confirm these findings and evaluate other treatment options. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:: Oranges offer a simple, noninvasive intervention for relieving symptoms associated with DMSO preservative during autologous HPC infusion.

Cancer Nurs. 2011 Mar 2. Potter P, Eisenberg S, Cain KC, Berry DL. Author Affiliations: School of Nursing, University of Portland, Portland, Oregon (Dr Potter); Infusion Services, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington (Mr Eisenberg); Department of Biostatistics and Office for Nursing Research, Seattle, Washington (Dr Cain); Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Berry).

Art Leidecker has been working with hypnosis since 1970. As a consultant to Paramount Pictures, MGM Studios, Columbia Pictures, HBO Cannon and Embassy Pictures he built 11 corporations in the U.S. and Canada and retired at the age of 47. His fascination with the power of the mind and how it works in marketing motivated him to become a hypnotherapist. As his practice grew he became interested in helping people become hypnotherapists, and in 1996 established the Leidecker Institute, one of the largest state licensed hypnotherapy training schools in the country.

[More]

To identify the effect of acupuncture on skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA), 17 healthy subjects (7 male and 10 female) underwent LI4 acupuncture and sham needle insertion during resting or elevated SSNA conditions. In Protocol 1 (resting SSNA), subjects received a 10min sham followed by 10min of LI4 acupuncture during resting conditions. In Protocol 2 (elevated SSNA), subjects performed 10min of submaximal intermittent handgrip (2:4s work to rest interval at 37±3% of maximal voluntary contraction) during sham and LI4 acupuncture conditions. SSNA (peroneal nerve microneurography), heart rate (ECG), and mean arterial blood pressure (finger photoplethysmography) were measured and normalized to baseline. SSNA, heart rate, and mean arterial blood pressure were not significantly altered during resting conditions (Protocol 1). During handgrip (Protocol 2), SSNA significantly increased with the sham treatment (+15.3±8.8, +11.1±5.9, and +24.3±13.0% at minutes 1, 5, and 10, respectively), while LI4 acupuncture attenuated this increase (-1.6±7.6, 0.0±4.3, and +2.2±11.2% at minutes 1, 5, and 10, respectively). Heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure increased during handgrip (Protocol 2), but no differences were observed between sham and LI4 acupuncture treatments. These results suggest that acupuncture does not affect resting SSNA in healthy subjects, however if SSNA is acutely elevated above baseline levels, acupuncture has the capacity to attenuate the increased SSNA.

Auton Neurosci. 2011 Jul 5;162(1-2):84-8. Epub 2011 May 26. Toma K, Walkowski S, Metzler-Wilson K, Wilson TE. Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.

Full title: European clinical guidelines for Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. Part III: behavioural and psychosocial interventions.

This clinical guideline provides recommendations for the behavioural and psychosocial interventions (BPI) of children and adolescents with tic disorders prepared by a working group of the European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS). A systematic literature search was conducted to obtain an update on the efficacy of BPI for tics. Relevant studies were identified using computerised searches of the Medline and PsycINFO databases and the Cochrane Library for the years 1950-2010. The search identified no meta-analyses, yet twelve (systematic) reviews and eight randomised controlled trials provided evidence for the current review. Most evidence was found for habit reversal training (HRT) and the available but smaller evidence also supports the efficacy of exposure with response prevention (ERP). Both interventions are considered first line behavioural treatments for tics for both children and adults and should be offered to a patient, taking into account his preference. Treatments that are considered second line or add-on behavioural treatments are contingency management, function based interventions and relaxation training. Neurofeedback is still experimental. Almost no research was identified that examined the efficacy of psychosocial interventions, e.g., psychoeducation and group work. Based on clinical practice, this guideline recommends behavioural treatment as first line offer to patients in most cases. It should be embedded within a psychoeducational and supportive context and can be combined with drug treatment.

Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2011 Apr;20(4):197-207. Verdellen C, van de Griendt J, Hartmann A, Murphy T; ESSTS Guidelines Group. Collaborators: Androutsos C, Aschauer H, Baird G, Bos-Veneman N, Brambilla A, Cardona F, Cath DC, Cavanna AE, Czernecki V, Dehning S, Eapter A, Farkas L, Gadaros J, Hartmann A, Hauser E, Heyman I, Hedderly T, Hoekstra PJ, Korsgaard A, Jackson GM, Larsson L, Ludolph AG, Martino D, Menghetti C, Mol Debes N, Muller N, Muller-Vahl K, Munchau A, Murphy T, Musil R, Nagy P, Nurnberger J, Oostra B, Paschou P, Pasquini M, Plessen KJ, Porta M, Rickards H, Rizzo R, Robertson MM, Roessner V, Rothenberger A, Servello D, Skov L, Stern JS, Strand G, Tarnok Z, Termine C, Van der Griendt J, Verdellen C, Visser-Vandewalle V, Wannag E, Wolanczyck T. HSK Group/Expertise Centre Tics, Hambakenwetering 5B, 5231 DD Den Bosch, The Netherlands. c.verdellen@hsk.nl

