电台AiFM 职上云霄 - Dr Hiro Koo 以嘉宾身份，分享催眠职业生涯的点滴

 

Dr Hiro Koo曾在AiFM分享了催眠职业生涯的点滴，

每一段采访大概5-10分钟而已，很容易吸收。

你可以按以下连接聆听：

 

Part 1:

https://www.facebook.com/newmindcentre/posts/pfbid02vnNGFyUHiVMyBZPcAwrA1A4WMwQsKkjRkXWJ58EsE6L4YMN8TE9DMnX2L2LkhhC8l

 

Part 2:

https://www.facebook.com/newmindcentre/posts/pfbid077VjGFkDcfxuUSn7zRkHyVobV25mR4ruVbjYTBifrfccsG1DPBTdhEghxvEJNGBQl

 

Part 3:

https://www.facebook.com/newmindcentre/posts/pfbid0b5E7dMTnA93HNCw4bUG7MRC4qgJP1YQ7HLaU1vyXp2iaN1dkFy5gYfTxEBGg6JGl

 

Part 4:

https://www.facebook.com/newmindcentre/posts/pfbid07uukxPWSAza7qFofovLq7RGR7Ps17pjtwdMapqVHMTmDNTSVn9avEPUEaSh3Uqtvl

 

Part 5:

https://www.facebook.com/newmindcentre/posts/pfbid02vn3Eg8Zs6EDxYsz1o7fBsePUz8exM4tfyKPJKHw8un4F1zaipFba45jfByq2i78Sl

 

Jasmine Magazine茉莉杂志 - J Mental by Hiro Koo (July 2016 Issue) 失眠症

 

在我中心里，因失眠问题而求医的人不计其数。

许多人在练习了我教导的自我催眠法后，睡眠都得以改善。

承蒙茉莉杂志对心理健康的醒觉活动，我有这个机会跟大家分享一套简易的助眠秘籍。

现在就去临近书摊找出7月份的<Jasmine Magazine茉莉杂志>,

你就可以学到一个由我教导的简单易学自我催眠术来改善你的睡眠质感哦！

 

[Workshop]南方大学学院催眠工作坊Hypnosis workshop for students of Southern University College

Retrieved from: http://www.southern.edu.my/chinese/news/news.php?id=869

谢谢南方大学辅导处心理咨询师的邀请。

7月5日我将到南方大学给予催眠讲座，只开放给南方大学学院生。

欢迎通知你在南大的同学知道，我主要会教导如何用催眠来克服考试所带来的压力与恐惧（考试前恐惧问题）。

Thanks for the invitation from the counseling psychologist of Southern University College, 

I will conduct a hypnosis workshop there for their students. 

It is an absolute pleasure to share my knowledge with those who attended the mentioned workshop. 

Jasmine Magazine茉莉杂志 - J Mental by Hiro Koo (June 2016 Issue)

担心催眠后会不会醒不来？好奇什么是催眠？压力大，想要学学有效的科学放松方法不？

那就去临近书摊找出六月份的<Jasmine Magazine茉莉杂志>,

你就可以学到一个由我教导的简单易学自我催眠术！

你也可以做自我催眠达人哦！

特别鸣谢Jasmine Magazine给予机会推广身心健康专题<J Mental ‪>

【伊白女王 III】Q-E3 大马时尚美容Magazine (20/07/2015) 催眠 X 自信

催眠 X 自信

你有完美的嗓子，梦想站在大舞台上高歌一曲；你有高挑的身材，梦想在时尚秀场上展现猫步。你心里想了想: “我有的是天赋，为什么就是没勇气踏上那个舞台？“。成千上万双眼睛注视着自己，心开始退缩了。

你还记得上次小编与临床催眠治疗师 Hiro Koo先生的专访吗？这一次，Mr. Koo会延续分享有关催眠的话题之外，还会带你寻找埋没在深处的自信心。想要重拾自信的你要用心看完哦！

阅读全文按此：点击阅读Q-E3 大马时尚美容网路杂志之采访内容

Text: 瀞瑩

Edit: Elizabeth

Photography: Chris

【伊白女王 III】Q-E3 大马时尚美容Magazine (13/07/2015) 催眠 X 焦虑症

“现在你看着我的手，深呼吸，我数 1，2，3… …睡着… …” 很熟悉的对白吧？没错，这就是我们经常在电视或电影里看到的催眠师与主角的对话。催眠师给予你的印象是什么？你对这行业了解有多深？你又是否遇过真正的催眠师呢？

【伊白女王 III】 很感谢临床催眠治疗师Hiro Koo先生接受我们的访问。Mr. Koo将会让我们重新认识什么是催眠，究竟它对我们日常生活当中的作息有什么帮助。小编与亲爱的读者一起上课啦！

更多详情：点击阅读Q-E3 大马时尚美容网路杂志之采访内容

Text: 瀞瑩

Edit: Elizabeth

Photography: Chris

马来西亚失眠治疗-催眠疗法与营养治疗相结合

在Newmindcentre,
我们将催眠治疗与营养治疗相结合，有效克服失眠问题

引起失眠的原因有很多，多数是由心理因素引起。因此，催眠治疗失眠可以取得良好的效果。专家表示，长期失眠的人，其内心的痛苦是常人难以体会的，必须尽快采取有效措施进行治疗。专家指出，在临床催眠师语言的诱导下，能使患者达到全身乃至心灵深处的放松。临床催眠师的循循诱导，能使患者摆脱所有影响睡眠的症结；再通过一针见血的语言指令，使一切造成压力、紧张、不安、挫折的因素得以宣泄，深层的病因被临床催眠师消除，从而能使患者体验到心身放松的快感和愉悦。 失眠者只要经常体验这种松弛状态，那么恢复正常的睡眠功能那是指日可待的事情了。由此可见，催眠治疗失眠可谓是除药物治疗以外一种最有效的治疗方法，而且绝对是绿色无污染的。

