Monday, August 22, 2016

Pain treatment specialist in Malaysia

Hypnosis for the Relief and Control of Pain


A meta-analysis (a study of studies) in 2000 of 18 published studies by psychologists Guy Montgomery, PhD, Katherine DuHamel, PhD, and William Redd, PhD, showed that 75% of clinical and experimental participants with different types of pain obtained substantial pain relief from hypnotic techniques. Thus, hypnosis is likely to be effective for most people suffering from diverse forms of pain, with the possible exception of a minority of patients who are resistant to hypnotic interventions. Drs. Patterson and Jensen indicate that hypnotic strategies are equivalent or more effective than other treatments for both acute and chronic pain, and they are likely to save both money and time for patients and clinicians. Evidence suggests that hypnosis might be considered a standard of treatment unless the person fails to respond to it or shows a strong opposition against it.

Practical Application

Hypno-analgesia is likely to decrease acute and chronic pain in most individuals, and to save them money in surgical procedures. Hypnotic analgesia has been used successfully in a number of interventions in many clinics, hospitals, and burn care centers, and dental offices. For acute pain, it has proven effective in interventional radiology, various surgical procedures (e.g., appendectomies, tumor excisions), the treatment of burns (dressing changes and the painful removal of dead or contaminated skin tissue), child-birth labor pain, bone marrow aspiration pain, and pain related to dental work, especially so with children. Chronic pain conditions for which hypnosis has been used successfully include, among others, headache, backache, fibromyalgia, carcinoma-related pain, temporal mandibular disorder pain, and mixed chronic pain. Hypnosis can alleviate the sensory and/or affective components of a pain experience, which may be all that is required for acute pain. Chronic conditions, however, may require a comprehensive plan that targets various aspects besides the pain experience. The patient may need help increasing behaviors that foster well-being and functional activity (e.g., exercise, good diet) challenging faulty thinking patterns (e.g., "I cannot do anything about my pain"), restoring range of motion and appropriate body mechanics, and so on. Clinicians using hypno-analgesia should be up to date in other treatments for pain besides hypnosis, consult with other specialists as appropriate, and integrate different strategies to provide the most effective and enduring relief for pain.


Hiro Koo is a certified specialist in hypnosis and pain management (from a nationally accredited college). Feel free to contact us any time: [email protected]


Cited Research

Lang, E. V., & Rosen, M. P. (2002). Cost analysis of adjunct hypnosis with sedation during outpatient interventional radiologic procedures. Radiology, 222, pp. 375-82.
Lynn, S. J., Kirsch, I., Barabasz, A., Cardeña, E., & Patterson, D. (2000). Hypnosis as an empirically supported clinical intervention: The state of the evidence and a look to the future. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Vol. 48, pp. 235-255.
Montgomery, G. H., DuHamel, K. N., & Redd, W. H. (2000). A meta-analysis of hypnotically induced analgesia: how effective is hypnosis? International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Vol. 48, pp. 138-153.
Patterson, D. R., & Jensen, M. P. (2003). Hypnosis and clinical pain. Psychological Bulletin, Vol. 129, pp. 495-521.
Rainville, P., Carrier, B., Hofbauer, R. K., Bushnell, M. C., & Duncan, G. H. (1999). Dissociation of sensory and affective dimensions of pain using hypnotic modulation. Pain, Vol. 82, pp. 159-71.


Retrieved from:
http://www.apa.org/research/action/hypnosis.aspx
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/02/14/easing-the-pain-of-cancer/ (Picture)