In this introductory article to a special issue on the sociocognitive perspective of hypnosis, the authors contrast two influential hypnosis theories-the sociocognitive and dissociation perspectives-and argue that recent developments in sociocognitive theory (i.e., response set theory) and in the broader field of cognitive psychology pertaining to nonconscious information processing and goal-directed action make possible a rapprochement between theoretical accounts that have vied for attention and empirical support.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2011 Jul;59(3):277-93. Lynn SJ, Green JP. Binghamton University, State University of New York, USA.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of the study was to examine mindfulness-based meditation therapy qualitatively. A secondary goal was to examine the differences in themes selected by Japanese and Western patients receiving this therapy. METHODS: The subjects were 28 patients who were undergoing anti-cancer treatment. The subjects participated in two sessions of mindfulness-based meditation therapy, including breathing, yoga movement, and meditation. Each patient was taught the program in the first session, then exercised at home with a CD, and subsequently met the interviewer in a second session after 2 weeks. Primary physicians recruited the patients and interviews were conducted individually by nurses or psychologists with training in the program. Patients provided answers to pre- and post-intervention interviews about the meaning of their illness. RESULTS: Narrative data from the semi-structured interview were analyzed qualitatively. Pre-intervention, themes such as "Effort to cope," "Looking back," "Spirituality," "Personal growth," and "Suffering" were often chosen. Post-intervention, themes such as "Adapted coping," "Personal growth," "Positive meaning," "Spirituality," and "Negative recognition" were more commonly chosen. CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness-based meditation therapy may be effective for producing adapted coping, including positive recognition and changes for an adapted lifestyle. There were some common aspects and some differences in the themes selected by patients in this study and Western patients received mindfulness therapy in other studies.

Support Care Cancer. 2011 Jul;19(7):929-33. Epub 2010 May 16. Ando M, Morita T, Akechi T, Ifuku Y. Faculty of Nursing, St. Mary's College, Tsubukuhonmachi 422, Kurume City, Fukuoka, Japan, andou@st-mary.ac.jp.

Full title: Effects of a mindfulness-based smoking cessation program for an adult with mild intellectual disability.

Smoking is a major risk factor for a number of health conditions and many smokers find it difficult to quit smoking without specific interventions. We developed and used a mindfulness-based smoking cessation program with a 31-year-old man with mild intellectual disabilities who had been a smoker for 17 years. The mindfulness-based smoking cessation program consisted of three components: intention, mindful observation of thoughts, and Meditation on the Soles of the Feet. A changing-criterion analysis showed that this man was able to fade his cigarette smoking from 12 at baseline to 0 within 3 months, and maintain this for a year. Follow-up data, collected every 3 months following the maintenance period, showed he was able to abstain from smoking for 3 years. Our study suggests that this mindfulness-based smoking cessation program merits further investigation.

Res Dev Disabil. 2011 May-Jun;32(3):1180-5. Epub 2011 Feb 1. Singh NN, Lancioni GE, Winton AS, Singh AN, Singh J, Singh AD. American Health and Wellness Institute, Verona, VA, USA. nnsingh@ahwinstitute.com

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used for the treatment of infertility; however, few reviews have evaluated the quality of evidence underlying the use of CAM fertility treatments. This review summarizes and evaluates the evidence underlying the use of these therapies for male and female infertility. RECENT FINDINGS: A wide range of CAM treatments are used by subfertile couples. Their use depends upon the region studied and the type of fertility problems encountered. Acupuncture, the most commonly used CAM fertility treatment in the USA, has the most literature-based support. Few randomized trials have been performed to evaluate other CAM fertility treatments. SUMMARY: CAM is used commonly to treat infertility; however, additional high-quality studies need to be conducted to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of these therapies before clear recommendations can be made by physicians about their safety and effectiveness.

Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Jun;23(3):195-9. Weiss DA, Harris CR, Smith JF. Department of Urology, USA bDepartment of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.