基于营养的临床催眠治疗或心理治疗，能补充身体所需的营养成分和消除对身体有害的食物成分，从而达到身体最佳分子结构、身体健康、心理功能良好的一种疗法。
它的理论基础是人体缺少某些营养成分，可导致一系列心理症状，如镁缺乏症可引起不恰当的运动、定向困难和幻觉等。當血液中的血清素濃度太低時，即會感到心情低落、憂鬱。 
对心理障碍和身体障碍病人的检查发现，这些人往往有某种营养成分的缺乏。
斯可卜(ScoPp，A.L.)发现90%的心理咨询病人营养达不到标准水平。另一方面，有些食物则可造成心理功能紊乱，如某些食物可引起变态反应，使儿童学习困难。
芬固(Feingold)等人在食物中清除添加剂、储存剂、糖等后，改善了多动症和学习困难儿童的症状。
营养成分的缺少，可通过计算机饮食调查、头发重金属检车分析、生物反馈Biofeedback等科技测查等方法调查了解个人身心状态和营养缺失报告。
针对性地补充营养或避免不合适食物，对慢性抑郁症、焦虑、多动、学习无能和精神病有一定效果，营养疗法若与催眠疗法结合，可提高失眠或其他心理保健之疗效。 





我们有两个“大脑”？
肠道是最原始的第一大脑，只有通过更加高效的营养供应我们才能建立起第二大脑，这样我们才能找到更好的食物。心理和肠道关系密切。我们的肚子非常敏感，它能感知。我想，每个人都或多或少注意到了：悲伤的时候有人会吃很多东西，有人会吃不下东西；压力大的时候有的人会打嗝，有的会腹泻或便秘。很多时候，悲观情绪或注意力障碍也是消化系统出了问题的信号。
一直以来，情绪的研究都离不开大脑神经系统。现在，越来越多的研究表明，病原微生物能够影响宿主的大脑和行为, 甚至诱发精神疾患。肠道细菌能影响小鼠的大脑神经系统发育和行为模式的发展。肠道微生物还与高血压、高血脂、慢性疲劳综合征、肥胖等慢性炎症状态有关，甚至与孤独症和抑郁症等精神疾病有关。

腸道健康與大腦息息相關 
美國哥倫比亞大學解剖細胞生物學教授，也是醫學博士Michael D. Gershon提出「第二大腦」的學說，也就是， 每個人都有兩個大腦，一個位於頭部；一個藏在人體肚子裡的腸道，又稱為「腹腦」。 腸子在結構與神經化學層面上，與大腦息息相關，「頭腦」與「腹腦」兩者必須合作，否則肚子亂糟糟、腦袋慘兮兮。 

腸子分泌重要的荷爾蒙— 血清素 ，在腸道會促進腸道蠕動，也作用在大腦，是大腦的幸福分子，與情緒平衡有關。當血液中的血清素濃度太低時，即會感到心情低落、憂鬱。 

您是否曾發現，如果一早順利排便，肚子輕鬆了，心情相對也會開心、不焦慮。腹腦和大腦相互聯繫，一個出毛病，另一個也受影響，所以保養我們的第二個大腦很重要。就健康的角度來說，我個人建議一天至少一次排便。 

肠道内布满了神经元，数量几乎和头脑一样多 肠道被称为我们人体的“第二大脑”，研究表明，胃肠存在着一些内分泌细胞，其分泌的物质具有类似大脑内分泌素，可调节胃肠神经，乃至全身神经系统的功能。此外，肚子里有一个非常复杂的神经网络。它拥有大约1000亿个神经细胞，比骨髓里的细胞还多。

研究表明，慢性胃肠疾病一般与细菌感染有关，而细菌的毒素对人体恶性刺激也有可能影响大脑和神经系统的调节功能，从而引起或加 重失眠。值得一提的是， 医学心理学列出了38种身心疾病，其中属于胃肠疾病的如：贲门痉挛、十二指肠溃疡、胃溃疡、过敏性结肠炎、痉挛性结肠炎、溃疡性结肠炎、呕吐等11种之 多，占了1/4多。可以看出失眠与胃肠疾病具有共同的身心障碍基础。

胃神经症与人的精神状态有关，它常以精神过度紧张或精神创伤为发病基础，症状复杂，有反酸、嗳气、厌 食、烧心、恶心、呕吐、食后饱胀感、上腹部不适感及疼痛等症状。腹疼程度不一，无节律性与周期性，精神紧张时则疼痛出现或加剧，精神愉快则消失。疼痛也可 因适当的暗示而缓解。此外，病人多有头晕、头疼、失 眠、心悸、胸闷、注意力不集中、记忆力减退、阵发性面部潮红及手掌多汗等全身症状。

失眠，不可乱用安眠药

对于顽固性失眠症患者，适当给予镇静安眠药以改善失眠状况是可以的，但要特别注意避免由此引发成瘾依赖行为，安眠药常常有时间滞后的抑制作用，会导致白天嗜睡、乏力、精神萎靡而容易发生意外跌倒等不良后果，甚至有的老人发生进食、饮水时的呛咳和窒息，更为严重的是，患有睡眠性呼吸暂停症者约占老年人群的1/4，而安眠药可延长呼吸暂停的时间，以致发生猝死。

肠道菌群失衡与失眠
益生菌能产生一种γ-氨基丁酸的代谢产物，这种代谢产物是一种非蛋白质组成的天然氨基酸，人体大脑系统最安全的镇定剂，有抑制性神经传递，抗精神不安、抑制中枢神经系统兴奋、减低血压的作用，因此具有安眠、抗焦虑抗抑郁的作用。
同时，益生菌通过减弱神经系统的敏感度来改善睡眠，当有炎症发生而影响睡眠的时候，益生菌增强调节T细胞的功能，减弱发炎部位向神经系统传递的信号。






