Clinical Hypnosis for the Mind and Body
By Jackie Christensen, BS, HHP, NC, MH
Faculty Member of GCNM
Clinical hypnosis is a relatively modern terminology, however the practice has been employed since the Stone Age. Nearly every culture has used hypnosis in some structure or form. One of the earliest forms of hypnotism was used by shamans, as they would use self-hypnosis by putting themselves in isolation and use visualization techniques to focus their subconscious mind to will a sick or injured person to be healed (Handley & Staudacher pg. 14). A shaman could also induce a patient into a hypnotic state by chanting and using monotonous stimuli, the person would be put to “sleep”, resting their conscious mind and the shaman would communicate with their unconscious mind. Because there was no scientific explanation these practices were generally believed to be magic or occult. Currently, most sciences used have descended from the unexplained or superstition and hypnotism is no exception. However, it took a great amount of time and research to protest these supernatural connotations. Currently, hypnotherapy is utilized in general medicine, psychology, dermatology , dentistry, and numerous other mental health fields where clients suffer from psychosomatic imbalances.
Hypnosis is a natural state of consciousness that all humans experience on a daily basis. Daydreaming, for example is the first level of trance. Hypnotic states consist of three stages: light hypnosis, intermediate hypnosis, and deep hypnosis (Holzer, pg. 33). During light hypnosis, the person is able to respond to suggestions and remembers everything that takes place. When someone is in the light state, suggestions are made in a conversational manner. Light suggestions are good for decreasing stress and anxiety. The light stage of hypnosis is good to use when the person is engaged in daily activities that could be interrupted by a deeper state. Regular breathing and a relaxed body position mark the light stage (Holzer, pg. 40). After several minutes of the light stage, the person may then move into the intermediate stage. Here, they become even more relaxed. Suggestions are closely followed in this stage and the person may remember part of the hypnotic state, mainly the suggestions at the beginning and end of the session, but the person will not be able to recall the entire session. The amount that is remembered varies from person to person. During the deep hypnotic state most people remember nothing. At this stage suggestions can be made to remove undesirable things or behaviors from the conscious mind, (Holzer, pg. 42). With all stages of hypnosis, there are a series of verbal and physical suggestions. Physical suggestions are primarily used to remove pain and mental suggestions are commonly used to help people break bad behavior patterns.
Clinical hypnosis in the medical field has helped patients manage a myriad of health imbalances and deserves warrant. To improve the functioning of a variety of medical problems, such as cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, respiratory and musculoskeletal system imbalances, therapists have used hypnotic techniques. Generally, Marlene E. Hunter, M.D. recommends several techniques that can benefit most patients, such as introductory relaxation, stress management techniques, and imagery (Wester, pg. 96). Patients can also learn general techniques that relate specifically to their condition. For example, if a client has cardiovascular issues, they can use specific imagery, such as a pump with tubes, to represent the heart and cardiovascular system and concentrate on those specific body parts. Setting up a dialog between the subconscious mind and the body encourages mind-body communication, where each receives information that is needs to improve functioning. Clients can also be encouraged to use mind-body dialog when taking medication to encourage the best possible utilization of the medication.
Sources:
Hadley, Josie, and Carol Staudacher. Hypnosis for Change. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 1989. Print.
Holzer, Hans. Hypnosis: Controlling the Inner You. Garden City Park, NY: Square One, 2007. Print.
Wester, William Carl. Clinical Hypnosis: a Case Management Approach. Cincinnati, OH: Behavioral Science Center, 1987. Print.
Book Review
The Everything Guide to Macrobiotics, a practical introduction to the macrobiotic lifestyle – and how it can work for you
By Julie S. Ong and Lorena Novak Bull, RD
This information packed book on Macrobiotics begins with eight reviews written by note-worthy holistic practitioners and authors such as Edward Bauman, PhD., the Director of Bauman College of Holistic and Culinary Arts, Sanae Suzuki, author and co-owner of Seed, Vegan Macrobiotic Kitchen, Michael Reed Gach PhD, producer and bestselling author of Acupressure’s Potent Points and Acupressure for Emotional Healing, Verne Verona, author of Macrobiotics for Dummies, Sheri-Lynn DeMaris, macrobiotic cooking teacher and author of Macro Magic for Kids and Parents, also a TV host and producer of Tea with Sheri, Julie Ferre macrobiotic expert and bestselling author of Basic Macrobiotic Cooking, Gabriele F. Kushi, expert on macrobiotics and author of Menopause Naturally: A Guide to Balancing Your Midlife Transition with Macrobiotics, and finally Carolyn Wilson-Elliot, the CEO of Quantum Spiritual International, Global Center for Self-Coaching Skills.