Friday, August 19, 2016

10 THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T SAY TO SOMEONE WHO HAS TOURETTE’S SYNDROME

1.) “You’re really pretty/ handsome for someone with Tourette’s” or “You’re too pretty/handsome to have Tourette’s”
Yes. People actually say this. Or at least make comments like this online.
In responce to this, here are the words of a beautiful young woman named Megan who has Tourette’s:
“Are you saying that people who have disabilities or neurological conditions are not supposed to be aesthetically pleasing or to have a certain beauty that fits in what society finds acceptable? This warped sense of beauty? What if your child has a disability and you tell them that they are too normal or beautiful to have a disability? Imagine how they’d feel? And you know what? I have Tourette’s and I am gosh damn sexy, beautiful, confident, wonderful, amazing, compassionate, loving, caring, considerate, resilient, and strong-minded. Tourette’s has made me become so much more compassionate towards other people. Tourette’s has helped me learned cultural competency and enables me to connect with ANYONE at ANY TIME on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level. Now that’s beautiful.” 
2.) “I have this eye twitch when I get stressed so I know exactly what you’re going through.” 
From Jenn, a mother of two children with Tourette’s:
“Really? all day every day for weeks months and years? wow. You may want to get that checked out (depending on how long they have it). If its not something serious then politely change the topic. Some people don’t realize how they come across. My friends daughter says things like this ALL the time.. some days my daughter cries.. other days she will laugh.”
3.) “Can’t you just stop?” 
From Kerri, a mother of a 13 year old son with Tourette’s:
“I like to say to those people that if he (son, 13yo) could stop, he would. It bothers him a whole lot more than it will EVER bother you. It’s a lot like a staring contest: when you keep yourself from blinking for an extended amount of time, once you give in & blink, your eyes burn & you blink a whole lot more to ease the burning in your eyes. Same with stopping/curbing his tics. And no, he won’t stop.”
From Jo, an adult living with Tourette’s:
I often have a hard time getting people who do not have TS to understand why I can’t ‘just stop’. I liken it to not blinking. How long can you NOT blink for? Sometimes we have a certain degree of control over our tics, sometimes we have none and sometimes we can suppress for short amount of time but that tension then builds. So, if you did not blink for 5 minutes your eyes would become so dry/watery and stinging that when you were allowed to blink again you would blink uncontrollably and repeatedly to make up for the lack of blinking until your eyes felt better again. Yeah, that’s what it’s like to NOT tic.
4.) “Maybe if you disciplined your child more or if you weren’t such an anxious parent then they wouldn’t have Tourette’s”  

From Melissa:
“Tourette Snydrome is not something that can be controlled no matter what type of discipline is used. It’s a genetic neurological disroder”
From Brynn, a mother of a child with Tourette’s:
“I would say to them ” do you know what TS is? Do you remember how painful it was to watch your child be in pain as an infant and not be able to do a think about it? I live that everyday with my child, and yes that makes me an anxious parent, but not about her tics or her future. You see, I have raised her to be strong and be proud of all of who she is. What makes me an anxious parent are closed minded people like you that she will undoubtedly encounter in her life. What makes me an axious parent are the hopes that she shows herself as a christian to undiciplined opinions and words like yours.”
5. )”With your effort and attitude, I know you’ll get rid of your tics one day.” 

From Charlotte, an adult living with Tourette’s:

Why would you think that? I’m almost 64 and probably the only time my face will stop moving will be when I’m in my coffin!”
6.) “I wish I had Tourette’s too! Then I could go around swearing and saying anything I want to and I would never get in trouble!” 

From Jenn, a mother of two children with Tourette’s:
“This made me cry – just moved into our neighborhood.. the lady over at the church whose husband is the pastor said she wished she had Tourette syndrome to my son and I and then said because then she could take the lords name in vein. In that moment I was shocked. I smiled at her as if to say I cant believe you said that.. then I said I had to get going – thanks for the chat.. and we left. My son was so upset and wanted to know why I didn’t say anything to her especially since I always say something but I looked at him and said there are some people that are not worth explaining to..”

From Lauren, an adult living with Tourette’s:
“I have actually had that comment made to me by a man who had his Doctoral degree in Social Work, very educated. I explained to him that I was very hurt by what he said and i educated him about what it is like to have Tourette’s and that it is not just a cussing disorder. It was a good learning opportunity for him.”

7.) “You don’t have Tourette’s! You seen so normal. I’ve never even seen you tic.” 

From Darby, a mother of a child with Tourette’s:
“I hear this all the time. Tourette’s is so misunderstood even by medical professionals. My response would depend on the situation. Sometimes I don’t have the time or energy to educate others and I just say, “well you don’t see us much and how it impacts our lives day to day and 24/7.” If I have time, I try to give them some insight and specifics. But, usually they still think I am making things up to excuse my kid’s “behavior.” They don’t get it. And inevitably they want to know why I just don’t make him stop. I recently had someone tell me I should duct tape his mouth shut. People can really be ignorant. I don’t waste anymore time on these people. We try to surround ourselves with people who are kind and understanding. The rest of them have no place in our lives.”