Full title: Factors Associated With Care Seeking From Physicians, Physical Therapists, or Chiropractors by Persons With Spinal Pain: A Population-Based Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of longitudinal population-based survey data. OBJECTIVES: To investigate factors associated with care seeking for physician referred physical therapy (MD/PT) as compared to physician only (MD) or chiropractic only (DC) care for spinal pain. BACKGROUND: Although a large proportion of ambulatory physical therapy visits are related to spinal pain, physical therapists are not the most commonly seen provider. The majority of visits are to physicians followed by chiropractors. We attempted to understand more about this disparity by examining social and demographic factors that differentiate between persons who see these providers. METHODS: Episodes of care were constructed from participants in 2 panels from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey who had spinal pain. The provider of care was identified for each episode and logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with MD/PT use compared to MD use; and MD/PT use compared to DC use. RESULTS: MDs see the majority [61%] of patients with spinal pain followed by DC [28%] and MD/PT [11%]. Female sex, higher levels of education, and higher income were significantly associated with MD/PT over MD care. Increased age, female sex, lower self health rating, and presence of at least 1 disability day were all significantly associated with MD/PT care over DC care. CONCLUSION: Socio-demographic and clinical factors are associated with who gets care via an MD/PT route as compared to MD or DC care seeking. We found evidence of an access disparity for physical therapy and identified population characteristics that both increase and reduce the likelihood of physical therapy service use.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011 Jun 7. Chevan J, Riddle DL.

Hypnotic suggestibility has been described as a powerful predictor of outcomes associated with hypnotic interventions. However, there have been no systematic approaches to quantifying this effect across the literature. This meta-analysis evaluates the magnitude of the effect of hypnotic suggestibility on hypnotic outcomes in clinical settings. PsycINFO and PubMed were searched from their inception through July 2009. Thirty-four effects from 10 studies and 283 participants are reported. Results revealed a statistically significant overall effect size in the small to medium range (r = .24; 95% Confidence Interval = -0.28 to 0.75), indicating that greater hypnotic suggestibility led to greater effects of hypnosis interventions. Hypnotic suggestibility accounted for 6% of the variance in outcomes. Smaller sample size studies, use of the SHCS, and pediatric samples tended to result in larger effect sizes. The authors question the usefulness of assessing hypnotic suggestibility in clinical contexts.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2011 Jul;59(3):294-309. Montgomery GH, Schnur JB, David D. Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.

Hypnotic suggestibility has been described as a powerful predictor of outcomes associated with hypnotic interventions. However, there have been no systematic approaches to quantifying this effect across the literature. This meta-analysis evaluates the magnitude of the effect of hypnotic suggestibility on hypnotic outcomes in clinical settings. PsycINFO and PubMed were searched from their inception through July 2009. Thirty-four effects from 10 studies and 283 participants are reported. Results revealed a statistically significant overall effect size in the small to medium range (r = .24; 95% Confidence Interval = -0.28 to 0.75), indicating that greater hypnotic suggestibility led to greater effects of hypnosis interventions. Hypnotic suggestibility accounted for 6% of the variance in outcomes. Smaller sample size studies, use of the SHCS, and pediatric samples tended to result in larger effect sizes. The authors question the usefulness of assessing hypnotic suggestibility in clinical contexts.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2011 Jul;59(3):294-309. Montgomery GH, Schnur JB, David D. Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.

Andy is a Psychology graduate, registered Psychotherapist and also qualified in Regression Therapy, Life Between Lives Regression and is an International Board of Regression Therapy certified Past Life Therapist. He has had a private practice dedicated to Regression Therapy since 1996. From a background of 10 years as a management trainer Andy is internationally known for his training. He is a founder member of the European Association of Regression Therapy and through it has been working to establish common quality training standards with the leading international Regression Therapy training organisations. He is also the founder of the Spiritual Regression Therapy Association and Norsk forbund for Regresjonsterapi in Scandinavia. Andy is the author of the book Healing the Eternal Soul which is recognized as an extremely valuable contribution and advancement to the field of Regression Therapy, and Exploring the Eternal Soul which takes this further in the new area of Life Between Lives Regression. He is the lead trainer at the Past Life Regression Academy.

Full title: Nonpharmacological interventions to manage common symptoms in patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

Patients receiving mechanical ventilation can experience symptoms such as pain, anxiety, agitation, and lack of sleep while in the intensive care unit, all of which can affect healing. Nonpharmacological complementary therapies can be used as adjuncts to sedatives and analgesics. By incorporating appropriate use of complementary therapies in conjunction with mainstream medical therapies, nurses can decrease patients' anxiety, promote sleep, and promote a healing environment to improve outcomes. Minimizing noise and providing access to natural light help promote a healing environment. Methods to promote sleep include relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and massage and communication with patients' and their families to determine the patients' normal sleep patterns. Complementary therapies to relieve anxiety and agitation include music intervention, imagery, presence, and animal-assisted therapy.

Crit Care Nurse. 2011 Jun;31(3):19-28. Tracy MF, Chlan L.