The book is a very good reference book of 274 pages, plus glossary of terms to help those of us uninitiated into the world of macrobiotic foods understand the basic terminology and over 60 names of all the many delicious and healthy foods in the macrobiotic diet. Macrobiotics is not just a diet; it is a holistic way of life for many that is believed to bring everlasting peace and freedom by aligning one’s life with the natural order, living in harmony with the principles and laws of the universe. The macrobiotic way of life promises to balance your energy, bringing true health that “radiates from the inside out” and asks you to “imagine having a blissful smile on your face, sparkling eyes, youthful energy, a heart full of joy and gratitude, a peaceful mind and a free spirit.”
With an introduction like this, who can resist delving further into the macrobiotic way of life? The author provides an abundance of useful descriptions, Chi in excess or Chi that is deficient, the energy meridians and their functions according to traditional Chinese medicine theory, and a brilliantly easy to understand chart on the characteristics of Yin and Yang to ease the novice into an understanding of macrobiotics.
Presentations about diet include examining what a balanced meal consist of, a harmonious balance of foods and their energies, including color, taste, texture, flavor, and even the shapes of the food itself. The macrobiotic view of whole grains, such as brown rice, which is central to their diet, is interesting. In our western diets, we debate whole grains, whole grain products, processed food products made from refined whole grains, which ones, how much, to sprout or not to sprout, but in macrobiotics it is simple, whole grain brown rice without the bran and germ removed contains the most nutritious foods, it still has the energy and ability to become a new plant, therefore contains the living chi that can increase your own vitality.
Whole grains are preferred over cracked or ground grains, which are thought to have deficient energy. Whole grains are thought to still be alive. Whole grains are more yang, which is thought to gather energy and stabilize the body and the mind. Sprouted grains are more Yin than whole cooked grains, which are more Yang. This is because sprouting converts their complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. Yin foods stimulate the body and mind, release nutrients and energy into the system, and create relaxation, giving a lightness and softness to the body. In hot climates, these very Yin sprouted grains are thought to be able to balance the yang atmospheric energy, especially when combined with raw foods or salads. Yin foods are thought to breakdown the hard yang areas of the body. Vegetarians can become weak on a yin food diet due to too much energy being dispersed without enough grounding yang energy to keep the balance. The balancing of Yin and Yang is always considered in choosing foods for health and healing.
Other holistic perspectives in this book include how foods affect our moods, each organ is related to an emotions, the types of foods we eat, which is then reflected in our moods can alter emotions.
One example is in the emotions of the heart. Heart health is strongly connected to the mind and emotions. Your intuition can tell you the condition of your heart, as can certain behaviors. A healthy peaceful heart brings joy and happiness. Excessive laughter comes from a heart that is overactive and imbalanced. Depression, anxiety, the absence of laughter, long term dysfunctional emotional states are symptomatic of underlying physical heart conditions.
Another example given is that of a toxic, stagnated liver energy from over-consumption of alcohol, which manifests in our moods as anger and shouting. Unexpressed or excessive emotions such as depression or long-term frustration can also create an imbalance in the liver.
Of great importance in macrobiotics is the careful selection and cooking methods of foods to nourish, balance and support organ function for example, upward growing vegetables such as sprouts contain the same kind of energetic frequency as the liver to nourish and detoxify it, and release stagnation of emotions, while downward growing vegetables, such as carrots and kuzu root, counterbalance overactive emotions like anger.