From Mandy, a mother of a child with Tourette’s:
“Certain things make my sons tics act up, excitement, anxiety, etc. He doesn’t tic all the time.”
From Asher, someone living with Tourette’s:
“I can assure you that my tics are very visible to me. They consistently provide adversity in my life, and thus, I can also assure you that I have Tourette Syndrome (And I was diagnosed).”
From Jen, a mother of two children with Tourette’s:
“AH I get this all the time. The answer always depends on the person saying it. I usually say this – Yeah, my kids don’t really tic around others. They try really hard to suppress them in front of strangers or people they know but are uncomfortable around. Take a look sometime at their youtube videos.. lots of tics on those! : ) Maybe you can look it up, its not uncommon for people to not notice. And yes they are normal, thanks”
From Kerri, a mother of a child with Tourette’s:
My son (13) tics constantly & people say this to me all of the time! I tell them they just don’t know what tics are & that not all of them are screaming, in your face tics. I tell them he always tics, they just may not realize it. Once I describe the tics he is currently having, they usually say, “Oh, I’ve seen him do those! Those are tics?! I had no idea.” I don’t mind educating people when they say it out of a place of genuine ignorance & not stupidity (yes, there is a difference!). Otherwise I would respond with one of the above comments.”
From Heather, a mother of a child with Tourette’s:
“TS isn’t always like Hollywood portrays. Often there is much more going on you can’t see”
8.) “Everyone has “habits”. If you have Tourette’s then everyone does too.”

From Heather, a mother of a child with Tourette’s:
“Habits do not prevent you from doing ordinary things like riding a bike, wearing roller skates or ski boots. Habits do not make you lick your lips until they are puffy and sore. Habits do not prevent you from sitting in a chair. Habits do not make your eyes blink so hard and often you can’t read.”

9.) “Don’t worry, I think I have Tourette’s too half the time” 

From Jenn, a mother of two children with Tourette’s:
“Wow. What exactly is it that you do that would lead you to believe you actually have Tourette Syndrome? ( one of two things will happen.. they will either have the symptoms or they wont – if they do then help them and if they don’t then be kind enough to lead them in a more appropriate disorder.. either with a medical name or like in my many circumstances a disorder called Stupidity”
10.) “You just need to exercise more, then you won’t be so hyperactive.”  

From Victoria:
“If that were true, then why do so many professional athletes still have TS? Although exercise helps, it will not cure TS. Same with removing nitrates and other processed food triggers- it will help, but will not cure the underlying disease.”

From Kerri, a mother of a 13 year old son with Tourette’s: 
“He (son, 13yo) is a runner & a swimmer. I’m sure he exercises more than you. It helps but does not make it go away.”
From Jo, an adult living with Tourette’s:
“I do two aerobics sessions a week plus a busy, on my feet job and I do voluntary work two mornings a week, am a single parent to two teenage boys, one with ADHD. I’d say I do my fair share of exercise…strangely I still have Tourette’s. Go figure.”


Source:
http://dailyrecords.us/10-things-you-shouldnt-say-to-someone-who-has-tourettes-syndrome/

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable-bowel syndrome (IBS)

Whorwell PJ; Prior A; Faragher EB. Controlled trial of hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable-bowel syndrome.The Lancet 1984, 2: 1232-4. 
This was the earliest formal study of hypnosis treatment for IBS and remains to date one of the best studies in this research area, as it was thoroughly placebo-controlled and showed dramatically greater improvement from hypnosis treatment above the placebo. 

Thirty patients with severe symptoms that had been unresponsive to other treatment were randomly chosen to receive either 7 sessions of hypnotherapy (15 patients) or 7 sessions of psychotherapy plus placebo pills (15 patients). 

The psychotherapy group showed a small but significant improvement in abdominal pain and distension, and in general well-being but not bowel activity pattern. The hypnotherapy patients showed a dramatic improvement in all IBS symptoms. The hypnotherapy group showed no relapses during the 3-month follow-up period. 