资料来源：
http://www.vchale.com/bjbhwwz/20 ... 74a0d15222962d.html
http://blog.sciencenet.cn/blog-40692-766416.html
http://www.superpb.com/yineng/188.html
http://www.chinajs120.com/smz/yfzl/2014/0926/23608.html

马来西亚催眠治疗-失眠多梦的治疗方法

催眠疗法对健康确实有效 可改善深度睡眠
國際線上專稿：據美國《赫芬頓郵報》報道，雖然聽上去難以置信，但是催眠確實能對保護和促進健康起到現實的作用。

美國心理協會（the American Psychological Association）指出，這裡說的催眠和在影視劇中看到的那種念叨著“此刻，你感覺非常困……”的催眠不同，它是與其他治療方法相結合的一種臨床應用。APA網站指出，為健康而進行的催眠“只能由經過培訓的、具備相應資格的醫護人員在自己的專業範圍內工作時使用”。

　　美國臨床催眠學會（the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis）認為，催眠所帶來的“內在吸收、集中專注”的狀態，可以讓我們的心靈更強大，由此還激發了各個領域的研究人員和臨床醫生去探索如何利用催眠所帶來的健康結果。

　　醫療上的催眠，有時也被稱為催眠療法，是利用詞語的重復或心理意象（由催眠師或自己進行）誘導產生一種注意力集中的“恍惚狀態”。 梅奧診所（Mayo Clinic）指出，這種狀態通常被描述為感覺平靜和放鬆，能夠感受到暗示的力量。

　　雖然曾經一度被認為是騙人的小把戲，但催眠對健康的作用越來越為人所相信。1958年，美國醫學協會（The American Medical Association）認可了催眠療法。事實上，催眠對某些健康方面的作用還需要更多的研究來證明，如減肥或戒煙。但在另外一些領域的研究中，發現催眠對健康確實有效果：

　　催眠可以幫助改善深度睡眠

　　在以往的研究中，研究參與者只會被問到在接受催眠之後覺得自己睡得有多好或有多糟。但在最近的一項研究中，瑞士的研究人員通過對一群健康的年輕女性的大腦活動進行檢測，來測量催眠的影響。這些年輕女性在聽完催眠暗示後睡了90分鐘，其中對催眠最為敏感的女性有80%的時間處於深度睡眠。首席研究員、蘇黎世大學的Maren Cordi在一份聲明中說，“這個結果對有睡眠問題的患者和老年人有很大作用。”和許多睡眠誘導類藥物不同，催眠沒有不良的副作用。

　　催眠可以緩解腸易激綜合症IBS症狀

　　APA 報道，2003年一項研究中，204位腸易激綜合症（IBS）患者中，71%的人在經過12周的催眠課程後症狀得到改善。研究還發現，在那些症狀得到改善的人群中，81%的人在催眠治療結束後的六年裏依然感覺良好。2012年一項研究中，經過催眠症狀得到改善的IBS患者中，有85%在催眠結束後七年仍然感覺良好。

　　催眠可以緩解潮熱

　　2013的一項研究發現，對那些每週至少有50次潮熱症狀的更年期女性來說，以五周為一療程進行催眠治療，在12周之後，潮熱能減少74%。同時，沒有進行催眠、只是靠經驗豐富的醫生進行治療的女性潮熱只能減少17%。

　　催眠可以緩解疼痛

　　催眠對疼痛療效的研究是最多的。2000年和2009年發表的兩篇綜合研究報告指出，催眠能有效緩解由纖維肌痛、關節炎和癌症等眾多情況引發的疼痛，但也指出，很少有心理學家去使用。

　　催眠可以鎮靜神經

　　由於催眠有激發心靈力量的能力，所以經常被用於緩解其他醫療程式中的焦慮，如手術、掃描或分娩等狀態焦慮。專家Melinda Beck 認為，“這可能是因為催眠起到了鎮靜劑的效果。患者的預期會影響自己的感覺，而催眠可以幫助患者調整預期，減少疼痛、恐懼和無助感。”2010年的一項研究指出，催眠是否可以減輕廣泛性焦慮症，或所謂的特質焦慮以及與性格相關的焦慮，還需要進行更多的研究才能確定。已經有研究初步證明催眠對抑鬱症有療效，但是還需要更多的研究。（翻譯/意嘎）

马来西亚自然疗法抗癌症-催眠疗法

催眠疗法在癌症医疗中的运用
美国一位医学教授对癌症的病因提出了新的理论，认为癌症的发展主要不是客观上存在的癌细胞，而是主观情绪、自我暗示导致了癌变。这一理论虽未被广泛接受，但癌症求治者一旦知道了自己患病的真相，病情便会急剧变化却是不可否认的。


　　面对癌症的侵袭时，不管是对病人还是他的家庭，都将面对一个不可知的未来。仅仅是这一点，就会给日常生活带来极大的焦虑与压力。很多时候，当他面对各种对身心有害的治疗手段时会感到无助，并极其忧虑自己的未来。催眠是重生强有力的手段，面对压力的侵袭，催眠往往会比医疗手段更有效。当明白控制压力对身体痊愈的重要性，病人们就会从心灰意冷转变到对治愈充满信心。

　　癌症术后的恢复会遭遇反胃、呕吐、腹泻和食欲不振等生理症状，现代医学研究表明催眠是对付这些不良反应的有效手段。一个癌症患者通过催眠和引导想象可以在与疾病的斗争中变得更加主动。经过催眠引导，病人可以看到他们的身体在和癌症争斗，变得越来越健康并最终赶走了侵略者。他们还可能看到化学疗法和药物正在发挥作用帮助他们赶走身体中的毒素。

　　催眠作为癌症医疗辅助手段的主要目标是让病人有自我把控的能力并且明白身心之间的联系。这就可以结合潜意识的力量提供最好的医学整合治疗。当一个人遭遇疾病的侵袭但是相信医学手段一定能够帮助他走向康复的时候，那么治疗成功的机率确实会提高很多。

