posted
Does anyone do visualization as part of healing? Or any one have good, strengthening, hopefu sayings, mottos, prayers etcetera that they can pass on?
-------------------- College Student Suspected tick bite: 07/2007 Diagnosed and started treatment: 01/10 Posts: 33 | From Ohio | Registered: Nov 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hey Mallory: I listen to a lot of Charles Stanley- Intouch.org. Basically, I believe this is a belief thing first. But that is my faith and not everyone agrees. Yes, I use visualization and I claim everyday that I thank God for my healing.
I would be happy to talk to you more about this if youd like-- just pm me. I also be glad to talk to you via phone-- Blessings-
Posts: 243 | From Charleston, SC | Registered: Oct 2008
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- GUIDED VISUALIZATION
Visualization can help but it will not replace an expert LLMD and good, aggressive medical treatment. It can help as part of the process, though. In addition to guided visualization, but more specific, is
MEDICAL HYPNOSIS
You might ask your LLMD if she or he knows of a certified medical hypotherapist, one trained in medical visualization and relaxation methods. They can teach you the basic guidelines for working with your brain as you create pictures and "scripts" for your healing.
FIrst and most important rule: never use negative terms or images. Use language that is positive to guide the outcome or sensation you desire (rather than paint the picture of what you don't want). Our brains are very literal. State things in the positive.
A certain style called "Ericksonian Hypnosis" is especially helpful for health matters.
Some Ph.D. psychologists are also trained in medical hypnosis.
One caution: while being positive is important, it's also vital to accept reality and validate where you are. I took a 100-hour course in medical hypnosis when I knew I was ill but was undiagnosed. Doctor after doctor could find "nothing wrong" but I knew I was very seriously ill.
So, pumped with the power of my mind, I was a bit over confident about it, thinking my thoughts should cure me. That did not happen. I felt like a failure for not being able to "think myself well". However, the skills I learned in that class, and in subsequent years of self-hypnosis, have made a huge difference in my life.
When I finally got the lyme diagnosis, with 3 other tick-borne infections and 3 other chronic stealth infections, it became clear to me what a huge obstacle I had tried to jump all by myself when what I had needed most all along was an expert LLMD.
So, understanding is very important.
BIOFEEDBACK
Some Physical Therapists - or Ph.D. psychologists - also train patients with biofeedback techniques so that you can learn how to help control your muscles for relaxation. Some insurance companies cover biofeedback training for diagnoses of pain, especially that from headaches.
FELDENKRAIS METHOD
Some P.T.s also have training in the FELDENKRAIS METHOD to help you work with your body as you relax. You can google that term to find those trained in this mind-body awareness technique.
MEDITATION
You might consider joining a meditation group, too. Meditation has been shown to have positive health benefits. Most community centers offer various kinds of classes by certified instructors. -
[ 09-08-2010, 02:47 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Mallory,
Since you are in college, my guess is that your student health center can put you in touch with professors who have some knowledge of the techniques mentioned above.
Most likely, too, there are groups on campus for meditation, yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong, drumming, chanting, etc.
There may also be organized groups for stress management that employ visualization. These groups - if guided by a professional - can be an excellent place to learn great skills and meet others who are like-minded with health in mind.
And, as you mentioned prayers, you will likely find faith groups on campus, too. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I once spoke with someone who suggested using visualization to "turbo charge" your treatments. For example, when taking supplements, abx, homeopathy, even food etc, visualize your cells absorbing & utilizing whatever you are taking to heal your body. Visualize your immune system as getting stronger every day. If you are doing detox treatments, be grateful for these supportive modalities and visualize the toxins being safely and efficiently removed from your body.
I think visualization is just another tool to add to your arsenal - one I need to use more often. Best of all, it's FREE and you have to be thinking about something when you are being treated, taking supplements etc, so you might as well think about your restored health!
Posts: 23 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
Great tips here! Glad I came back Keebler as always you are such a source of info. I had no idea you had been through so much... I am thankful you are on your way with recovery!
Snaps... loved what you had to say. My brother in law- a strong Christian- would recite scripture when taking his meds and when he was getting radiation. He is now cancer free. I think it is a wonderful adjunct . I believe more than anything-- you do need a good LLMD. However, in addition to that... for me, I have needed to get over my FEAR. And mine was a personal thing that I have dealt with always-- bottom of the barrel thinking... But I think if anything -- this illness may have been given to me to teach me to solely rely on God and how he works through my doctor etc. I know I can do All things Through Him.
I wish for you all peace and healing... I know we will get there... God speed!
Posts: 243 | From Charleston, SC | Registered: Oct 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
What a great thread. I work on positive visualization daily because I find myself unknowingly focusing on the pain in a negative way and that won't help anything.
Back before I knew what was making me so sick, a wonderful woman from a different culture shared some things with me that I think have made a difference. First thing each morning she focuses one at a time on all of her major organs, then on each joint, telling each "I love you" in her mind. Of course, there's no need to be literal about that, but the idea of sending loving and supportive messages to one's body is, I think, a good one and I do it when I remember. (I need to send my brain more positive messages....)
Posts: 212 | From San Francisco Bay Area, California | Registered: Aug 2010
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
CHINESE MEDICINE BODY CLOCK: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
There are twelve energy pathways, or meridians, in the human body that connect to specific organs in the body. Chinese medicine believes that each organ has a two hour time period when the Qi is at its peak in that meridian.