Figure adapted from the above paper by Whorwell and colleagues, showing the changes in the hypnosis group and the comparison treatment group in well-being (upper left-hand graph) and IBS symptoms during the 2-week baseline and 12-week treatment period.


How to Select a Hypnotherapist in Malaysia?
Get answers to the following three questions:
1) Is this person a licensed health professional? Be aware that hypnosis certificates and vanity letters after the person’s name such as C. Ht. ("certified hypnotherapist") mean nothing in terms of clinical qualifications. In Malaysia, A licensed clinical hypnotherapist should be registered with the professional body in Malaysia: The Association of Hypnotherapy Practitioners, Malaysia (AHPM)

2) Does this person have formal training and significant experience in clinical hypnosis and psychology field? Using hypnosis with good success requires considerable skill and knowledge. In general, 50 hours or more of certified workshop training in hypnosis would be good, although less is sometimes adequate.

3) Does this person know the details of successful hypnosis treatment protocols for IBS? Hypnosis in itself is probably not sufficient to treat IBS effectively. Specific gut-directed hypnotherapy method need to be included.


Source: http://www.ibshypnosis.com/IBSresearch.html

Sunday, August 7, 2016

ROLE OF NEURO-HYPNOTHERAPY IN HELPING PEOPLE WITH TIC DISORDER - By Hiro Koo

ROLE OF NEURO-HYPNOTHERAPY IN HELPING PEOPLE WITH TIC DISORDER



Neuro-hypnotherapy is practiced by licensed clinical hypnotherapist who has been trained in the area of EEG biofeedback technique. Neuro-hypnotherapy is first of its kind in Malaysia developed by Hiro Koo. It is based on the concept of clinical hypnotherapy which can be classified as psychotherapy as well. It is well known to deal with the subconscious mind directly and is commonly used to deal with symptoms of various problems such as habit breaking, smoking cessation, weight management, and mood-related issues. There are many approaches and techniques in the field of clinical hypnotherapy. The most commonly used clinical hypnotherapy techniques for patient with tic disorder are hypno-behavioural methods such as hypno-desensitization and habit reversal therapy. Cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy (CBH) can also be used to deal with tic disorder or the comorbid feature of TS such as OCD or anxiety related symptoms.

Neuro-hypnotherapy for tic disorder includes a combination of different types of therapies.  The first step of the neuro-hypnotherapy is psychoeducation. During this initial step, the possible causes of tic disorder will be elaborated by the clinical hypnotherapist. Patients will be guided on ways to communicate with the school or co-workers effectively to prevent conflict and misunderstanding, while their caregivers will be educated on ways to provide appropriate amount of support. Furthermore, although habit reversal is an effective intervention for tic disorder, individuals should be informed that tic disorder is not just a bad habit but neurological disorder. Thus, it cannot be solved based on positive or negative reinforcement alone, let alone the possibility that reinforcement in either positive or negative manner may worsen the symptoms. It is very important to neutralize the self-defeating belief, while empowering the patient and setting realistic expectations.

The following sessions will focus on functional intervention, cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy, HRT, as well as relaxation therapy. During the functional intervention session, patient will be hypnotized in order to identify how environmental factors may worsen, maintain or improve the symptoms. Patient is able to observe his or her behaviour before and after the tics occurrence during the neuro-hypnotherapy session. CBH technique can then be applied to deal with the irrational feelings, cognitive distortion, and unhealthy coping ways.

According to the systematic review done by Dutta and colleague (2013), HRT can significantly reduce tic severity for patient with tic disorder. During the neuro-hypnotherapy session, the hypnotized patient will observe all of their tics in detail such as how it feels in the particular muscle group and where it feels most intensively in the body. During this stage, HRT will be incorporated into neuro-hypnotherapy session to find out the premonitory urge. Thus, patient will notice how it feels before the tics occur more clearly. Hypno-desensitization focuses on helping patient getting used to the premonitory urge, so that the patient doesn’t need to react to it by doing the tic. In this way, premonitory urge can be controlled before the tic happens. Soon after the patient becomes more aware of the premonitory urge, competing response will be discussed and implemented. During the neuro-hypnotherapy session, an intentional movement that can prevent tic from happening will be suggested. After that, the clinical hypnotherapist will use the hypno-exposure therapy to reinforce the competing response.  

