Despite increased consumer interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the treatment of food allergy, there remains a relative paucity of knowledge regarding the clinical efficacy, mechanisms of action, and safety of most CAM treatments available to consumers. This article focuses on recent advances in CAM for food allergy, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, probiotics, and alternative approaches to allergen immunotherapy. The mechanism of action of several novel approaches to treatment of food allergy is reviewed, but FAHF-2 is the only investigational herbal formulation currently validated for use in human clinical trials.

Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2012 Feb;32(1):135-50. Wisniewski JA, Li XM. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Virginia, 409 Lane Road, Box 801355, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.

Many dermatological disorders have a psychosomatic or behavioral aspect. Skin and brain continually interact through psychoneuroimmunoendocrine mechanisms and through behaviors that can strongly affect the initiation or flaring of skin disorders. It is important to consider these mind-body interactions when planning treatments for specific skin disorders in individual patients. Mind-influencing therapeutic options that can enhance treatment of skin disorders include standard psychotropic drugs, alternative herbs and supplements, the placebo effect, suggestion, cognitive-behavioral methods, biofeedback, and hypnosis. When individual measures do not produce the desired results, combinations of drugs or addition of non-drug therapies may be more successful. Psychophysiological skin disorders may respond well to non-drug and drug therapies that counteract stress. Treatment of primary psychiatric disorders often results in improvement of associated skin disorders. Psychiatric disorders secondary to skin disorders may also require treatment. Therapeutic options for each of these are discussed.

© 2011 The International Society of Dermatology.

Int J Dermatol. 2011 Nov;50(11):1309-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2011.05096.x. Shenefelt PD. Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. pshenefe@health.usf.edu

OBJECTIVE: To draw a profile, and study the media habits for cigarette smokers in Saudi Arabia using the Target Group Index survey (TGI). METHODS: A household survey using the TGI sample was conducted in March 2008 in 21 cities in Saudi Arabia. A sample of 7003 individuals aged 15 years or more, male and females, living in town and cities, were randomly selected using the multistage sampling technique. One individual per household was interviewed using a structured questionnaire covering socio-economic profile, media exposure, and cigarette consumer information. The study was conducted in Arabian Center for Tobacco Control, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Cigarette smoking was 35.9% in males, and 2.3% in females. This was significantly higher in the age group 30-49 years compared with younger ages (p=0.001). Among smokers, 22.3% were heavy smokers, 69.3% were using regular flavor cigarettes, and 22.4% tried to quit smoking but failed. The most common methods of quitting smoking were; nicotine gum (18.5%), hypnosis (14%), nicotine patch (8%), and acupuncture (3%). Ninety-eight percent of the smokers watched TV daily, noticed mainly big outdoor ads, and 46% used the Internet daily. Favorite TV and radio channels, newspaper, magazine, and interesting topics for the smokers were recorded, and the main smoker profile was drawn. CONCLUSION: The TGI can be used to draw a smoker profile and identify different segments with the greatest opportunities to send anti-smoking messages.

Saudi Med J. 2011 Oct;32(10):1055-9. Albedah AM, Khalil MK, Khalil AA, Elolemy AT. Arabian Center for Tobacco Control, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 11176, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dr Feldman is a senior partner in a general medical practice and is a trainer responsible for GP registrars with the London Deanery, University of London.

He is a founder member, and Chairman of, the British Association of Medical Hypnosis. A consultant for the Institute of Personnel and Development in workplace stress, he also trains HR professionals and works with corporate bodies including Aventis Pharma, Axial Automotive, Anheuser Busch and Lloyds TSB Women's group, among others. In addition, Dr Feldman is a co-founder of the Expert System Smoking Cessation programme and is involved in research into the use of clinical hypnosis in habit breaking.

Objective: Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD) are common among musicians. Acupuncture is well established in Germany as a treatment for orthopedic conditions, but it is not commonly used in the treatment of PRMD yet. The authors examined the musicians' health literature and provide a brief overview about the background of acupuncture. Three case studies are presented to show possible benefits for the treatment of PRMD. Participants: 2456 medical doctors, members of the German research group for acupuncture. Methods: We searched literature and Medline Database for publications about acupuncture, musicians' medicine and musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally we asked medical doctors, via a questionnaire, about the treatment of professional musicians as patients. Case studies are presented. Results: No research was found to support the use oft acupuncture in PRMD. The survey study found that medical doctors are not satisfied with the quality of medical health care provided to musicians and regard specialist knowledge as being important. Conclusion: Evidence on the benefits of acupuncture for musculoskeletal disorders suggests that it could be of benefit as a complementary treatment of PRMD. We suggest performing clinicaltrials to demonstrate the value of standard treatment, acupuncture and complementary medicine for PRMD.