　　催眠疗法对于癌症各种层面的治疗都起到作用。

　　第一，它可以处理疾病本身的某些症状、来自由于某些器官组织带来的病痛和症状，还有一些非器官性的症状，比如：疲劳、精神不爽、易怒和失眠。


　　第二，催眠疗法对于癌症疾病治理的副作用的匡救非常有用。这一点非常重要，因为治疗过程中使用了化疗和放疗，是非常的痛苦，甚至造成有的病人逃离治疗。

　　第三，癌症病人面临很重要的心理调整问题。许多人把诊断看作是死亡宣判书，他必须为个人的存在而格斗，对于这些困境，催眠疗法可以发挥作用来帮助他们。

　　最后，使用催眠疗法中的想象作用，能够对癌症疾病的治疗过程中起到修补完善的作用。上述的前三项作用，被证明具有临床的效果，


您可以参考此篇文章，了解科学家对这方面疗法所做的详细研究：http://www.cancernetwork.com/oncology-nursing/clinical-hypnosis-palliative-care-cancer-patients#sthash.GWd1NYqx.dpuf

　　催眠疗法的目标却是很明确一致的。也就是说，必须给患者带来安慰、支撑、消除压力与痛苦，使得他能够与家庭作有意义的沟通。

　　催眠疗法的想像作用不仅仅用于引导患者区改善他们的心理框架，还被直接用来治疗疾病的本身。之所以这么做，是因为想象力对神经和体温的功能都会产生效果，从而间接地对免疫系统产生了作用。加强免疫系统——这是整体性的身心问题，可以减轻癌症的发展过程。

　　对于癌症的各个层面的治疗，催眠疗法都能发挥积极的辅助作用。癌症的生理症状最普通的就是引起病痛，至于治疗的生理影响也很大(虚弱啊、恶心啊、呕吐啊等等)。这些情况都可以经过催眠疗法而使患者觉得每天的日子过得好受一些。同样催眠疗法对于心理治疗亦有积极作用，可以帮助每个患者调整心态以面对自己的疾病。






资料来源：
http://www.psy525.cn/special/16179-89372.html

We're on TV - Astro小太阳《你好奇的事 III》（第3 集：催眠治疗师）

催眠师究竟有什么魔力控制别人的行为呢？

姿姿想尝试催眠珠珠
姿姿从电视节目上看见，当某人被催眠师催眠后，他会依照催眠师的指示做出不同的动作。姿姿很好奇催眠师究竟有什么魔力控制别人的行为。于是她就依样葫芦，拿起怀表在珠珠面前摇晃，尝试催眠她。珠珠不想当姿姿的试验品，于是就带她到Spectrum Of Life保健中心寻找催眠师Mr Koo解答疑团。

  

催眠师并不能控制人的行为
Mr Koo 说，很多人以为催眠师能控制别人的行为，其实是被电视节目或电影的剧情影响。事实上，催眠师并没有控制别人思想或者行为的能力。被催眠的人虽然看起来是在睡眠状态，但他的头脑依然保持清醒和有意识的。催眠是一种心理治疗的方法，催眠师会通过特殊的技巧引导被催眠的人高度集中注意力，进入放松状态，唤醒人的潜意识。然后催眠师就会从人的潜意识上进行调整，从而改善他们的情绪和习惯等等。


  

催眠治疗能对人们带来怎样的帮助呢？

催眠能治疗某些疾病、心理障碍和坏习惯
对催眠有了初步了解后，姿姿和珠珠对催眠治疗更感兴趣了。她们很好奇到底催眠治疗能对人们带来什么帮助。Mr Koo解释说，催眠治疗的范围很广泛，一些疾病或心理障碍都能透过催眠治疗而痊愈。例如某些人在面对外人时会产生恐惧，而出现口吃、心悸、脸红等状况，他可以透过催眠治疗来克服恐惧，提高自信心，令口吃、心悸和脸红的问题不药而愈。除此之外，催眠治疗也能帮助人们摆脱创伤、焦虑、强迫症、紧张、冲动等情绪。催眠还能帮助人回溯过去，透过催眠疗法能让人对某件事的认知进行调整。


  


催眠治疗并无危险性
姿姿和珠珠都曾经在电视上看见一些被催眠的人情绪不稳定而失控大哭，她们很好奇为什么会出现那样的状况。她们也很想知道催眠治疗会不会有危险。为了找出答案，她们再次去请教Mr Koo。Mr Koo说，催眠治疗是非侵入性的疗法，而且被催眠的人本身也有危险意识，所以催眠治疗并没有危险性。可是在治疗的过程中，某些被催眠的人会因为被唤醒过去伤痛的回忆，而产生强烈的情绪反应例如哭泣、焦虑或身体的挣扎等等。


  
  

姿珠侠女介绍催眠注意事项
在分享重要讯息的单元里，姿姿和珠珠向观众讲解一些催眠必须注意的事项。例如：进行催眠时被催眠者应穿上舒服轻便的服饰，脱下皮带、眼镜、外套等等以摆脱束缚。催眠之前也要适度进食，避免吃太饱或饿肚子，否则会引起肚子不适而影响集中力。成人在进行催眠前不可饮酒，以免思绪混乱导致注意力无法集中。患有精神分裂症不适合接受催眠治疗。


  

资料来源： Astro 小太阳

此节目已经播放于10月5日（星期天）傍晚6.30pm。

How to help someone with depression without drugs?

Compelling research evidence exists that there is often a neurophysiological basis for depression, particularly in people with a family history of depression.

The left frontal area of the brain is associated with positive emotions and approach motivation, which is a desire to be involved with other people. The right frontal area of the brain is more associated with depression and fear, accompanied by motivation to withdraw from and avoid other people. When there is more slow brainwave activity in the left frontal area, this part of the brain is more inactive and the right frontal area is more dominant. Such a person is predisposed to become depressed more easily, to withdraw from other people, and to be anxious.