Full title: Comparing biofeedback with active exercise and passive treatment for the management of work-related neck and shoulder pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Comparing biofeedback with active exercise and passive treatment for the management of work-related neck and shoulder pain: a randomized controlled trial.OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of biofeedback with those of active exercise and passive treatment in treating work-related neck and shoulder pain. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial with 3 intervention groups and a control group. SETTING: Participants were recruited from outpatient physiotherapy clinics and a local hospital. PARTICIPANTS: All participants reported consistent neck and shoulder pain related to computer use for more than 3 months in the past year and no severe trauma or serious pathology. A total of 72 potential participants were recruited initially, of whom a smaller group of individuals (n=60) completed the randomized controlled trial. INTERVENTIONS: The 3 interventions were applied for 6 weeks. In the biofeedback group, participants were instructed to use a biofeedback machine on the bilateral upper trapezius (UT) muscles daily while performing computer work. Participants in the exercise group performed a standardized exercise program daily on their own. In the passive treatment group, interferential therapy and hot packs were applied to the participants' necks and shoulders. The control group was given an education booklet on office ergonomics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain (visual analog scale), neck disability index (NDI), and surface electromyography were assessed preintervention and postintervention. Pain and NDI were reassessed after 6 months. RESULTS: Postintervention, average pain and NDI scores were reduced significantly more in the biofeedback group than in the other 3 groups, and this was maintained at 6 months. Cervical erector spinae muscle activity showed significant reductions postintervention in the biofeedback group, and there were consistent trends of reductions in the UT muscle activity. CONCLUSIONS: Six weeks of biofeedback training produced more favorable outcomes in reducing pain and improving muscle activation of neck muscles in patients with work-related neck and shoulder pain.

Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2011 Jun;92(6):849-58. Ma C, Szeto GP, Yan T, Wu S, Lin C, Li L. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong (SAR), China.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of a new aromatherapy intervention introduced within an acute cancer care setting in the UK. BACKGROUND: Aromatherapy is a popular complementary therapy within oncology settings and is known to help relieve patients' anxiety. A new method of delivering aromatherapy to patients was adopted by a complementary therapy service at a UK hospital; aromasticks are similar in design to the Vicks® Vapour Inhaler®, with the intention of helping patients manage anxiety, nausea and sleep disturbance. DESIGN: A retrospective service evaluation. METHOD: Patients referred to the complementary therapy service were, if appropriate, offered an aromastick. If the offer was accepted patients' details were captured on an evaluation form. One week later the patients were followed up by a different therapist. Frequency of using the aromastick and perceived benefits were documented. A total of 160 patients were included in this evaluation. RESULTS: 77% (n = 123) of all patients reported deriving at least one benefit from the aromastick. In anxious patients, 65% reported feeling more relaxed and 51% felt less stress. 47% of nauseous patients said that the aromastick had settled their nausea and 55% of those experiencing sleep disturbances felt that aromastick helped them sleep. The results also suggest that the effects of the aromastick may be directly proportional to the frequency of their use. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Evidence demonstrating physiological changes associated with aroma inhalation plus the data presented in this paper highlight the potential for aromasticks within the clinical setting. Although the results of this evaluation of patient perspectives are not controlled, the data does underline the worth of further investigation. Future research is needed to show that aromasticks represent a tool patients can use to self-manage their own symptoms and help them retain an internal locus of control.

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 May;17(2):116-21. Stringer J, Donald G. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, United Kingdom. jacqui.stringer@christie.nhs.uk

Full title: Potential role of metabolomics apporoaches in the area of traditional Chinese medicine: As pillars of the bridge between Chinese and Western medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a holistic approach to health that attempts to bring the body, mind and spirit into harmony. Entering 21st century, TCM is getting more and more popular in the whole world for improving health condition of human beings and preventing or healing diseases, especially shows great advantages in early intervention, combination therapies and personalized medicine, etc. However, like almost all other ethnopharmacology, TCM also faces severe challenges and suffers from insufficient modern research owing to lack of scientific and technologic approaches, restricts the development of TCM in the world. Fortunately, a novel analytical technique, metabolomics (or metabonomics), adopts a 'top-down' strategy to reflect the function of organisms from terminal symptoms of metabolic network and understand metabolic changes of a complete system caused by interventions in holistic context. Its property consists with the holistic thinking of TCM, may beneficially provide an opportunity to scientifically express the meaning of evidence-based Chinese medicine, such as Chinese medicine syndromes (CMS), preventive treatment, action of Chinese medicine, Chinese medical formulae (CMF) and acupuncture efficacy. This review summarizes potential applications of robust metabolomics apporoaches in the area of traditional oriental medicine, and highlights the key role of metabolomics to resolve special TCM issues.