Macrobiotics, as in TCM and Ayurveda, demonstrates the true nature of mind/body medicine at work, focused on balancing energies and nourishing the body carefully. To fully understand this holistic system and be able to use the information to help clients heal one will have to read several sources, and practice and observe the results personally. This book is a great place to begin since it provides the overview within an enlightened spiritual context, with healthy recipes for each season, and each imbalanced condition of the mind and body. If this is an area of study that interests you, whether as a practitioner or an individual in search of a natural intervention for achieving harmony and balance this book will gently guide you through your journey.
Reviewed By Moira Khouri NC, MH, HHP, CCP
Faculty Member of GCNM
Exercise
Shoulder Rocks
To encourage shoulder stability and proper shoulder mechanics.
Begin the exercise in the quad position with hands placed beneath one’s shoulders.
Next, shift body weight towards one side and then the other.
Next, shift one’s body weight forward and backwards.
Graduate Profile & Interview
Spencer Ward BSHH
I’m a professional singer/songwriter, model, boxer, and actor. At age 16, because of health challenges, I began studying alternative medicine. Reading book after book, comparing information, and applying it to myself, led me to increased health and more certainty as to what it meant to be "healthy". Over the years I became more and more passionate about organic foods, cooking, natural therapies, diet, and how people can better their health and lives. I received a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Health from the Global College of Natural Medicine, where I was also certified as a Nutritional Consultant, Master Herbalist, and Holistic Health Practitioner.
Studying at the Global College of Natural Medicine allowed me the opportunity to further my knowledge, and be trained in areas where I wouldn't have otherwise. I will also be working with Dr. David Yoo of the Acupuncture Center in Overland Park KS, consulting with patients, and assisting them in meeting their nutritional needs.
I am very appreciative of the opportunity I had to get a degree from GCNM and feel that I learned a lot and have grown so much from the school.
Interview
Q. What drew you to study with GCNM?
A. For one I was intrigued by the idea of being able to study on my own, at my own pace. I thought the price was so reasonable for getting a Bachelor Degree. And of course I was happy to finally find something I could get a degree in that interested me.
Q. Why did you choose to complete the degree program after the certificate programs?
A. I actually did the whole degree program all at once.
Q. What expectations did you have for the BSHH Programs?
A. To be honest I didn’t really know what to expect. I was hopeful that the courses would provide me with great tools, and assist me in furthering my knowledge of Holistic Health.
Q. Did the Programs meet those expectations?
A. Yes, one of the things I loved about GCNM is that the set-up is pretty easy to understand. Once you go through a course or two, you have the hang of it. I feel that’s important because it allows the student to focus more on the material and less on esthetics. I also felt that GCNM does a good job of giving a wide spectrum of information from different sources. This allows the learner to understand the basics of a healing modality or idea, and study it further outside of GCNM if desired.
Q. What have your experiences with distance study been like?
A. That it is one of the simplest and fun ways to get a degree. I recommend it.
Q. What have your experiences with the GCNM staff been like?
A. They are all extremely helpful and nice. There is not one incident where a staff member didn’t provide me with assistance when asked for. And they are all very quick to get back to you if you have a question.
Q. What was your experience with the subjects covered in the BSHH Programs?
A. There are many that I enjoyed learning about. Some of the later modules are certainly more challenging. I think GCNM does a great job of covering many bases, and that helps a practitioner really grow.
Q. What was your experience with the materials provided and information presented in the BSHH degree program?
A. I felt that I did a good job throughout getting my degree. And the information was from great sources.
Q. What primarily motivated you to continue on to the BSHH degree program?
A. I felt that I had a great opportunity in getting a degree from GCNM. It was definitely the way to go for me. I always told myself that there was nowhere else I was going to get a degree like this, and be able to do it to fit into my schedule. That kept me motivated.
Q. What do you plan on doing with the knowledge gained by the BSHH degree programs?
A. I am currently working part time as a Nutritional Consultant with private clients, and for a very well respected Acupuncture clinic in my city.
Q. Do you plan to continue working towards the MSHH or PHD degrees?
A. As of right now that doesn’t seem to be my plan. But, never say never.
I continue to write and perform music, and pursue my other talents wherever the opportunity presents itself. This past year I released my first self-titled solo EP. It can be purchased on itunes and CDbaby, as well as amazon.com. For more on my work visit SpencerWard.com.
Check out the latest research articles in our selection of professional health science journals and the Natural Standard Professional Database. 