Work. 2012 Jan 1;41(1):5-13. Molsberger F, Molsberger A. Research Group for Musicians Medicine, Tristanstr, OT Groß Glienicke, Potsdam, Germany Deutsche Gesellschaft für Musikphysiologie und Musikermedizin e.V., Germany Research Group for Acupuncture, Duesseldorf, Germany Hochschule fuer Gesundheit und Sport, Berlin, Germany.

The treatment of pain in palliative care requires specific expertise. "Complementary" methods, such as hypnosis or "Toucher-Massage", for example, not only have an effect on the prevention and treatment of pain, but also contribute to the overall support of the patient.

Soins Pediatr Pueric. 2011 Sep-Oct;(262):35-8. Bioy A, Moreaux T, Pasturel A, Wood C. Unité de Prise en Charge des Douleurs et des Soins Palliatifs, CHU Bicêtre, AP-HP Le Kremlin-Bicêtre. antoine.bioy@bct.aphp.fr

Dr. Abblett studied Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic, both in Davenport, Iowa and in Santa Clara, California. He graduated in 1982 after a few years delay, serving in the US Navy as a Deep Sea Diver on a Submarine Rescue ship. He served a two year internship with my father-in-law, Dr. Irvin Lathrop, who had studied directly under Dr. Clarence Gonstead. He is a nationally recognized expert in the Gonstead system and regularly attend Gonstead continuing education seminars to keep up to date on the latest developments. His practice is also a teaching clinic where many students and even practicing doctors come to learn more about the Gonstead System.

For more information visit: www.abblettchiropractic.com.

Hypnosis has had a long and controversial history in psychology, psychiatry and neurology, but the basic nature of hypnotic phenomena still remains unclear. Different theoretical approaches disagree as to whether or not hypnosis may involve an altered mental state. So far, a hypnotic state has never been convincingly demonstrated, if the criteria for the state are that it involves some objectively measurable and replicable behavioural or physiological phenomena that cannot be faked or simulated by non-hypnotized control subjects. We present a detailed case study of a highly hypnotizable subject who reliably shows a range of changes in both automatic and volitional eye movements when given a hypnotic induction. These changes correspond well with the phenomenon referred to as the trance stare" in the hypnosis literature. Our results show that this 'trance stare' is associated with large and objective changes in the optokinetic reflex, the pupillary reflex and programming a saccade to a single target. Control subjects could not imitate these changes voluntarily. For the majority of people, hypnotic induction brings about states resembling normal focused attention or mental imagery. Our data nevertheless highlight that in some cases hypnosis may involve a special state, which qualitatively differs from the normal state of consciousness.

PLoS One. 2011;6(10):e26374. Kallio S, Hyönä J, Revonsuo A, Sikka P, Nummenmaa L. School of Humanities and Informatics, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden. sakari.kallio@his.se

Dr. Mostman has been a hypnotist since 1947 when he was trained by Ralph Slater, a stage hypnotist. He started doing hypnotherapy professionally, (aside from parties) in 1966, and has been doing it since then. He retired from the practice of law in 1994 and have devoted myself to hypnotherapy. He has presented at hypnosis conventions from coast to coast, and am presently still active in te National Guild of Hypnotists, the International Hypnosis Federation, and the American Board of Hypnotherapy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Acupuncture has a growing clientele during pregnancy, delivery and the puerperium for an ever increasing list of indications. Objective evidence for its benefit is necessary to establish its roles in current practice. RECENT FINDINGS: For many of the current uses, randomized studies when conducted using at least one control group have not established any clear advantages from treatment. Those areas which rely upon subjective assessment of symptoms are particularly difficult to investigate without rigorous blinding strategies, separating those who provide the acupuncture from those assessing outcome. Studies investigating the possible therapeutic benefit of acupuncture for managing intrapartum care require outcomes for nulliparae and multiparae to be analysed separately. SUMMARY: Acupuncture therapy may offer some advantage over conventional treatment in the management of hyperemesis gravidarum and postcaesarean section pain and these areas warrant further study. Rigorous randomized studies, particularly those using objective measures, have failed to identify any obvious benefits from acupuncture for many of the other conditions studied.

Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Jan 13. Xu J, Mackenzie IZ. Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.

