Build the Life You Want With Hypnotherapy

By: Mary M. Vallei, CCHt

If you had the power to bring lasting positive change into your life and build your life the way you want it to be, would you do so? If you answered yes, then you need to know that this power already lies within you and building the life you want is already within you. And hypnotherapy is a tool that may show you how.

Most of us experience crises and anxiety at sometime in our lives. Crises hijack your life. Anxiety interferes with your life. You can let these overwhelm your life or you can take control of them.

Hypnotherapy is a safe, easy, quick, and effective technique that helps you build a positive mind-body connection and gain the resources and strength to create a well, balanced, and happy life for yourself.

Hypnotherapy is an approved, widely recognized, complementary tool for both adults and children. It is approved by the International Medical and Dental Associations, the American Medical Association, and the American Psychiatric Association. The American and the British Medical Associations adopted hypnotherapy as a viable complementary therapeutic tool in 1958, and has been recommending it since that time.

Hypnosis is a natural state that we have all experienced in everyday life. Anytime we daydream, drive on autopilot, meditate or practice other relaxation techniques, we are in a hypnotic state. Hypnotherapy is different in that one makes a choice to enter into a deep state of relaxation in order to focus concentration and use suggestion to promote health, healing, achievement of goals, personal growth and fulfillment, discover and change negative thoughts and patterns, and more. Anytime a person is in a hypnotic state, that person is always in control. No one can make you do, or think, anything you do not want to do or think. The Hypnotherapist guides the process and teaches the techniques. You are the only person who can hypnotize yourself. So, in reality, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.

Hypnotherapy creates a mind and body connection that makes change, growth, and healing possible. In a deep state of relaxation, the conscious and subconscious minds become free to connect and communicate.

The process is simple. The number of sessions required is not the same for all people, even those with similar problems. Some people achieve their desired goal in one session. Others take more time. This is really up to each individual to determine as the process unfolds.

The Hypnotherapist, works in concert with the client, asks questions to understand what you want to change or achieve, what you expect and believe, and your motivation. Next the Hypnotherapist works with you to frame a positive suggestion and develop a visualization to communicate what you want to achieve to your subconscious mind. Then the Hypnotherapist will use guided imagery, visualization, and other techniques to create and deliver positive suggestions and messages to the conscious and subconscious. By receiving the same message the conscious and subconscious minds connect. It is this special connection that can empower the client to successfully change and grow. The Hypnotherapist also teaches you how to practice self-hypnosis so you can continue the process anytime throughout your life.

Hypnotherapy is applied to numerous medical issues, including pain management, surgery preparation, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and childbirth to name a few. It is also used to help with emotional health issues; creativity and education; athletic motivation, performance; and even business focus.

When you choose a hypnotherapist there are a number of things to remember. There are many specialties for hypnotherapy. All hypnotherapists follow basically the same processes. However, most hypnotherapists specialize in particular areas. Some focus on health and wellness issues, others focus on spiritual healing. Still others provide emergency crisis relief, phobias, anxiety and stress relief, smoking cessation, or weight issues. Whatever your issue, ask the hypnotherapist if that is an area in which they can provide the help you need. Other things to know include:

• The hypnotherapist should have received training in this field. If the hypnotherapist has attended a school of hypnotherapy, make sure this school is accredited by the state in which the school operates.

• There are several professional organizations which test and credential hypnotherapists. Find out what group the hypnotherapist belongs to and what was needed in order to receive the credentials. Among the leading organizations are the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Associations, the American Association of Hypnotist Examiners, the National Guild and the Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists.

• Decide for yourself if you feel a connection with the hypnotherapist. This is very important for the hypnotherapy to be effective. If you feel comfortable with your choice, your experience will be better.

• Be sure to understand the fees up front. Good hypnotherapists will provide you with a disclosure form explaining the fees, process, and your rights as a client. Be sure to ask for this form. If the hypnotherapist does not provide this, it is probably wiser to seek another hypnotherapist.

• Remember that the hypnotherapist is there to teach and guide you on how to connect with your mind-body healing power that you already possess. The hypnotherapist does not heal or fix you. Watch out if someone promises to do that.

Hypnotherapy is a safe, easy way to empower you to take charge of your life, reprogram old behavior patterns, and create more productive and successful living. You can learn to realize and sustain new visions for how you want to live. You can apply the skills of hypnotherapy to any situation you encounter throughout your life.

Mary M. Vallei is a graduate of the Colorado School of Counseling Hypnotherapy in Longmont, CO and the founder and prinicpal hypnotherapist of the Hypnotherapy Center for Positive Change, and active multi-state practice in Colorado, Michigan, New Mexico, and Seattle.  She is a member of the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association, the American Society of Hypnotist Examiners, and the Colorado Association of Psychotherapists.  In Michigan, she conducts her practice at the Authentic Living Center in Troy, MI.

Acupuncture & Mainstream Medicine

With Beth Kohn, LAc

For thousands of years, the ancient practice of acupuncture has been a mainstay of traditional Chinese medicine. It is one of the oldest healing techniques in the world, and until recently has been niched for those practicing holistic medicine.