Progressive hypnotherapy relaxation is taught to relax the patient as it can directly reduce the stress response. Tics are commonly known to become worse when triggered by stress. Progressive hypnotherapy relaxation technique which requires patient to progressively tensing and then relaxing the different muscle groups is taught in a self hypnosis format. This is a very helpful method to reduce the arousal level in the brain and empower the patient with positive coping strategy. Patient was taught to utilize this progressive hypnotherapy relaxation technique whenever he or she has the need to stay calm and relax.


During the neuro-hypnotherapy session, electrodes are applied to the individual’s scalp, which allows the patient and therapist to observe the brainwave activity. The electrodes do not hurt and conduct no amount of electricity that one can feel. The person’s hair is not removed or shaven during the electrode placement. This is done in real-time setting, so the individuals see exactly what is going on in their brain as they think of certain thoughts, feel stressed, or relaxed. After the self hypnosis session, patient commonly will learn how to self regulate their brain activity naturally, without pharmaceutical medications.





Retrieved from the Integrative treatment for tics and tourette syndrome in Malaysia (Author: Hiro Koo).


References
Bronfeld, M. & Bar-Gad, I. (2013). Tic disorders: What happens in the basal ganglia?
Neuroscientist, 19, 101-108. doi:10.1177/1073858412444466
Dutta, N., & Cavanna, A. E. (2013). The effectiveness of habit reversal therapy in the
treatment of Tourette syndrome and other chronic tic disorders: A systematic review. Functional Neurology, 28((1), 7-12. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /pubmed/23731910
Kaya, Y., & Alladin, A. (2012). Hypnotically assisted diaphragmatic exercises in the
            treatment of stuttering: A preliminary investigation. International Journal of Clinical
and Experimental Hypnosis, 60(2), 175-205. doi:10.1080/00207144.2012.648063
Lam, T. (2013). Hypnosis for insomnia: An exaggerated myth or an underrated intervention. 
Sleep Medicine, 14(1). doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2013.11.412
Messerotti, B. S., Buodo, G., Leone, V., & Palomba, D. (2011). Neurofeedback training for
Tourette Syndrome: An uncontrolled single case study. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback36(4), 281-288. doi: 10.1007/s10484-011-9169-7
Abbot, N. C., Stead, L. F., & Barnes, J. (2008). Hypnotherapy for smoking cessation (Review).The Cochrane
  Library, (10), 1 – 39. Retrieved from http://bscw.rediris.es/pub/bscw.cgi/d5001301/Barnes-
  Hypnotherapy_smoking_cessation.pdf
Piacentini, J. C., & Chang, S. W. (2006). Behavioral treatments for tic suppression: Habit
reversal training. Advances in Neurology, 99, 227-233. Retrieved from http://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16536370
Shanbao, T., & Nitish, V. T. (2009). Quantitative EEG analysis methods and clinical
applications. UK: Artech House

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Integrative treatment for tics and tourette syndrome in Malaysia - By Hiro Koo






INTRODUCTION
Human brain can be trained at any age and new neurons are produced throughout our life. The term of neuroplasticity is well accepted nowadays.  EEG biofeedback or neurofeedback is based on the concept of neuroplasticity that trains the brain like a muscle. It is safe, non-invasive, with no known side effects. It is basically based on the principle of operant conditioning which utilizes the reinforcement concept to change the brain.
When it comes to neurological or mental disorders, pharmaceutical intervention is usually recommended to deal with the brain by improving neurochemical or brain structure components. Interestingly, the electrical component which is brainwaves has been neglected most of the time. Even a person with perfect neurochemical and brain structure but without any noticeable brainwaves, this can be certified as brain death by a qualified neurologist or physician. Thus, brainwaves intervention such as EEG biofeedback training should be included as one of the treatment plans while dealing with issues related to our brain and mind. In fact, EEG biofeedback is not something new as it has more than 50 years of established scientific studies. It is proven to be helpful in cases such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, insomnia, depression, and tics and Tourette Syndrome. EEG biofeedback for tic disorder is worth investigating as it directly deals with the brain. Another major benefit is the hope that it can help patients avoid pharmaceutical intervention which might cause side effects. As mentioned earlier, a healthy state of brain includes the component of electrical, brain structure and neurochemical. EEG biofeedback alone might not be sufficient to get rid of the entire problem as it primarily improves the brain function to perform better. In this case, integrative treatment approach such as combining with psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and nutritional therapy can be recommended to get the best therapeutic outcome.