Full title: The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in pregnancy: data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

OBJECTIVES: To report the frequency of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use by a population of pregnant women in the UK. DESIGN: Four postal self-completion questionnaires completed at 8, 12, 18 and 32 weeks' gestation provided the source of CAMs used. Questions asked for written descriptions about the use of any treatments, pills, medicines, ointments, homeopathic medicines, herbal medicines, supplements, drinks and herbal teas. SETTING: An observational, population-based, cohort study of parents and children of 14,541 pregnant women residing within the former county of Avon in south-west England. Data was available for 14,115 women. RESULTS: Over a quarter (26.7%; n=3774) of women had used a CAM at least once in pregnancy, the use rising from 6% in the 1st trimester to 12.4% in the 2nd to 26.3% in the 3rd. Herbal teas were the most commonly reported CAM at any time in pregnancy (17.7%; n=2499) followed by homeopathic medicine (14.4%; n=2038) and then herbal medicine (5.8%; n=813). The most commonly used herbal product was chamomile used by 14.6% of women, the most commonly used homeopathic product was Arnica used by 3.1% of women. Other CAMs (osteopathy, aromatherapy, acupuncture/acupressure, Chinese herbal medicine, chiropractic, cranial sacral therapy, hypnosis, non-specific massage and reflexology) accounted for less than 1% of users. CONCLUSIONS: CAM use in pregnancy, where a wide range of CAMs has been assessed, has not been widely reported. Studies that have been conducted report varying results to this study (26.7%) by between 13.3% and 87% of pregnant women. Survey results will be affected by a number of factors namely the inclusion/exclusion of vitamins and minerals, the timing of data collection, the country of source, the number of women surveyed, and the different selection criteria of either recruiting women to the study or of categorising and identifying a CAM treatment or product.

Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Complement Ther Med. 2011 Dec;19(6):303-10. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2011.08.005. Epub 2011 Sep 14. Bishop JL, Northstone K, Green JR, Thompson EA. University of Bristol, School of Social & Community Medicine, Barley House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, UK. jackie.bishop@bristol.ac.uk

Dr. Svoboda was the first Westerner ever to graduate from a college of Ayurveda (in 1980) and be licensed to practice Ayurveda in India. Lived in India 1973-80 and 1982-86.

Since 1985 he has traveled the world lecturing, consulting, teaching and writing. He has have served as Adjunct Faculty at the Ayurvedic Institute, Albuquerque, NM, and Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA.

For more information visit: www.drsvoboda.com.

Full title: The application of autogenic training in counseling center for mother and child in order to promote breastfeeding.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether mothers with newborn children, the usage of autogenic training with advice on breastfeeding effect on: the decision and the duration of breastfeeding, increase maternal confidence and support. It was assumed that the above result in a higher percentage of mothers who exclusively breastfed baby during the first six months of child's life. The survey was conducted in the Association "For a healthy and happy childhood"-Counseling center for mother and child, in Bjelovar in 2010. The Counseling center was attended by 100 nursing mothers with children aged up to two months. They randomly went to the study or control group. Mothers of both groups were advised to successful breastfeeding. Study group has practiced autogenic training until the child's age of six months. In parallel, by using psychotherapeutic interview and specific questionnaires we collected data on the somatic, psychological and social situation of the mother, discovered mother's mental changes (anxiety, depression) that were treated. The results at the end of the study confirm the initial expected benefits from the application of autogenic training. Mothers of the study group were significantly more emotionally balanced with a higher self-esteem. Autogenous training with the advices for successful breastfeeding conducted in this counseling center contributed in significantly higher rate of breastfeeding children up to six months of life, improved mental and physical health of mother and child and their peculiar relationship.

Coll Antropol. 2011 Sep;35(3):723-31. Vidas M, Folnegovi?-Smalc V, Catipovi? M, Kisi? M. Pharmaceutical Company Berlin-Chemie Menarini Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia. mvidas@berlin-chemie.com

A Life Fellow of the IMDHA, James Duncan's personal experience with Hypnosis goes back almost 30 years. He states, "I want to know that I not only helped people in a gentle and calming way but also brought peace of mind. I strive to help others to truly help themselves."

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by Coach Cary Bayer

In this column you will learn quite a bit about innovators who brought something new to their world. Bear with the examples because there is a great marketing lesson in store for you if you do.

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by Tim Brunson, PhD

As a professional who regularly talks to groups about hypnotherapeutic medicine, over the years I've encountered more than one medical professional who has deemed that I have crossed the line and ventured unjustly into an area where they most certainly have superior knowledge. While my expertise is in the area of clinical applications of hypnosis, I feel that everyone who serves in healing professions must be aware of their continued need for further exploration and that they must accept the fact that they are very far from being perfect. One word that quickly calms the most ardent medical heckler is the word "iatrogenic" – which literally means "physician-induced."