However, over the past several years, it has found its way into modern day medicine. Once taboo with many medical physicians, acupuncture is now being used as complementary treatment in areas such as cancer pain, infertility, dentistry and other areas.

The theory behind acupuncture is that the fields of energy within the body can be manipulated using solid, metallic needles, to stimulate healing within the body. This is based on the principle that the body has two opposing and inseparable forces, the yin and yang, that when appropriately balanced can lead to a healthy being. The needles used help connect the disrupted energies within the body and helps them reconnect along the meridians, which are lines between the points within the body.

Several large studies have been carried out over the past decade to understand the effects of acupuncture. The NIH (National Institute of Health) determined that many physicians were beginning to incorporate acupuncture as complementary treatment to certain conditions.

With the increased use of acupuncture, the FDA now regulates the production of acupuncture needles to certified, trained practitioners to ensure safety, sterility and quality of the needles.

“I find that most of my patients are looking for alternatives to pharmaceutical medicines,” says Beth Kohn, is a certified acupuncturist at the Henry Ford Center of Integrated Medicine, in Northville. “They want to find options with fewer side effects.”

The goal for both traditional western medicine and eastern medicine is the same; to help heal a patient’s ailment. Therefore, combining these two differing philosophies can see successful outcomes for many patients. By working in concert, the practitioners can provide quality outcomes for some of the most difficult of patient conditions.

“We try to figure out how we can use these therapies (acupuncture and herbal medicine) wen traditional western medicine and pharmaceuticals don’t work, or people can’t tolerate them,” says Kohn. “We have used traditional eastern medicine on people with neck pain, headaches, menopause and premenstrual syndromes. We work with the (physicians) to determine if it is okay to incorporate this into the patient’s treatment.”

Although there are still some skeptics to using acupuncture as complementary treatment, they are becoming fewer and fewer. In fact, many physicians are learning about these alternative therapies based on the demand from patients.

“Patients are more educated and do more research today. It used to be you would go to the doctor and ask what to do, and the doctor would take care of you. Today, people are doing research and coming to the doctor with alternatives and questions about herbs and other treatments,” says Kohn.

This patient-driven force is part of the reason that many hospitals within metro Detroit are now incorporating this integrative treatment plan in certain disease states.

One example of how the Center for Integrated Medicine worked with a physician involved a patient diagnosed with Hepatitis C, says Kohn. The patient had researched the disease and did not want to receive interferon treatment.

“I talked with the physician and found out where the patient was in the stage of his illness and discussed the patient’s desire to use alternative therapies. We made sure it wouldn’t be dangerous to the patient and the doctor said it was okay. Baseline blood work was done and we set up a three month treatment plan to see where the patient was after that time,” says Kohn. “We made it clear to the patient that if we didn’t see the results we wanted, then he was to move forward with the medical plan.”

Another large area of use of acupuncture and herbal medicine is in patients with cancer or those who have completed treatment, says Kohn. In particular, patients who survived breast cancer or ovarian cancer who can no longer receive estrogenic medications. “These patients want to try alternative therapies so we have the physicians review the herbs and move forward with the treatment,” says Kohn.

Although acupuncture is commonly thought to be used for those who are already sick, there are many people who receive treatments to stave off illness and keep healthy.

“Acupuncture is tapping into our natural ability to relax and heal,” says Kohn. “There is a natural release of endorphins and nerve stimulation. People who get acupuncture consistently report getting sick less and have immune systems that respond well to illness.”

Acupuncture is not covered by all insurances and it is important to consult with your insurance company to see what their policy is on treatment. You should also do your research to make sure that your therapist is certified by a nationally recognized organization before seeking treatment.

Although side effects are rare with acupuncture, there can still be serious consequences if you are not treated by someone who is well-trained.

Beth Kohn, Acupuncturist, L.Ac (CA), MTOM, Dipl. Ac., Dipl. CH is a Staff Acupuncturist at the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine in Novi. She received her Masters Degree Oriental Medicine (MTOM)-Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, in San Diego, and her Bachelors of Science from the University of Maryland. She is California Board Certified in Licensed Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbalist and received her NCCAOM Certification in Acupuncture therapy (Dipl.Ac.), Certification in Chinese Herbal Medicine (Dipl.CH). She is a current member of the Michigan Association for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Hot Flash Or Power Surge

By Nedra Downing, DO

A hot flash by any other name is still a hot flash, which is a sudden feeling of intense heat in the upper body and face. Hot flashes occur among women at midlife and are one of the most common and earliest signs that menopause is approaching. Some women experience very few hot flashes or none at all. Others have frequent hot flashes accompanied by intense sweating and itching. When they occur at night, they are called night sweats which usually interfere with sleep.

WHAT CAUSES HOT FLASHES?

The cause of hot flashes is not certain. Declining and fluctuating levels of estrogens may be the cause. There are estrogen receptors on heat regulating areas of the brain. Blood vessels dilate causing warmth and flushing in the skin.