According to ISNR website, it is interesting that research has found that antidepressants do not correct the type of brainwave pattern that we see above on the left. Thus, medication treatment for depression appears to still leave intact the biological predisposition for becoming more easily depressed when unpleasant life circumstances come along.

I am working in a proactive healthcare centre (non-drug approach) at Setapak as a psychologist. I am supervised by a medical doctor and a PHD level psychologist who specializing in biofeedback for more than 20 years. I am using clinical hypnotherapy and biofeedback methods to help my clients.
Our unique approach for depression appear very promising not only in bringing relief from depression, but in modifying the underlying biological predisposition for becoming depressed. Biofeedback focuses on retraining the brain, for example, reversing the frontal brainwave asymmetry, with the goal of producing an enduring change that does not require people to remain on medication indefinitely. Training often requires about 20 to 22 sessions.

(All retrieved from ISNR website)

Clinical Hypnotherapy can help with Migraines

Article by Natural News

A migraine is a debilitating form of a headache. Many people suffer from migraines. Various triggers can produce the onset of a migraine. However, reducing the likelihood of a migraine occurring and getting rid of one once it occurs, can be challenging. Studies have been conducted showing that hypnotherapy can be quite beneficial to the migraine sufferer. In many studies, hypnosis has been shown to be more beneficial than medications.

Common triggers of migraines include hormonal changes, stress, food, changes in sleep patterns, medications, and changes in the surrounding environment. Symptoms of migraines vary from person to person, but many people report moderate to severe pain that pulsates, worsens with physical activity and interferes with day-to-day activity, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and/or sound, and sometimes experiencing auras. A migraine can last for 4 to 72 hours, but frequency varies greatly.

One study compared the effect of hypnotherapy versus the prescription medication prochlorperazine (Stemetil). The study consisted of 47 participants who reported feedback every month for a year. They reported number of attacks per month, severity of attacks, and complete remission. Results of the study showed that those who received hypnotherapy reported far fewer migraine attacks compared to those who received medication. Out of 23 participants who received hypnotherapy, 10 of them ceased to experience migraines. Out of the 24 participants who used medication, 3 of them ceased to experience migraines.

Another study reported the benefits of behavioral therapy. These approaches include relaxation, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and hypnosis. Hypnosis can help migraine sufferers avoid triggers such as controlling stress and avoiding certain foods.

Two hypnotherapy techniques used in treating migraines include the hand warming and glove anesthesia. These techniques put migraine sufferers in control of their pain by helping them transfer warmth or numbness to their head where their head hurts. These techniques were shown to be more beneficial than simple relaxation exercises. This study concluded that medication is ineffective in treating chronic migraines and supports psychological treatment because there are no side effects.

These studies show that hypnotherapy and natural methods of treating migraine headaches are more effective than using medication. The fact that hypnosis has no side effects and many prescription medications have many side effects makes hypnotherapy a more natural and safe approach to treating migraines. In addition to no side effects, many studies have shown that the effects of hypnosis are more lasting and beneficial compared to the use of medication.
Sources

Anderson, J.A., Basker, M.A., & Dalton, R. (1975). Migraine and hypnotherapy. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 23(1), 48-58.
Heap, M. (1988). Hypnosis: current clinical, experimental and forensic practices. Taylor & Francis.
Sandor, P.S. & Afra, J. (2007). Nonpharmacologic treatment of migraine. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 9(3), 202-205.

Complementary and alternative medicine techniques in Psychology

Alternative techniques

Today’s psychologists are increasingly integrating complementary and alternative medicine techniques into their work with clients. Here’s an overview of the most popular treatments, the research on their efficacy and the ethical concerns they raise.

By Jeffrey E. Barnett, PsyD, ABPP, and Allison J. Shale, MS

April 2013, Vol 44, No. 4

Print version: page 48

People have used many CAM treatments for thousands of years, but it was not until 1999 that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) created the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) with a mission of defining "the usefulness and safety of complementary and alternative medicine interventions and their roles in improving health and health care" (NCCAM, 2011e).

Now, incorporating CAM into both daily life and health care is part of a larger movement that focuses on more integrative and holistic care. The psychology profession — with its strong history of integrating innovations — is among those embracing CAM.

Interestingly, Eisenberg et al. (1998) determined that people visited CAM practitioners 243 million more times than they visited primary-care physicians in the preceding year. According to 2007 data from NCCAM, 38.3 percent of adults and 11.8 percent of children reported having used a form of CAM in the preceding year (Barnes et al., 2008). This corresponds with nearly $34 billion being spent each year on CAM products and services (Briggs, 2007). Although this amount accounts for only 1.5 percent of the total amount spent on health care, it is nearly 11.2 percent of out-of-pocket health-care costs (Briggs, 2007).

While much more research remains to be done, studies have begun to demonstrate the effectiveness of many CAM modalities for treating a wide range of ailments and disorders. The literature documents dozens of CAM interventions that fall within four main categories: mind-body medicine, biologically based practices, manipulative and body based practices and energy medicine (NCCAM, 2011e). CAM may also be viewed in the context of whole medical systems, which include traditional Chinese medicine, ayurvedic medicine, naturopathy and homeopathy.

In this article, we describe 14 CAM modalities in the order of their frequency of use as reported in a large national survey conducted for the National Institutes of Health (Barnes, Bloom, & Nahin, 2008) and additional use data. They are dietary supplements, meditation, chiropractic, aromatherapy, massage therapy, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, spirituality, religion and prayer, movement therapy, acupuncture, Reiki, biofeedback, hypnosis and music therapy.