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A Book Review by Tim Brunson, PhD

Parallel communication in the form of analogies, metaphors and the use of complex linguistic patterns are potent tools for psychotherapists. In Understanding Advanced Hypnotic Language Patterns: A Comprehensive Guide, John Burton, EdD, provides a well-organized, concise exposition as to how they can be used effectively while addressing emotional states, perceptions, time, and behavior. This insightful volume provides the serious clinician with many elegant treatment options for a wide range of pathologies.

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INTRODUCTION: China has the highest number of tobacco smokers among the world's nations; however, no systematic review has been conducted of clinical trials on the efficacy of smoking cessation interventions in China. This paper summarizes findings of studies in order to compare the effect of pharmacotherapy, counseling, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches on the abstinence rate. METHODS: Clinical trials of smoking cessation interventions published in English or Chinese were extracted from an electronic search of PubMed and WanFang databases. The search yielded 234 studies from the PubMed and 78 studies from the WanFang. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies were included in this review. Of these, 11 (37.9%) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the following approaches: counseling (5 studies), TCM (3 studies), pharmacotherapy (1 study), a combination of pharmacotherapy and counseling (1 study), and physician advice (1 study). Pharmacotherapy alone or in combination with counseling generally resulted in a higher abstinence rate than counseling alone. TCM techniques such as acupuncture and ear point seed pressure yielded a much higher abstinence rate than pharmacotherapy and counseling. Findings are inconclusive, however, because most of the TCM studies were noncontrolled trials and did not provide a definition of "abstinence." Findings on the effectiveness of physician advice to quit smoking were also inconclusive. Conclusions:A review of smoking cessation studies revealed that pharmacotherapy was effective in China. More RCTs of TCM approaches and physician advice are needed with long-term follow-up assessments and biochemical verification of self-reported abstinence before these approaches are adopted as evidence-based smoking cessation interventions in China.

Nicotine Tob Res. 2012 Jan 16. Kim SS, Chen W, Kolodziej M, Wang X, Wang VJ, Ziedonis D. 365 Plantation Street, Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605-2397, USA. sun.kim@umassmed.edu.

Suzanne B. Hanser is the founding chair of the Music Therapy Department at Berklee College of Music. She is Past President of both the World Federation of Music Therapy and the National Association for Music Therapy. Dr. Hanser is music therapist at the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrated Therapies and research associate at the Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She has also served as lecturer in the Department of Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Hanser received a National Research Service Award from the National Institute on Aging and was a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow in Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine. She has served as Program Director of the Alzheimer's Association, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, and Chair of the Music Therapy Department at University of the Pacific. She received her music therapy training at The Florida State University and doctoral degree from Columbia University where she was a Fellow of the Center for the Behavioral Analysis of School Learning.

Full title: Hypnosis: a twilight zone of the top-down variety Few have never heard of hypnosis but most know little about the potential of this mind-body regulation technique for advancing science.

An early form of psychotherapy, hypnosis has been tarnished by a checkered history: stage shows, movies and cartoons that perpetuate specious myths; and individuals who unabashedly write 'hypnotist' on their business cards. Hypnosis is in the twilight zone alongside a few other mind-body exemplars. Although scientists are still unraveling how hypnosis works, little is mystical about this powerful top-down process, which is an important tool in the armamentarium of the cognitive scientist seeking to unlock topical conundrums.

Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trends Cogn Sci. 2011 Dec;15(12):555-7. Raz A. Institute for Community and Family Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E4, Canada. amir.raz@mcgill.ca

A person who is asked to think aloud while trying not to think about a white bear will typically mention the bear once a minute. So how can people suppress unwanted thoughts? This article examines a series of indirect thought suppression techniques and therapies that have been explored for their efficacy as remedies for unwanted thoughts of all kinds and that offer some potential as means for effective suppression. The strategies that have some promise include focused distraction, stress and load avoidance, thought postponement, exposure and paradoxical approaches, acceptance and commitment, meditation, mindfulness, focused breathing, attention training, self-affirmation, hypnosis, and disclosure and writing. Many of these strategies entail thinking about and accepting unwanted thoughts rather than suppressing them--and so, setting free the bears.

PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved.

Am Psychol. 2011 Nov;66(8):671-80. Wegner DM. Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 33 Kirkland Street, WJH 1470, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. wegner@wjh.harvard.edu