TRIGGERS FOR HOT FLASHES

If you are prone to hot flashes, avoid the following:

• Caffeine
• Refined sugar and white flour foods
• Alcohol
• Diet sodas and other soft drinks
• Food dyes and artificial sweeteners
• Fried foods and charred meats
• Partially hydrogenated oils and trans fats
• Chocolate, cocoa and tea for some women
• Spices
• Stress
• Heat and sun exposure
• Cigarette smoke, wood smoke and grill fumes
• Environmental toxins like formaldehyde
• Allergic foods
• Salty snack foods like chips and cheese curls
• Processed meats, cold cuts, ham, hot dogs

TREATMENTS

Conventional medicine treats hot flashes with powerful prescription hormones that have been reported to have serious side effects. Other types of drugs including antidepressants, tranquilizers, blood pressure and anti-seizure medications are also used.

Many women seek natural choices and wish to be empowered to help themselves. Safe and effective options include: diet, nutrients, exercise, herbs, aromatherapy, homeopathic remedies, hands-on treatments, activities to reduce stress, and natural hormones if needed.

BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES

Balancing hormones with Bio-Identical Hormones is safer and more natural than using strong, synthetic or horse-urine-derived hormones. The key word here is balancing. Having saliva hormones checked before starting them and after three to six months is a reasonable approach to achieving balance. Often only small amounts are needed to bring relief from hot flashes.

HERBS

Herbs are some of the oldest hot flash remedies. They can be brewed as teas to be drunk hot or iced, or taken as tinctures which are dropped into cool water and then swallowed. Tablets and capsules are very popular made from single or blended herbs. Herbs are slow to act, so stay with your choices. Some of the best time-honored herbs for hot flashes are the following:

• Black cohosh
• Vitex
• Evening primrose or black currant oil
• Ashwaganda
• Raspberry leaf, red clover, sweet briar, dandelion, fenugreek seed, hops, elder flower, sage and chamomile teas
• Motherwort
• Dong quai
• Witch hazel facial swabs.
• Chamomile tub soaks

NUTRIENTS

Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are useful support at midlife. Most noteworthy is Vitamin E, which has often helped with hot flashes. Getting enough of other nutrients, such as Vitamins C, D2, B-Complex, minerals, essential fatty acids is important.

FOODS TO HELP REDUCE HOT FLASHES

Dietary choices and cooking methods influence hot flashes. Eating smaller meals and more cold foods helps. Organic plant-based meals consisting of vegetables, roots, grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, quinoa, buckwheat and sea vegetables are the core of a good diet. Meat, poultry, fish or tofu may be included to add protein. Drinking vegetable juices including green, leafy vegetables; eating a fresh green salad daily and vegetable soup often is helpful.

Plant foods rich in phyrosterols can help regulate hormones since they have similar ring structures. Among the best are: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bamboo shoots, artichokes, red cabbage, eggplant, okra, turnips, apricots, figs, cantaloupe, pomegranate, rye, barley, chickpeas, pine nuts.

Soy foods help balance and support hormones. One study showed that 20 grams of soy protein per day reduced hot flashes. Two-thirds of women in North America suffer from hot flashes, while Asian women who eat more soy seldom have them.

Also, be sure to drink plenty of cool water, mineral water, or dilute organic green tea.

EXERCISE DAILY

Walking, swimming, bicycling, dancing house work, and gardening are all good exercises to keep blood flowing and lungs working.

COOL TEMPERATURES

Use fans or air conditioning and stay out of the sun. Wear clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, or silk.

MEDITATION, TAI CHI, YOGA

Quieting the mind and deepening relaxation through daily practice can help to reduce stress response and thus hot flashes. Slow, deep breathing as taught in yoga or Buddhist meditation is very helpful for staving off hot flashes. Susan Weed wrote a classic book on menopause which includes a Kundalini yoga meditation.

PLEASURABLE ACTIVITIES

Such activities as reading, listening to music, or journal writing can help. Massage, Reiki, or Reflexology treatments are wonderful for helping women feel grounded, and for balancing chakras.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homeopathic Remedies were the choices of our ancestors. These remarkable little remedies are very safe and effective.

• Lachesis
• Sepia
• Pulsatilla
• Belladonna Compositum
• Sulfur
• Nux vomica
• Rhus tox
• Cell salts

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES

Aromatherapy is pleasant and easy. Oils may be diluted with organic carrier oils such as almond oil and massaged into the skin. A few drops may be added to warm water for a tub soak or bath. Oils may be absorbed into a cotton ball and placed near a pillow or on a desk. Rosewater facial spray or lavender hair oil can be used.

• Lavender
• Clary sage
• Geranium
• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Frankincense
• Jasmine
• Rose
• Sandalwood
• Ylang ylang

No need to just suffer through hot flashes when so many wonderful remedies are available to ease the way. Choose those that appeal to you and give it a try!

Dr Nedra Downing (retired) is the founder of The Downing Clinic, an integrative Internal Medicine practice in Clarkston.  She is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Pharmacy and earned her medical degree at Michigan State School of Osteopathic Medicine.  She completed her medical internship at Flint Osteopathic Hospital.