Dietary supplements

Many dietary supplements are used to promote health and wellness as well as to treat pain, depression and anxiety. Commonly used supplements include ginkgo biloba, St. John's wort, vitamin supplements and echinacea. Dietary supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but are held to very different quality standards than more conventional forms of medicine. Of specific note, the FDA does not review the safety and effectiveness of any supplement before it is sold to consumers. As a result, the potency or composition of the supplements may vary between manufacturers or even within a single manufacturer's batch. Much of the research on dietary supplements varies due to this lack of regulation. 

It is essential that psychologists be aware of the risks that may come with using dietary supplements so that they are able to competently advise their clients about their use, such as by referring them to their physicians when indicated. Despite the risks, 17.7 percent of people surveyed had taken a dietary supplement in the past year, according to Barnes et al. (2008). While psychologists might educate clients on the substances themselves, they should be making referrals to primary-care physicians, who can monitor patients' blood levels as well as watch for potential interactions.

Meditation

Meditation is a process by which people learn to focus their attention as a way of gaining greater insight into themselves and their surroundings (Duke Center for Integrative Medicine, 2006). Meditation is used to treat a variety of symptoms, such as elevated blood pressure, anxiety, stress, pain and insomnia, as well as to promote overall health and well-being (Grossman, Niemann, Schmidt, & Walach, 2007; Rainforth et al., 2007). 

In 2007, 9.4 percent of adults surveyed by NIH reported they practiced meditation (Barnes et al., 2008). When meditating, clients must focus their attention on "breathing, or on repeating a word, phrase or sound in order to suspend the stream of thoughts that normally occupies the conscious mind" (Mayo Clinic, 2010b).

There are several different forms of meditation, each of which falls into one of two categories: mindfulness meditation and concentrative meditation. Mindfulness meditation focuses attention on breathing to develop increased awareness of the present, while concentrative meditation aims to increase overall concentration by focusing on a specific word or phrase (NCCAM, 2011c). Although there are many different types of meditation in each category — such as Vipassana, transcendental and walking meditation — most forms of meditation have four elements in common: a quiet location; a specific, comfortable posture; a focus of attention; and an open attitude (NCCAM, 2011c).

Meditation can be integrated into ongoing psychological practice, but it is important that both clinicians and their clients are appropriately trained before attempting to meditate on their own. While there are no formal qualifications necessary for those who practice general meditation, a variety of organizations offer certification in specific forms of meditation, such as mindfulness-based meditation and transcendental meditation. Psychologists who want to integrate meditation into their practice will want to first assess the legitimacy of particular organizations before seeking certification through them.

Chiropractic

The main theory behind chiropractic practice is "that nerve and organ dysfunction is often the result of misaligned vertebrae of the spine" (Kuusisto, 2009). Chiropractic physicians use noninvasive treatments, such as spinal manipulations or chiropractic adjustments (American Chiropractic Association, 2011). The purpose of these manipulations "is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile — or restricted in their movement — as a result of a tissue injury" (ACA, 2011). The ultimate goal of chiropractic is to realign the spine so that the body functions best and can in turn heal itself.

Chiropractic is used by 8.6 percent of Americans each year to treat a range of ailments from pain and headaches to stress and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), among other conditions (Assendelft, Morton, Yu, Suttorp, & Shekelle, 2008; Bastecki, Harrison, & Haas, 2004; Tuchin, 1999).

To practice chiropractic, one must obtain a doctor of chiropractic degree, which takes several years of graduate work. While most psychologists aren't likely to obtain such degrees, it is important to recognize that serving as a client's chiropractor at the same time as serving as his or her psychologist is inappropriate due to the type of touch needed for spinal manipulations. This use of touch would likely constitute a significant boundary violation, a topic that will be discussed in further detail later.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is "the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit" (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy [NAHA], 2010). There are three different types of aromatherapy: clinical, holistic and aesthetic (Metcalfe, 1989). Clinical aromatherapy focuses on relieving symptoms that are typically addressed in psychotherapy, such as stress and anxiety. Holistic aromatherapy focuses on the whole person, aiming to improve overall well-being and quality of life. Aesthetic aromatherapy, also termed nonclinical aromatherapy, uses aromatic essences in various oils and creams that are traditionally used in skin care (Metcalfe, 1989).

Using various scents and oils for therapeutic purposes has been in existence for thousands of years. In recent years, research finds that aromatherapy can help treat pain, anxiety and agitation specific to dementia (Han, Hur, Buckle, Choi, & Lee, 2006; Lehrner, Marwinski, Lehr, Johren, & Deecke, 2005; Lin, Chan, Ng, & Lam, 2007). Aromatherapy can be integrated into ongoing practice, and while certification is not required, it is recommended. Several organizations, such as the NAHA, offer certification to become a registered aromatherapist. There are risks associated with aromatherapy use related to toxicity, skin irritation and dosing regulations that competent professionals will want to be aware of.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy is a manual procedure that involves manipulating the body's soft tissue as a way to relieve tension and pain as well as anxiety and depression (Moyer, Rounds, & Hannum, 2004; Rich, 2002). Massage therapists use their hands, fingers and sometimes their forearms or feet as a way to "relieve pain, rehabilitate sports injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression, and aid general wellness" (NCCAM, 2011b). There are several different types of massage, each utilizing slightly different techniques. For example, Swedish massage, the most commonly used form of massage in the United States, involves "a combination of long strokes, kneading motion and friction on the layers of muscle just beneath the skin" (DCIM, 2006, p. 469). Other well-known forms of massage include sports massage, deep tissue massage and trigger point massage (NCCAM, 2011b). In 2007, 8.3 percent of adults were reported to have used massage therapy in the past year (Barnes et al., 2008).

The use of massage has been studied for its effectiveness in treating various psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety and stress, and thus it may be relevant for integration into some clients' treatment. However, even if the psychologist is appropriately trained, this integration must be done by referral to qualified massage therapists, due to boundary concerns mentioned previously.