Neuro-hypnotherapy on the other hand, is the first of its kind in Malaysia. It is a technique by combining EEG biofeedback technology and the science of hypnosis. Hypnosis is a skill which involves the use of words and suggestions to achieve therapeutic outcome, while the clinical hypnotherapy is a technique which utilizes the concept of hypnosis to achieve clinical outcomes (Kaya & Alladin, 2012). Clinical hypnotherapy has been acknowledged as an evidence based therapy tool by various medical councils in the world and it has been proven to be helpful for various medical conditions (Abbot NC, Stead LF, White AR, Barnes J, Ernst E., 2008). Clinical hypnotherapy is considered as the oldest form of psychotherapy as well as complementary medicine (Lam, 2013). By utilizing this technique, we can combine self-hypnosis method with other psychotherapy method such as habit reversal training. Habit reversal training (HRT) is evidence based non-pharmaceutical interventions for tics and Tourette syndrome, which has been found to alleviate motor and vocal tics (Piacentini & Chang, 2006). Once patients learn the self-hypnosis technique, they learn to deal with their stressors and healthier ways to remain calm. 

Tourette Syndrome (TS) or Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome is one type of Tic disorder. TS is characterized by involuntary tics, repetitive movements, and vocalizations. Normally it will start between the ages of 5-7 years old and becoming more severe between the ages of 8-12 years old. Motor tics (simple or complex motor tics) and vocal/phonic tics (simple and complex vocal tics) are two common characteristics of tic disorder. Simple motor tics include eye blinking, head jerking, jaw movements, shoulder shrugging, neck stretching, and arm jerking. Complex motor tics include hopping, twirling, and jumping. Simple vocal tics include sniffing, throat clearing, grunting, hooting, and shouting. Complex vocal tics include words which may or may not be recognizable or it could be socially unacceptable words. Tic disorder can be differentiated into three types which is Tourette Syndrome, Chronic Tic Disorder (Vocal or motor type), and Provisional Tic Disorder. Individual with at least two motor tics and at least one vocal/phonic tics over the course of more than 1 year can be classified as TS. One suffered with either motor tics or vocal/phonic tics for more than 1 year can be classified as Chronic Tic Disorder. If the tics were presented less than 1 year, it can be classified as provisional tics disorder. Patients with TS are at high risk of having comorbid major neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Learning difficulties, behavior problems, anxiety, mood issues, social skills deficits, or sleep related problems.

Author: Hiro Koo






References
Bronfeld, M. & Bar-Gad, I. (2013). Tic disorders: What happens in the basal ganglia?
Neuroscientist, 19, 101-108. doi:10.1177/1073858412444466
Dutta, N., & Cavanna, A. E. (2013). The effectiveness of habit reversal therapy in the
treatment of Tourette syndrome and other chronic tic disorders: A systematic review. Functional Neurology, 28((1), 7-12. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /pubmed/23731910
Kaya, Y., & Alladin, A. (2012). Hypnotically assisted diaphragmatic exercises in the
            treatment of stuttering: A preliminary investigation. International Journal of Clinical
and Experimental Hypnosis, 60(2), 175-205. doi:10.1080/00207144.2012.648063
Lam, T. (2013). Hypnosis for insomnia: An exaggerated myth or an underrated intervention. 
Sleep Medicine, 14(1). doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2013.11.412
Messerotti, B. S., Buodo, G., Leone, V., & Palomba, D. (2011). Neurofeedback training for
Tourette Syndrome: An uncontrolled single case study. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 36(4), 281-288. doi: 10.1007/s10484-011-9169-7
Abbot, N. C., Stead, L. F., & Barnes, J. (2008). Hypnotherapy for smoking cessation (Review).The Cochrane
  Library, (10), 1 – 39. Retrieved from http://bscw.rediris.es/pub/bscw.cgi/d5001301/Barnes-
  Hypnotherapy_smoking_cessation.pdf
Piacentini, J. C., & Chang, S. W. (2006). Behavioral treatments for tic suppression: Habit
reversal training. Advances in Neurology, 99, 227-233. Retrieved from http://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16536370
Shanbao, T., & Nitish, V. T. (2009). Quantitative EEG analysis methods and clinical
applications. UK: Artech House