J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2011 Jul 15;55(5):859-68. Epub 2011 Feb 26. Wang X, Sun H, Zhang A, Sun W, Wang P, Wang Z. National TCM Key Lab of Serum Pharmacochemistry, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China.

Cal received his B.S. and M.A. degrees in Psychology at the University of North Dakota and has worked as a Psychologist at the North Dakota State Hospital, and with Lutheran Social Services as a Family Therapist. Mr. Banyan is the founder and C.E.O. of the Banyan Hypnosis Center for Training & Services, Inc.He is coauthor with Gerald F. Kein, Hypnosis And Hypnotherapy: Basic To Advanced Techniques for the Professional and is also the author of the upcoming and long anticipated, Secret Language of Feelings. He has contributed to several other books including, Hypnotize This (Zalman) and Official Consumer Guide to Hypnotism (National Guild of Hypnotists). Cal Banyan has appeared on many television and radio shows promoting the use of hypnosis. He is also an instructor, consultant, author and public speaker on the following topics: hypnosis, hypnotherapy and working with emotions for control of addiction, overcoming chronic illness and personal achievement.

Anti-epileptic drugs are the mainstay in the management of epilepsy. However, approximately 30% of patients continue to have seizures despite optimal drug therapy. Behavioural interventions that include biofeedback have become increasingly popular over the last 3 decades, and the results have mostly been encouraging. Biofeedback is a non-invasive behavioural treatment that enables a patient to gain volitional control over a physiological process. In epilepsy, targeted parameters for biofeedback include electroencephalographic (EEG) measures of cortical activity, such as different EEG frequencies or cortical potentials (i.e., neurofeedback), and peripheral autonomic activity, such as Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). In this review, biofeedback using Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR), Slow Cortical Potentials (SCP), and GSR are discussed. SMR biofeedback was established in the 1970s and is the most prominent methodology for biofeedback treatment of epilepsy in published literature. The technique is now regaining its popularity. SCP biofeedback was introduced in the 1990s. In contrast to SMR biofeedback, which modulates the frequency components of EEG, SCP biofeedback focuses on the regulation of potential changes (amplitude of DC shift). The clinical trials conducted using SCP biofeedback were larger than those conducted using SMR biofeedback, and their overall outcomes were promising. GSR biofeedback is a relatively new methodology in its application to epilepsy and focuses on the modulation of electrodermal measures of sympathetic activity. Compared to the neurofeedback approach, GSR biofeedback is much easier to implement, and evidence suggests that its clinical benefits can be achieved more rapidly. Although the biofeedback treatment may never achieve the status of an alternative to pharmacotherapy for epilepsy, current research findings strongly suggest that biofeedback has the potential to become a potent adjunctive non-pharmacological approach to reduce seizure frequency in patient with drug-resistant epilepsy. Further research, especially a well-controlled large clinical trial, is necessary and anticipated.

Brain Nerve. 2011 Apr;63(4):385-92. Nagai Y, Matsuura M. Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre.

This article examines issues raised by a recent UK legal case in which the defense argued that the accusations made by the highly hypnotizable plaintiff were likely based on false memories. The authors argue that the evidence related to hypnotizability and false memory production is inconsistent but may be illuminated by a sociocognitive perspective. They present 2 preliminary studies that indicate that when the instructions imply that accurate reporting is a feature of hypnosis, higher hypnotizables may actually be more resistant than low or medium hypnotizables to false memories arising from misleading information given during hypnosis. They conclude that, when memory accuracy is emphasized rather than productivity, there is little evidence to link high hypnotizability with a propensity to produce false memories.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2011 Jul;59(3):310-26. Wagstaff GF, Wheatcroft JM, Jones AC. University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.

This pilot study examined loving-kindness meditation (LKM) with 18 participants with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and significant negative symptoms. Findings indicate that the intervention was feasible and associated with decreased negative symptoms and increased positive emotions and psychological recovery.

Schizophr Res. 2011 Jul;129(2-3):137-40. Epub 2011 Mar 8. Johnson DP, Penn DL, Fredrickson BL, Kring AM, Meyer PS, Catalino LI, Brantley M. Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3270, USA.

Full title: Complementary and alternative medicine: Perception and use by physiotherapists in the management of low back pain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this survey was to investigate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by physiotherapists for the treatment of low back pain (LBP). METHODS: Questionnaires (n=1000) were distributed to physiotherapists randomly selected from the UK's Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice (OCPPP). Results were analysed by SPSS. RESULTS: A response rate of 46% was obtained (n=459). 94.3% of respondents stated that they currently treated LBP; the most common CAMs used by physiotherapists were acupuncture (46.9%) and massage (2.1%). Physiotherapists perceived acupuncture, massage, osteopathy, chiropractic and yoga to be effective in the treatment of LBP, but were unsure about the effectiveness of other CAMs. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Physiotherapists in this sample often use acupuncture and massage to treat LBP, but appear to have little knowledge of other CAMs. Physiotherapists use mainstream methods such as mobilization and massage which could be perceived as CAM depending on the physiotherapists' perceptions and training, as these therapies have also been used and investigated by CAM practitioners. More research is required on the use of CAM as little is known regarding the effectiveness of these therapies on LBP.