The regulations for practicing massage vary from state to state. Presently, there are 43 states that regulate massage therapy, but national certification can be obtained through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Yoga

Yoga incorporates several techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, sustained concentration, and physical postures, which work to increase strength and flexibility (Khalsa, Shorter, Cope, Wyshak, & Sklar, 2009). A main focus of yoga is to relax the client while working to "balance the mind, body and the spirit" (NCCAM, 2011f). 

There are many different types of yoga such as Hatha, Ananda, Anusara, Bikram, Kundalini, and Viniyoga. Yoga has been increasingly studied of late, and it has been shown to be effective at treating numerous symptoms including anxiety, depression and chronic pain (Harner, Hanlon, & Garfinkel, 2010; Mehta & Sharma, 2010; Sherman, Cherkin, Erro, Miglioretti, & Deyo, 2006). With such a wide range of uses, it is not surprising that in 2007, 6.1 percent of adults indicated that they had practiced a form of yoga in the preceding year (Barnes et al., 2008).

Since yoga does not require any physical manipulation of the client by the psychologist, it is an area that may be integrated into ongoing treatment, as appropriately trained psychologists may choose to begin a session by utilizing various poses to promote relaxation. Also, clients who might benefit from yoga in addition to their ongoing psychological treatment may be referred to qualified yoga practitioners. As with many other CAM modalities, certification is required to practice yoga, but the certification process is not standardized.

Progressive muscle relaxation

Through this technique, the client learns to sequentially tense and relax muscle groups to promote greater relaxation. Progressive muscle relaxation, or PMR, is often beneficial for clients experiencing anxiety, tension or stress-related symptoms. However, even though PMR has been accepted and integrated into psychologists' practices for years, results of an NIH study showed that only 2.9 percent of adults had used PMR in the prior year (Barnes et al., 2008).

PMR requires significant effort and outside time-commitment by the client. The technique should not be viewed as a simple solution to stress reduction, and it is important that clients are aware that their success with PMR is highly dependent on the effort that they put into learning the process and practicing in between treatment sessions (Lehrer & Woolfolk, 1993). Psychologists may want to take clients through various PMR exercises during a psychotherapy session followed by offering them a recording of a relaxation sequence that can then be used outside of psychotherapy. PMR is one area of CAM that psychologists can effectively integrate into their practices with minimal training.

Spirituality, religion and prayer

The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey found that 56 percent of those surveyed indicated that religion was very important to them while 26 percent reported that it was somewhat important to them (The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, 2008).

Spirituality and religion are two separate entities: Spirituality tends to be more personalized, while religion is often more formally organized. Clients may identify themselves as only spiritual or only religious, neither or both. Spirituality, religion and prayer are three areas that have been difficult to study. Some studies, however, have shown that they have been commonly involved in the treatment of addiction, depression and the symptoms of trauma (Cook, 2004; Nasser & Overholser, 2005; Vis & Boynton, 2008).

Spirituality, religion and prayer can all be integrated in psychologists' ongoing practice, and technically no certification is required to do so, but the psychologist will want to be competent about the religion or faith-based practices being used. Psychologists will also want to be aware that practicing a particular faith does not make one competent to utilize it into their psychotherapy practice. While spirituality, religion and prayer can be a part of ongoing practice, psychologists should not exceed their clinical roles and take on the role of clergy. Clinicians who are interested in integrating spirituality, religion or prayer into an ongoing practice will want to first obtain the education and training necessary to ensure their clinical competence.

Movement therapy

Movement therapy is the "psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote [the] emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration of individuals" (American Dance Therapy Association [ADTA], 2009b). Often referred to as dance/movement therapy (DMT), it focuses on "movement behavior as it emerges in the therapeutic relationship" (ADTA, 2009b). A goal of DMT is to use the body's movement as a way of expressing the unconscious (Levy, 1988). Dance/movement therapists believe that the mind and the body do not function separately and that by focusing on the body, one should be able to affect his or her mind and therefore relieve a variety of symptoms (Levy, 1995).

More research is needed to support and guide the use of DMT. However, the ADTA has reported some support for using the therapy to help treat a variety of symptoms such as those associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, dementia, depression and a variety of physical disabilities, as well as to promote overall well-being (ADTA, 2009a). DMT is one of the lesser-known CAM modalities, with only 1.5 percent of adults reporting that they had used the therapy in the previous year (Barnes et al., 2008). Certification is required to practice DMT and it requires a graduate degree from an ADTA-approved program.

Acupuncture

This technique to improve health and functioning "through stimulation of specific points on the body" has been used for thousands of years (NCCAM, 2011a). Barnes et al. (2008) reported that 1.4 percent of adults said they have used acupuncture in the preceding year.

Typically, acupuncture involves penetrating the skin with needles, which are then manipulated by the acupuncturist's hands or by a form of electrical stimulation (NCCAM, 2011a). The needles are inserted into specific locations on the body as a way of balancing "the flow of life energy," also known as qi (pronounced "chee"). Acupuncture has been shown to be effective at relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as migraines and other forms of chronic pain (Furlan et al., 2010; Roschke et al., 2000).

Certification is required to practice acupuncture, and only physicians who have completed additional training, acupuncturists and doctors of oriental medicine can practice acupuncture. Some states require licensure to practice acupuncture, while others require certification through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in addition to licensure. Psychologists, even if certified, should not serve as a client's acupuncturist as well as his or her psychotherapist since acupuncture often involves the client removing articles of clothing, a clear boundary violation. Also, in some states, it is illegal for psychologists to provide any forms of treatment that involve piercing of the skin.

Reiki

The term Reiki means "spiritually guided life force energy" (International Center for Reiki Training, 2011). Reiki involves the passing of energy from a trained Reiki practitioner's body to the client's body as a method of healing. The client can remain fully clothed, as it is believed that the Reiki energy can easily pass through clothing or other objects (Plodek, 2009). The Reiki practitioner utilizes a series of established hand positions as a means for allowing the energy to move freely between the bodies.