Tourette syndrome therapy malaysia - H Case


“Stress has made my son’s tics worst. My son is diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and his condition turned distressing when he was 15 years old, the year when he would sit for his PMR examination. Hamzah’s tics are very obvious, believed to be caused by the stress he received from the important exam and it had caused an impact to his academic performance. He could not control his tics as it affected his writing and concentration. Even though he was given extra time in exam, it was still very difficult for him to complete it due to his uncontrollable movement and his low concentration level. Not only that, his daily-struggle includes dealing with the jokes and sarcastic statements made by his school mates.”
“It was suffering to see him going through all these difficulties. I started to seek for all kinds of treatments for Tourette syndrome. But it is disappointing that there are not much treatments for Tourette syndrome in Malaysia. H is taking medications prescribed by hospital though it helps him to relax a bit, I would still want to look for a better solution for him. Then, I found here. I’d read through the testimonials regarding the Brain Trainer therapy in the website and the outcomes of the therapy gave me confidence to bring H here.”
“I’d been introduced to Brain Trainer, the EEG-Biofeedback treatment which can help to relieve H’s condition. According to the professional neurotherapist here, they recommended H to first take up a 20-session therapy and I decided to give it a shot. I am totally impressed by the result of the treatment as on the 15th session of the therapy, H starts to show positive feedbacks on his tics control. And his condition is remarkably improved after completing the 20th sessions of Brain Trainer.”
“H is now becoming calmer, being able to control his movement and becoming more confident. He is more sociable now and he managed to proceed to his tertiary studies on culinary art. His teacher and friends are very surprised of his improvement. Most importantly, I can see him living happier and more healthily now.”

By H'S MOTHER
Remark: Our client's information will be kept strictly confidential all the time. All reviews and photos have been acknowledged and provided by past and current clients of Spectrum of Life proactive healthcare centre (Clinical Hypnotherapist Hiro Koo). Clients names have been changed to protect their identity.

Friday, July 29, 2016

2nd Asian Neurofeedback Conference 2016




During the 2nd Asia Neurofeedback Conference this year, I speak about Tic disorder and Tourette syndrome management by using Neuro-hypnotherapy and EEG biofeedback. I am really glad to be here today. 
😄
Abstract
This paper discussed EEG biofeedback as a standalone tool or used together with neuro-hypnotherapy approach for Tics and Tourette Syndrome. In this paper, the advantages of EEG biofeedback alone or integrating EEG biofeedback in neuro-hypnotherapy were explained. Four cases of patients with presenting problems related to tics and Tourette syndrome were presented. The protocol and improvement were mentioned and highlighted. 







Speakers of the day




*Special thanks to Miss Tan Wan Yen. Thank you for giving me a hand in doing research.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Impact Journalism Day: Healing powers of hypnosis promoted by Swiss

In the large burns unit of the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) in Lausanne, Switzerland, hypnosis is used on a daily basis.
A study has shown that hypnosis reduces the time patients spend in intensive care and saves $26,000 a patient.

The hospital now wants to extend this insight into other departments.
"If hypnosis were a medication it would already be in all hospitals, but it is an approach, and thus it must overcome cultural barriers," says Pierre-Yves Rodondi, a doctor at the University Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine at the hospital.
"There are scientific studies, unfortunately ignored by a large part of the medical community, that demonstrate the effectiveness of hypnosis in pain management: it is a tool that should be integrated into treatment. It even works with those who are sceptical."
According to a scientific study carried out at the hospital and published in the journal Burns, hypnosis helps patients with severe burns to recover faster and cuts the cost of therapy.

