i've always found these guys knowledgeable and ready to answer any questions without any high pressure stuff. a good start: http://tools4explore.com/
In Reply to: Re: hypnosis posted by dp on June 01, 1998 at 12:20:25:
This lady's company rocks too.
In Reply to: Re: hypnosis posted by dp on June 01, 1998 at 12:20:25:
Dear Sam,
Thanks for the good tip!
Walt
Dear Dr. Stoll:
My husband has had Crohn's for 25 years. He has been plagued off and on with an itching in hands and lower leg. No rash, itching that comes from inside. Sometimes aloe vera applied topically helps but usually nothing helps. Any ideas on how to diminish this problem? It can be quite tormenting. He has to apply ice packs to numb the itching.
Thanks.
Maureen
In Reply to: itching posted by Maureen on June 01, 1998 at 12:56:22:
Dear Maureen, It is almost 2 am in the morning and I can seem to relate to your husband's itching. I am 48 years old and have been diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma and am undergoing PUVA therepy. About two months ago I started having itching on my arms, shoulders, and right side. Only those areas. The dermatolgists have tried everything and I am ready to just go insane. Night after night I lie awake feeling like I have maggots eating at my flesh from the inside out. I too smear aloe all over me as some kind of relief. I soak in hot tubs of water because it seems to help temporarily. I just now faxed a letter to my doctor to try to convey to him what I am feeling. He seems to think it is stress related. I am to the point where I could easily just end it all rather than put up with this pain-itch. If you have found anything that helps your husband please share it. Thank you.
Glenn Gamache, Tallahassee, Florida
In Reply to: Re: itching posted by Glenn on June 19, 1998 at 01:52:38:
Dear Glenn,
This kind of itching is a well known consequence of malignancies in some people. Your present docs know that.
The only thing I would know would be for you to greatly improve your immune system by making a wellness program be your most important priority. This would work by greatly increasing the effectiveness of your own bodymind's dealing with the cancer itself.
There is one other thing that might just give you great relief. That is self-hypnosis. This has classically been the most effective way to deal with this kind of thing. Again, it is not something you can take but something you learn to DO.
It seems to me that you have suffered enough that you would be one of the successful ones. Statistically, the MORE pain (or itching) one has, the better self-hypnosis works.
If you have more questions, write again. As you get well, please share your experiences with the bb participants. Others deserve to know that there ARE options not being offered by the conventional medical monopoly.
Walt
In Reply to: itching posted by Maureen on June 01, 1998 at 12:56:22:
May I suggest the following company. I have no 'interest' in the company, but you may find meditation and/or biofeedback music to help your husband in his quest.
In Reply to: Re: itching posted by Greg on June 04, 1998 at 00:55:19:
Dear Greg,
This is a wonderful site. Thank you so much for bringing it to our attention. We are now in the process of linking it to our 'site. I have personally experienced that these approaches really do work for many people. For those it does, it is a short cut to learning how to do it.
Namaste` Walt
In Reply to: itching posted by Maureen on June 01, 1998 at 12:56:22:
Dear Maureen,
Both the itching AND the Crohn's are caused by the most common cause of Crohns': The seething overstimulation of the hypothalamus by stored stress-effect (fight or flight) in that part of the brain.
His ONLY solution is to become a student of the regular practice of effective skilled relaxation (at least twice a day for 20 minutes--not counting any done within 2 hours of retiring). If he does not discharge this exhausting readiness, his bodymind will just have to shout louder (give him more serious conditions) until he does.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: itching posted by Walt Stoll on June 03, 1998 at 12:10:36:
We are familiar with what you're talking about. However, we are Christians and have philosophical problems with getting involved in Eastern meditation techniques. Sorry, but we'll go the route of nutritional related treatments. I don't agree with your theory that "this is the only way." I've seen otherwise in helping my husband for 21 years! Thanks but no thanks.
In Reply to: Re: itching posted by Maureen on June 04, 1998 at 11:07:00:
Dear Maureen,
You have lots of company who also have not done their homework. One of the first historically recorded recommenders (and practitioners) of "meditation" was Jesus. Read your Bible!