The Qi flows cyclically in a clockwise rotation like a wave through the meridians.
We always pay attention to symptoms that occur repeatedly at specific times because this may be an indication of the organ that is out of balance. For example, waking every night between 1 and 3 a.m. almost always is indicative of a Liver imbalance.
This chart shows the order of the flow. . . . (cont'd at site)
Olivia Judson on the influence of science and biology on modern life. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Adding to this, anytime a surgical procedure may be needed, be certain in your pre-surgery talk with the anesthesiologist to request they talk to you during surgery in positive terms and direct you have positive effects following.
For two minor procedures, but where I was fully "under" I asked this and they were happy to agree. Now, whether they really did or not, I can't say but, for those two surgeries, my recovery went exceedingly well, compared to previous surgeries.
I'll also add here that, for surgery recovery, GINGER capsules are a fabulous help to offset nausea that often comes from anesthesia. Liver support would be good as soon afterward, too.
Some anesthesiologist are trained in hypnosis but, even those who are not, generally are open to positive suggestions for the patient. You can also seek out hypnosis prior to a surgery date so you can be doing a lot on your own to get prepared.
Although I learned hypnosis for my own use, I did become certified and worked some with students and others for stress reduction.
Even just in my classes with my public speaking students, while not hypnosis, directly, I was able to put to use some of the key factors of positive imaging and this helped them to be able to relax and simply share interesting information rather than giving "scared" and stiff speeches.
Also, with studying techniques, time management, and test-taking, hypnosis provides many great tools.
Hypnosis may be the tool but it is still very complex. It is best to seek out a Ph.D. (therapist, etc.) who also has hypnosis training. While some hypnotherapists can be good, I believe that the training a Ph.D. receives is nearly necessary. Other medical (and some educational) degrees can offer a similar foundation, too. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Incredibly astute and intelligent responses about Hypnosis.
I've never tried it, but am definitely considering it- Could you PM me a way to find someone good in the NY, Manhattan area?
I'm very skeptical by nature, and am sure of all things hypnosis has a high percentage of phonies, but really believe in its power to get "Under Our Skin" and through the head-
Any help is really appreciated, Thanks!
Posts: 15 | From New York, NY | Registered: Feb 2010
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Haustinc,
Look for an ILADS-educated LL, Ph.D. psychologist who has completed coursework in various hypnosis styles.
I like the Ericksonian style the best. I think it's the best style of hypnosis to work with medical issues.
Start asking with your LLMD, your area support groups, and through google searches and then calling about the specifics.
There are some professional organizations for hypnotherapists but I highly suggest someone who has training far beyond that in psychology. I also think it's vital that they be lyme literate.
Some Ph.D.s may belong to such hypnotherapist professional groups - so a search at Google may help. Just know that many who have hypnosis training are not trained in psychology or in education. Anyone can take a class and hang out a shingle.
You want a well-rounded doctor or, perhaps someone else with a degree in medicine or in education. Some physical therapists and nurses are trained in visualization or hypnosis. You might also find a doctor of natural medicine or an acupuncturist with expertise here, too. -
[ 09-10-2010, 08:36 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
Just something to think about - my first experience with getting hypnotized was when I was in a college psychology class. An extra-credit assignment was to get hypnotized. There was a PhD hypnotist on the assignment sheet, so I made an appointment. During the session, I was alone in the room with this doctor, and he molested me. Since then, I will not go to a male hypnotist without another person present.
Posts: 212 | From San Francisco Bay Area, California | Registered: Aug 2010
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
Inebg,
How sad. It sounds like you may have been slipped some sort of drug.
Under hypnosis, a person has all their capacities, it's just a deep relaxed state but one that can be shaken if a disturbance warrants. No one can be made to to anything against their will through hypnotic suggestion.
I'm sorry to hear of this experience, as it was horribly traumatic for you.
I have to wonder if you might have been secretly drugged not to have been aware and get up and leave. Or if he was just too strong to break away. Really, perpetrators use drugs, like the rape drug - and this can happen in a variety of settings.
But, I've had a couple bosses that nearly paralyzed me with their advances alone. Even long ago, my fight or flight response was just to freeze in shock. In my early twenties, that kind of stress just disabled my abilities. Partly, I never would have expected that kind of behavior. Abusers know how to scout out prey, though.
I hope this guy was reported as that was criminal behavior. Hope he's behind bars. It's heartbreaking to hear of anyone abusing anyone else, whatever the setting.
Still, it's important to keep that most people are good and decent and knowing the warning signs and how to respond arms us.
Also, that hypnosis cannot make someone go against their will. There is a level of alertness involved. It's does not incapacitate. The patient maintains control. There are many excellent doctors out there, both male and female. Research helps to find the right one.
The whole point of hypnosis is to tap into personal strength and control. Many good doctors want to help patients learn those skills.
I've had dozens of sessions through my training. I also spent many months, on and off, with counseling for different reasons. About half were men. All were totally professional down to every word. I never was made to feel uncomfortable. Now, the odds were in my favor but I'd hate to see a whole group of people counted out due to the bad actions of a few. -
[ 09-11-2010, 11:03 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Keebler as always you are such a source of info. I had no idea you had been through so much... I am thankful you are on your way with recovery!
Printer-friendly view of this topic