The study found it reduces anxiety, the use of drugs, the overall need for anaesthetics and, on average, reduces the time spent by patients in intensive care by five days. The savings could be converted into more specialist hospital staff.
"It could be related to a lower level of stress, but this is just our hypothesis," explains Maryse Davadant, a nurse in the intensive care unit and a pioneer in the use of hypnosis at CHUV. 
"On average, we start the first session a few days after the patient is admitted, when he or she is no longer intubated and unable to concentrate.
"Then we teach them to do self-hypnosis: this is a tool that the patient will always have, and the analgesic effect lasts even after therapy.
"We have two nurses in the ICU who only do hypnosis.
"We offer it to everyone, some are aware of it and are interested, whereas others are more sceptical, but almost everyone tries it and is satisfied."



Source:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/impact-journalism-day-healing-powers-of-hypnosis-promoted-by-swiss-20160609-gpfkpd.html

Monday, July 18, 2016

信任你的潛意識-在夢中,圓滿關係裡的缺憾

當人看到了他想要及缺乏的東西是什麼,就是溝通的開始。關係之夢會讓你看到某個重要的,卻還沒處理的生命議題。
「在我爸過世之前,其實我曾夢過他。夢裡他好像在爬山,手腳俐落地像沒有任何病痛,一步步往山頂走去。我出聲喊爸爸,結果他回過頭來笑咪咪地說,妹妹,我先上去了啊。」記得朋友有次將這個夢告訴我,帶著微笑,表情雖有一絲悵惘卻也有著溫柔,說是可能爸爸知道自己時日無多,所以先用這個夢來打聲招呼。「其實當時我沒有想太多,是後來某天翻到日記,才突然把一切連結在一起的。後來我想起這件事,總會感謝這個夢。」
就像這樣,每個人或許都有夢見親友的經驗,在夢裡吵架也好、享受愉快時光也好、甚至夢見對方死去也好,醒來時卻往往有同樣的疑惑:在夢裡出現的人是真的嗎?在夢裡和他發生的事,會不會預示成現實?

關係之夢
看見真正的渴望
「夢境裡的一切可能是自我的投射,我們所夢見的人,也許只是代表自己的某種特質。但是,有一種『關係之夢』的確和別人有關。」徐大智說,想確認自己做的夢是哪一種,還是要先從基本功下手,把這個夢的關鍵字記下來,過二十四小時再回頭去想,過去三個月的時間,和某人是不是有什麼在意而沒處理的議題?夢醒時的感受,是不是和現實事件中的情緒有關?如果沒有特別的對應,那麼夢境裡的人物可能只是自我的一部分,相反的,如果發現夢境和現實的感受有高度連結,那麼就是潛意識在提醒你,某段關係裡有些問題需要被看見。
徐大智提到,有位個案A小姐的故事令他印象深刻。當時A小姐有個穩定交往多年的男友,兩人都到了適婚年齡,卻無法拿定主意未來該怎麼走。有天,她做了一個奇怪的夢,夢到自己跟一個老男人燕好,而且對方是平常很討厭的、總是在職場上糾纏她的客戶。A小姐非常震驚,覺得做這樣的夢很噁心,甚至懷疑是不是對方作了什麼法,竟然讓她夢到這種內容。
「其實,性愛是一個很鮮明的意象,代表人的渴求或欲望,這樣的夢,可能是潛意識有些想要而得不到的東西,想要引起你的注意。」徐大智詢問A小姐,那個老男人身上,是不是有哪些正面特質,是她非常希望男友能表現出來的?A小姐想了想之後回答,的確,她一直苦惱男友不夠成熟穩重,導致她遲遲無法下定決心。
「潛意識希望你注意到沒有被滿足的地方,因此會藉由激烈的夢境呈現,迫使你認真檢視這段關係。」很有趣的是,夢境不見得會用對方的形象出現,就像這個夢的演出者是A小姐跟客戶,但其實真正要處理的議題是她和男友的關係。「當人看到了他想要及缺乏的東西是什麼,就是溝通的開始。關係之夢會讓你看到某個重要的,卻還沒處理的生命議題。」

资料来源:https://tw.style.yahoo.com/-1469532421439542.html