There are many books out there about "Christian Meditation". Call a minister in KY (who I worked with for years) for a listing of some of the best. He is Banks Hudson, MCS, MS at (606) 885-1919. His email is rbhudson@aol.com. He is a retired army chaplain (graduate of West Point).
Please do not look away from what you need most simply though letting someone else do your thinking for you. Jesus meditated for long periods every day. Why do you not know that?
Walt
In Reply to: Re: itching posted by Maureen on June 04, 1998 at 11:07:00:
You're mixing up mental therapy with religion. Learning a skilled relaxation is healthy exercise for the mind just as walking is for the body.
Without getting into the definitions, you could look into biofeedback, self-hypnosis, or just different breathing techniques. This should assuage your feelings of thinking that treating the mind naturally has anything to do with religion.
Good luck,
Alan
PS Try to keep an open mind. Not everything you do is a challenge or threat to your religion.
In Reply to: Re: itching posted by alan on June 04, 1998 at 15:25:38:
You are entering an altered state of consciousness. These practices are very much a part of Eastern religion. It is dangerous to open yourself up to the supernatural elements that isn't in line with the Bible.
In Reply to: Re: itching posted by Maureen on June 04, 1998 at 17:27:50:
Might I recommed the 7 "lost" books of Jesus? You will find
many healing techniques
taught to and used by Jesus. Look in the Religion section of Barnes & Noble.
CyberMage
In Reply to: Re: itching posted by Maureen on June 04, 1998 at 17:27:50:
Dear Maureen,
I am sure you have noticed that I do not beat around the bush on this bb. What you are saying is sheer nonsense. Why did Jesus recommend (as well as practice diligently) the very thing you are ignorant about?
Ignorance is correctable, You just have to use the God-given brain you have & not let others do your thinking for you. The worst sin I can think of is to refuse to use a gift from God. God gave you this marvelous healing abillity. To refuse to use it is unthinkable.
If you get angry with me for telling you the truth, so be it. I am not here to make friends--only to promote healing.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: itching posted by Maureen on June 04, 1998 at 17:27:50:
You enter an altered state when you sleep, during church services, and several times during the day. There is nothing
supernatural about it.
It is quite possible that this virulent itching is a response to not
being able to relax at the level that the body requires to effect repairs. If it
is OK with God (who created all, even "Easterners") then
I daresay it is OK for you.
However, if you insist, then why seek help here? I would think that a
minister would be of more help than a doctor...
In Reply to: Re: itching posted by Maureen on June 04, 1998 at 17:27:50:
Hi Maureen,
Simple prayer has the effect that your husband needs as well as many other benefits. If he could break his routine for 30 minutes a couple of times to lose himself in prayer I think that some of his skin problems might resolve.
It's a shame that even religious folk have relegated prayer to something that they one do on their holy days or before meal.
Bob
In Reply to: Re: itching posted by Robert McFerran on June 04, 1998 at 20:48:43:
I resent the assumptions you make. He prays a lot every day. And not in a ritualistic way, such as before a meal, etc.
In Reply to: Re: itching posted by Maureen on June 05, 1998 at 13:46:33:
Dear Maureen,
I make those assumptions because I have seen people with your lack of knowledge hundreds of times. What ABOUT Jesus????? You conveniently ignore what he did & taught.
All I am saying is that effective skilled relaxation is not religious and that prayer, done in the reverent brain rhythm that Jesus discovered for himself, creates not only a much greater health (healing/holy) effect but also a much closer connection with God.
Your words tell me that you lack knowledge that your husband needs if he is to heed the message his body is trying to send him. If you refuse this gift from God he will likely keep his symptoms. If what he was already doing was what he needed, he would not have what he has.
Intentional ignorance is its own reward. Resent away.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: itching posted by Maureen on June 05, 1998 at 13:46:33:
Dear Maureen,
Jesus did not preach anger or intolerance. Anger and intolerance kill, in numerous ways. No offense intended.
Love, Kyra
Do you have any ideas on how to treat POLYMYALGIA other than to prescribe Prednizone?
In Reply to: Re: Search Engine disabled and other Dr Stoll site news posted by Steve Schultz on June 02, 1998 at 21:43:00:
Dear Steve,
Polymyalgia has many names, some of the most recent ones are fibromyalgia, fibromyositis, chronic fatigue symnrome, and the like. We MDs get paid for naming things so we come up with a lot of names.