Complement Ther Med. 2011 Jun;19(3):149-54. Epub 2011 Apr 27. Hughes CM, Quinn F, Baxter GD. School of Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co., Antrim BT37 OQB, United Kingdom.

The mechanisms for developing long-lasting neck pain after whiplash injuries are still largely unrevealed. In the present study it was investigated whether a kyphotic deformity of the cervical spine, as opposed to a straight or a lordotic spine, was associated with the symptoms at baseline, and with the prognosis one year following a whiplash injury. MRI was performed in 171 subjects about 10 d after the accident, and 104 participated in the pain recording at 1-year follow-up. It was demonstrated that postures as seen on MRI can be reliably categorized and that a straight spine is the most frequent appearance of the cervical spine in supine MRI. In relation to symptoms it was seen that a kyphotic deformity was associated with reporting the highest intensities of headache at baseline, but not with an increased risk of long-lasting neck pain or headache. In conclusion, a kyphotic deformity is not significantly associated with chronic whiplash associated pain. Moreover, it is a clear clinical implication that pain should not be ascribed to a straight spine on MRI. We suggest that future trials on cervical posture focus upon the presence of kyphotic deformity rather than just on the absence of lordosis.

Man Ther. 2011 Aug;16(4):378-83. Epub 2011 Feb 3. Johansson MP, Baann Liane MS, Bendix T, Kasch H, Kongsted A. Private Chiropractic Clinic, Godthaabsvej, Frederiksberg, Denmark.

Full title: Responding to hypnotic and nonhypnotic suggestions: performance standards, imaginative suggestibility, and response expectancies.

This study examined the relative impact of hypnotic inductions and several other variables on hypnotic and nonhypnotic responsiveness to imaginative suggestions. The authors examined how imaginative suggestibility, response expectancies, motivation to respond to suggestions, and hypnotist-induced performance standards affected participants' responses to both hypnotic and nonhypnotic suggestions and their suggestion-related experiences. Suggestions were administered to 5 groups of participants using a test-retest design: (a) stringent performance standards; (b) lenient performance standards; (c) hypnosis test-retest; (d) no-hypnosis test-retest; and (e) no-hypnosis/hypnosis control. The authors found no support for the influence of a hypnotic induction or performance standards on responding to suggestions but found considerable support for the role of imaginativesuggestibility and response expectancies in predicting responses to both hypnotic and nonhypnotic suggestions.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2011 Jul;59(3):327-49. Meyer EC, Lynn SJ. Binghamton University, State University of New York, USA.

Tim is recognized internationally as an expert in Hypnotherapy. As a result of his accomplishments he currently serves as vice-president of the International Board of Hypnotherapy, and served two terms as president of the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (A.C.H.E.) from 2003-2005, and from 2007-2009. In 1995 Tim became the Director of the Hypnotherapy Academy of America, which has been licensed as a private post secondary institution/career school by the State of New Mexico since 1988. His former career as a nationally registered paramedic helps him integrate hypnotherapy and conventional medicine into some of the very best medical hypnosis training available. His book, Medical Hypnotherapy: Principles and Methods of Practice, is an effective handbook, not only for professionals in the healthcare system, but also for anyone who wants to learn how clinical hypnosis can help people discover and activate their own inherent self-healing capacity.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the effectiveness of group music intervention against agitated behavior in elderly persons with dementia. METHODS: This was an experimental study using repeated measurements. Subjects were elderly persons who suffered from dementia and resided in nursing facilities. In total, 104 participants were recruited by permuted block randomization and of the 100 subjects who completed this study, 49 were in the experimental group and 51 were in the control group. The experimental group received a total of twelve 30-min group music intervention sessions, conducted twice a week for six consecutive weeks, while the control group participated in normal daily activities. In order to measure the effectiveness of the therapeutic sessions, assessments were conducted before the intervention, at the 6th and 12th group sessions, and at 1 month after cessation of the intervention. Longitudinal effects were analyzed by means of generalized estimating equations (GEEs). RESULTS: After the group music therapy intervention, the experimental group showed better performance at the 6th and 12th sessions, and at 1 month after cessation of the intervention based on reductions in agitated behavior in general, physically non-aggressive behavior, verbally non-aggressive behavior, and physically aggressive behavior, while a reduction in verbally aggressive behavior was shown only at the 6th session. CONCLUSIONS: Group music intervention alleviated agitated behavior in elderly persons with dementia. We suggest that nursing facilities for demented elderly persons incorporate group music intervention in routine activities in order to enhance emotional relaxation, create inter-personal interactions, and reduce future agitated behaviors.

Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2011 Jul;26(7):670-8. doi: 10.1002/gps.2580. Epub 2010 Jul 29. Lin Y, Chu H, Yang CY, Chen CH, Chen SG, Chang HJ, Hsieh CJ, Chou KR. Graduate Institute of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.

Full title: The use of a respiratory rate biofeedback device to reduce dental anxiety: an exploratory investigation.

Anxiety experienced by individuals visiting the dental office to receive treatment is common. Evidence has shown biofeedback to be a useful modality of treatment for numerous maladies associated with anxiety. The purpose of the current pilot study was to investigate the use of a novel biofeedback device (RESPeRATE™) to reduce patients' pre-operative general anxiety levels and consequently reduce the pain associated with dental injections. Eighty-one subjects participated in this study, forty in the experimental group and forty-one in the control group. Subjects in the experimental group used the biofeedback technique, while those in the control group were not exposed to any biofeedback. All subjects filled out a pre-injection anxiety survey, then received an inferior alveolar injection of local anesthetic. Post-injection, both groups were given an anxiety survey and asked to respond to four questions regarding the injection experience using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). With the use of the respiratory rate biofeedback device, there was a significant reduction of negative feelings regarding the overall injection experience, as measured by a VAS. Our findings demonstrate that this novel biofeedback technique may be helpful in the amelioration of dental anxiety, and may help produce a more pleasant overall experience for the patient.

Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2011 Jun;36(2):63-70. Morarend QA, Spector ML, Dawson DV, Clark SH, Holmes DC. Private Practice Limited to Periodontics, Cedar Rapids, IA, USA.

Objectives To evaluate the effects of the aroma of essential oil of lavender against placebo on subjects' pain perceptions and levels of anxiety when undergoing elective cosmetic facial injections of botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX(®) COSMETIC) for the correction of glabellar wrinkles. Methods Subjects (N = 30) who had not previously received any cosmetic facial injections were randomized to essential oil of lavender aroma exposure or to placebo during elective cosmetic facial injections of BOTOX(®) (12 U) for the correction of glabellar wrinkles. Evaluations of subjects' pain perceptions and levels of anxiety assessed by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken at baseline, before, and after injections. Results Subjects exposed to essential lavender oil showed a significant reduction in HR after the injection as compared to the pre-injection HR. Subjects exposed to the placebo did not show any significant difference in BP or HR between pre-injection and postinjection. Conclusions Although essential oil of lavender did not have an effect on the subjects' perception of pain during a facial injection, subjects showed significant increases in parasympathetic activity when exposed to the lavender aroma. Lavender aromatherapy has the potential to ease anxiety in patients undergoing minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures.

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2011 Jun;10(2):89-93. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00554.x. Grunebaum LD, Murdock J, Castanedo-Tardan MP, Baumann LS. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA Baumann Cosmetic and Research Institute, Miami Beach, Florida, USA.

David H. Barlow received his Ph.D. from the University of Vermont in 1969 and has published over 500 articles and chapters including over 60 books and clinical manuals, mostly in the area of emotional disorders and clinical research methodology. The books and manuals have been translated in over 20 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Hindi.

[More]

Contemporary studies in the cognitive neuroscience of attention and suggestion shed new light on the underlying neural mechanisms that operationalize these effects. Without adhering to important caveats inherent to imaging of the living human brain, however, findings from brain imaging studies may enthrall more than explain. Scholars, practitioners, professionals, and consumers must realize that the influence words exert on focal brain activity is measurable but that these measurements are often difficult to interpret. While recent brain imaging research increasingly incorporates variations of suggestion and hypnosis, correlating overarching hypnotic experiences with specific brain substrates remains tenuous. This article elucidates the mounting role of cognitive neuroscience, including the relative merits and intrinsic limitations of neuroimaging, in better contextualizing trance-like concepts.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2011 Jul;59(3):363-77. Raz A. McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Full title: Changes of gene expression profiles in the cervical spinal cord by acupuncture in an MPTP-intoxicated mouse model: Microarray analysis.