Only 0.5 percent of the population report using Reiki (Barnes et al., 2008), and there is little research on its efficacy. Despite this, Reiki has been shown to help with stress and pain management, as well as to promote relaxation (Bowden, Goddard, & Gruzelier, 2010; Olson, Hanson, & Michaud, 2003).

Certification is required to practice Reiki. Referrals should be made for Reiki services, as opposed to integrating them into ongoing practice, as the hand positions will likely cross psychologists' ethical boundaries: Even though there is no direct contact, the clinician's hands are placed very close to the client's body.

Biofeedback

This technique uses electrical sensors to provide information to a client that can help him or her improve health and/or performance (Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback [AAPB], 2008). The three most common forms of biofeedback are electromyography (EMG), which focuses on muscle tension; thermal biofeedback, which focuses on skin temperature; and neurofeedback, or electroencephalography (EEG), which focuses on brain activity (Ehrlich, 2009). A fourth form of biofeedback, heart-rate variability (HRV), is becoming increasingly popular and is growing in use.

Biofeedback has been shown to be effective in the treatment of ADHD, pain, depression and headaches, among other symptoms (Fuchs, Birbaumer, Lutzenberger, Gruzelier, & Kaiser, 2003; Hawkins & Hart, 2003; Karavidas et al., 2007; Nestoriuc, Martin, Rief, & Andrasik, 2008). It is reported that 0.2 percent of adults use biofeedback (Barnes et al., 2008). The Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback reports having more than 2,000 professional members (AAPB, 2008), and the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance reports having approximately 1,600 certified members (Judy Crawford, personal communication, Feb. 20, 2012).

Biofeedback is an area of CAM that can be integrated into ongoing treatment with relative ease by appropriately trained psychologists using biofeedback equipment. While formal certification is not required, it can be obtained through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA), "the certification body for the clinical practice of biofeedback" (BCIA, 2011).

Hypnosis

The Society of Psychological Hypnosis defines hypnosis as a process by which "one person (the subject) is guided by another (the hypnotist) to respond to suggestions for changes in subjective experience, alterations in perception, sensation, emotion, thought or behavior" (Green, Barabasz, Barrett, & Montgomery, 2005).

Only 0.2 percent of people use hypnosis (Barnes et al., 2008). In fact, when many people hear the term hypnosis, they think entertainment, not health care. As a result, psychologists will want to educate clients about the utility of hypnosis, which is commonly used to treat pain and fatigue, as well as nausea and vomiting that occur as a side effect of cancer treatments (Castel, Salvat, Sala, & Rull, 2009; Jensen et al., 2011; Montgomery et al., 2001).

Hypnosis can be integrated into ongoing practice and one may obtain certification, although this is not standardized. Several organizations offer certification, with one of the most well-known being the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), which offers entry-level and advanced-level certifications (ASCH, 2011).

Music therapy

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) defines music therapy as "an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals" (AMTA, 2011a). Music therapy involves singing, writing music, making music, listening to music and lyric analysis, among many other techniques (AMTA, 2011b). 

Music is not what affects the therapeutic process. Rather, the focus is on helping clients to explore their thoughts and feelings through the use of a music intervention. Music therapy is a multidimensional approach that focuses on a variety of "facets — physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic and spiritual" as a means to improve health (Boyer College of Music and Dance, 2011).

Some evidence supports music therapy's use in reducing anxiety, depression and pain, although the literature is limited (Castillo-Pérez, Gómez-Pérez, Calvillo Velasco, Pérez-Campos, & Mayoral, 2010; Lin, Hsieh, Hsu, Fetzer, & Hsu, 2011). Music therapy may be ethically and appropriately integrated into ongoing psychological treatment by appropriately trained psychologists. Certification is required and can be obtained after earning a graduate or undergraduate degree from an AMTA-approved program, plus 1,200 hours of supervised music therapy experience. Additionally, there is a written exam required to become board certified as a music therapist (AMTA, 2011a).

Why CAM is important to psychologists

Psychologists are uniquely positioned to educate clients about CAM, to monitor their use of CAM, to communicate with primary-care physicians, and, if possessing the needed competence, to make crucial decisions about when CAM may be appropriate to include in a client's treatment. Recognizing when it is appropriate to integrate a specific modality into a client's psychological treatment as opposed to making a referral to a CAM practitioner, and knowing how to do this effectively are essential components of each psychologist's competence.

Elkins, Marcus, Rajab, and Durgam (2005) assessed CAM use among 262 people who were currently in psychotherapy. They found that 65 percent of respondents indicated that they had used at least one form of CAM in the past year. This finding specifically highlights the relevance of CAM in psychological practice because even if professional psychologists are not the ones presenting the modalities as treatment options, many of their clients are likely to be independently utilizing them. This further emphasizes that to provide the highest quality of care, psychologists will find it important to be educated on various forms of treatment, both those that many clients may already be using when they enter a psychologist's care and those that may be additionally beneficial to them. Also, psychologists must be aware of when clients should or should not continue with a CAM modality that has been previously implemented. Thus, psychologists must remain educated and up-to-date on the field of CAM as well as the various modalities and their diverse uses.

CAM is also relevant to psychologists and the care that they provide to their clients in the context of evidence-based practice in psychology (APA, 2005), described as "the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture and preferences." The emphasis on the consideration of "patient characteristics, culture and preferences" when selecting treatment strategies and techniques is directly relevant to earlier reported data on societal trends toward health promotion, wellness and spirituality, as well as the data on how many Americans are now seeking out CAM treatments. The emphasis on "the best available research" highlights the need for psychologists to focus their research efforts on the many uses of CAM to create an expanded knowledge base about CAM, its uses and its limitations. The emphasis on "clinical expertise" makes clear the need for psychologists to develop competence regarding CAM so that it may be appropriately applied to meet clients' ongoing needs.

All above information is retrieved from American Psychological Association (APA) http://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/04/ce-corner.aspx