Monthly Archives: March 2010
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Posted: March 26, 2010
We got this enthusiastic email not too long ago from a woman who used guided imagery to help with her cancer diagnosis and subsequent mastectomy.
Not a question, but a BIG THANK YOU to Belleruth. I have used your imagery CD's sporadically for the last 5 years or so, being a very healthy individual. However I recently underwent a Mastectomy and am about to undergo Chemo treatment, and your CD's have been a Godsend to me. I am healing faster, gaining strength and mobilty, and have much greater peace of mind than I thought possible after receiving the diagnosis of breast cancer.
I have just purchased a lot of other CD's for family members and clients (I am a Reflexologist and able to get back to work 4 weeks after my surgery - very impressive!) and now recommend the CD's at least 3 times a week to various people I'm talking to.
I am definitely walking proof that your guided imagery processes WORK EXTREMELY WELL. Thank you so much and warmest wishes,
Sarah
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Posted: March 26, 2010Categories: Medical Procedures, Injuries, Burns, Burns, Injuries, Hot Research, Medical Procedures Research
Editorial comment:
Some of you know I’ve always cast a wary eye on Virtual Reality as a technique, mainly because its cost makes it unrealistic for most people and situations; and because instead of directing focus inward, the way hypnosis and guided imagery do, to increase internal locus of control and empowerment for self-driven change, it takes end-users’ attention outward, so that they must depend on the VR machinery to create sensation.
Except for the relative few who are congenitally incapable of doing self-directed imagery for relaxation, this seems like a self-defeating, redundant, expensive option. These researchers deserve great praise for their integrity. They published a study where the findings ran counter to their hopes and wishes for VR. -
Posted: March 26, 2010Categories: Ask Belleruth
Question: I have your PTSD 3 CD set (please link and show cover) and I cannot describe how much listening to them for the last 6 months has helped me. I am able to have relationships and love in my life again. Thank you.
I also have LAM (lymphangioleiomyomatosis) which has decreased my lung function down to 22% putting me on the Lung Transplant list. I would like to choose a CD to help me heal my lungs. Which one would you suggest?
Charles -
Posted: March 26, 2010Categories: Update from Health Journeys
Hello, again.
One of the hands down winners of the “What Next?” survey was imagery for heartbreak, abandonment and betrayal. And since I no longer see clients to freshen up my empathy/understanding/experience of living, I rely on you to help me with the guts of these narratives. (I of course have my own experiences with heartbreak, abandonment and betrayal - who over the age of 18 months doesn’t? - but this has to be as universal and inclusive as possible, and for that I need you).So for any and every one of you who has time to answer, here are my questions:
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Posted: March 19, 2010
Therese Borchard has made some terrific Youtube videos for her blog, Beyond Blue. This one features Laura Oliver, her writing teacher, talking about Writing to Fill a Hole in the Soul. And I love what she has to say about jealousy!
If you enjoy this video, check out the others on humor, anxiety and letting go that appear along the right side of the page.
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Posted: March 19, 2010
Researchers from Indiana University School of Nursing in Indianapolis looked at whether guided imagery and relaxation was a useful self-management strategy for osteoarthritis, and whether it could help control symptoms and decrease the use of medication. Specifically, they tested whether it could reduce pain, improve mobility and reduce medication use.
Thirty older adults were randomly assigned to participate in the 4-month trial by using either GIR or a sham intervention, planned relaxation.Repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed that, compared with those who used the sham intervention, participants who used GIR had a significant reduction in pain from baseline to month 4 and significant improvement in mobility from baseline to month 2.
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Posted: March 19, 2010
Hi, Belleruth.
I have written to you several times throughout the years and have found your advice extremely helpful.
I am a licensed counselor… who has been asked to assist in improving stress management for 80 employees at a local company here in Saudi Arabia, who work on 8 hour shift monitoring oil drilling operations.
They have sporadic 5-15 minute breaks, depending on the operation, and have to be able to hear alarms in case of emergency. Their work place is a high security area and does not have windows, which makes them feel very isolated.
I have already identified some environmental changes that need to be implemented, but I am wondering what you would suggest for stress management specifically?
I truly appreciate your input in this.
Respectfully,
Yara Z. -
Posted: March 19, 2010Categories: Update from Health Journeys
My friend, Martha Howard, sent me a copy of an old list that was published by Therese Borchard on her popular Beliefnet blog, Beyond Blue, in answer to the question, “What do you do when you’re sad?”.
She asked it of Priscilla Warner, author of The Faith Club and soon-to-be author of a new book on overcoming panic attacks. (The generous and uber-productive Priscilla reports on her many panic-defeating adventures and learnings at her own engaging, humorous, profound blog here. - really you must check it out when you have time.)
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Posted: March 12, 2010
We got this wonderful note from a man who recently underwent hip replacement surgery. We appreciate his giving all the credit to our imagery, but we have a sneaking suspicion that having a great surgical team, terrific attitude and a strong body also had something to do with the successful outcome!
Dear Belleruth,
I just underwent a complete right hip replacement last Tuesday, March 2. I was released from the hospital three days later, and today, day 8 post-surgery, I'm up and about and walking with no walker, crutches, or cane.
Three weeks before the surgery, I downloaded your pre-surgery guided imagery and affirmations. My wife and I listened to them every night for those three weeks, including the night before surgery. Let me tell you, I am not a great fan of going "under the knife." But the entire experience has been positive and amazing! -
Posted: March 12, 2010
Researchers from Brainclinics Diagnostics in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, conducted a meta-analysis of the efficacy of neurofeedback on ADHD.
Both prospective controlled studies and studies employing a pre- and post-design found large effect sizes for neurofeedback on impulsivity and inattention and a medium impact on hyperactivity.
Randomized studies demonstrated a lower effect size for hyperactivity, suggesting that hyperactivity is probably more sensitive to nonspecific treatment factors.