It has been shown that acupuncture at acupoints GB34 and LR3 inhibits the degeneration of nigrostriatal neurons in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of Parkinson's disease. The degeneration of spinal cord was reported to be induced in the MPTP-treated pre-symptomatic mouse. In this study, the gene expression profile changes following acupuncture at the acupoints were investigated in the cervical spinal cord of an MPTP-induced parkinsonism model using a whole transcript array (Affymetrix GeneChip mouse gene 1.0 ST array). It was shown that 8 of the probes up-regulated in MPTP, as compared to the control, were down-regulated after acupuncture at the acupoints. Of these 8 probes, 6 probes (4 annotated genes in 6 probes: Ctla2a, EG383229, Ppbp and Ube2l6) were exclusively down-regulated by acupuncture at the specific acupoints except for 2 probes as these 2 probes were commonly down-regulated by acupuncture at both the acupoints and the non-acupoints. In addition, 11 of the probes down-regulated in MPTP, as compared to the control, were up-regulated by acupuncture at the acupoints. Of these 11 probes, 10 probes (5 annotated genes in 10 probes: EG665033, ENSMUSG00000055323, Obox6, Pbp2 and Tmem150) were exclusively up-regulated by acupuncture at the specific acupoints except for the Fut11 because the Fut11 was commonly up-regulated by acupuncture at both the acupoints and the non-acupoints. The expression levels of the representative genes in the microarray were validated by real-time RT-PCR. These data suggest that the expression of these exclusively regulated 16 probes (9 genes) may be, at least in part, affected by acupuncture at the acupoints in the cervical spinal cord which can be damaged by MPTP intoxication.

Gene. 2011 Jul 15;481(1):7-16. Epub 2011 Apr 1. Choi YG, Yeo S, Hong YM, Kim SH, Lim S. Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine, East-West Medical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Basic Oriental Medical Science, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

A book review by Tim Brunson, PhD

In Forget Diets, Plant Tomatoes: A metaphoric, hypnotic journey to stop emotional eating Joanna Cameron DCH, who labels herself as the "Trance Lady," presents a rather simple and elegant seven-step approach to overcoming obesity. Her tactics come down to reducing biographical emotional blockages using Time Line Therapy, parts therapy, chakra balancing, and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). They are integrated with an effective approach toward goal setting and accomplishment.

[More]

Social learning is essential for adaptive behavior in humans. Neurofeedback based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) trains control over localized brain activity. It can disentangle learning processes at the neural level and thus investigate the mechanisms of operant conditioning with explicit social reinforcers. In a pilot study, a computer-generated face provided a positive feedback (smiling) when activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) increased and gradually returned to a neutral expression when the activity dropped. One female volunteer without previous experience in fMRI underwent training based on a social reinforcer. Directly before and after the neurofeedback runs, neural responses to a cognitive interference task (Simon task) were recorded. We observed a significant increase in activity within ACC during the neurofeedback blocks, correspondent with the a-priori defined anatomical region of interest. In the course of the neurofeedback training, the subject learned to regulate ACC activity and could maintain the control even without direct feedback. Moreover, ACC was activated significantly stronger during Simon task after the neurofeedback training when compared to before. Localized brain activity can be controlled by social reward. The increased ACC activity transferred to a cognitive task with the potential to reduce cognitive interference. Systematic studies are required to explore long-term effects on social behavior and clinical applications.

Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2010 Nov;260 Suppl 2:S132-6. Epub 2010 Oct 9. Mathiak KA, Koush Y, Dyck M, Gaber TJ, Alawi E, Zepf FD, Zvyagintsev M, Mathiak K. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. kamathiak@ukaachen.de

Full title: Cognitive-behavioral therapy and hypnotic relaxation to treat sleep problems in an adolescent with diabetes.

Inadequate sleep among adolescents frequently contributes to obesity and reduced academic performance, along with symptoms of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and attention deficits. The etiological bases of sleep quality has been associated with both stress and sleep habits. These problems tend to be especially important for adolescents with diabetes as the effects of poor sleep complicate health outcomes. This case example concerns a 14-year-old adolescent girl with a history of type I diabetes and stress-related sleep difficulties. Treatment included cognitive-behavioral methods and hypnotic relaxation therapy. Results of this case example and other controlled research suggest that hypnotic relaxation therapy is well accepted, results in good compliance, and serves as a useful adjunctive to cognitive-behavioral intervention for sleep problems.

J Clin Psychol. 2010 Nov;66(11):1205-15. Perfect MM, Elkins GR. Department of Disability and Psychoeducational Studies, University of Arizona, 1430 E. 2nd St., Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. mperfect@email.arizona.edu

Dr. Joseph Tramontana is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in both adult and child clinical services. He has received a certification in clinical hypnosis from the American Society of Clincial Hypnosis (ASCH) and has been certified as a sports counselor by the National Association of Sports Counselors. Dr. Tramontana currently maintains private practices in Baton Rouge and Metairie, LA, and Pass Christian, MS (limited basis only). He is a prolific writer.