This is one of the easiest things to resolve but it takes your learning what is behind it before you will be wiling to do what is necessary to get it behind you.
Toward that end, you need 2 references: I. a copy of my book (link on this page) and 2. Read Dr Pelletier's classic "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer" (most recent edition, that I know of, is 1992).
THEN ask any questions you may have. If you do not have questions, you are a lot smarter than the rest of us. It took me at least 10 years of study to understand this--on top of 25 more years of practicing medicine.
You could also get a head start by reading the link:
Fibromyositis.
As you get well, I hope you will take the time to share your experiences with the bb participants. There are lots of people out there with the same stuff you have & they deserve to know that they have options not being offered by the conventional medical monopoly.
Walt
I have FMS and have a very close friend that has felt awful since November. She was Dx with chlamydial pneumonia in early may and FMS in late may. I have been talking with others in a pain management chat who have had both and say that there is a connection but I am unable to document any of these connections for the Rheumatologist or Infectious Disease Dr.'s. I am in Ohio and it seems like I am unable to locate much info on the subject. Can you please send me in the right direction??
Thanks
Allie
In Reply to: Fibromyalgia and Chlamydial Pneumonia...Connections?? posted by Allie on June 05, 1998 at 09:03:51:
Dear Allie,
The connection is much deeper than the superficial connections you mentioned people are thinking about in your note.
Fibromyalgia is always caused by the chronic fight or flight storage in the hypothalamus that keeps the muscles tight all the time (also finally related to the LGS caused by that reversal of the normal circulatory distribution in the body due to "bracing" mentioned above).
When anyone is switched into the sympathetic mode in the hypothalamus (fight or flight) all the time, the body works very differently than when it is in the parasympathetic mode (rest mode) all the time & switches into the FOF mode for emergencies. These people ALWAYS have reduced immunity. NO ONE could get chlamydial infections unless they have compromised immunity.
Anyone with this combination desperately needs to read Dr Pelletier's classic: "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer". They will certainly find themselves between the covers.
In summary, neither of these conditions causes the other. However both are caused by the same, unhealthy, conditions of the body.
Walt
In Reply to: Fibromyalgia and Chlamydial Pneumonia...Connections?? posted by Allie on June 05, 1998 at 09:03:51:
Allie,
My husband has FMS & for the last year or so has developed a terrible cough which he refuses to get the doctor to check out. I am very concerned for him because it's getting worse. If you find out more regarding your post, please let me know on this board. Thanks... Pia
Dear Dr.Stoll,
> I and my boyfriend,of 2 years,have recently moved in together.I had
> told him that I have lupas,but I guess he really know nothing about
> it.Our relationship,has been a one of across a few mile,586 to be
> exacted,so he never really had the opportunity to see how I am on a day
> to day bases.
> Some days the pain is hardly noticeable,then others,I barely can get
> outof bed,but I do,and just"deal"with it.I am seeing no dr.just so tired
> of all the meds and the blood test,I have have been tested so much it
> isn't funny.I was found to have SLE in 1992,after 2 years of tsting.the
> first sign was, Raynuads,then heart joints,sore ulcers,etc.I am sure you
> no the routine.
> I will be 34 this September,and have been through 2 marriages,since I
> founs out about having SLE,it seems they get tired of me being sick all
> the time.Anyway.....I really love this man and we are planining on being
> married,and I am so afraid of the same thing happening agian.
> What should I do.Last night,and upon other occasions,he made the
> comment,"what this time?"Should I just give up on the fact of being
> happy and in love with this,this..pain in your life stlye?Please help me
> or lead me to somethoing or someone who can.It has become to much
> anymore.I have 2 young sons,11 and 7,and the stress is really showing
> lately.I am just so afraid.
>
> Tahnk You for your time.Anything thing you can suggest will be
> helpful!ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
In Reply to: Needing advice posted by Deana Shirrell on June 06, 1998 at 16:11:16:
Hi Deana
I too have an autoimmune disease,Raynauds, fibromyalgia and know how you feel. I know you are afraid, but being afraid won't help you. You need to gain control of your life.
I urge you to look into biofeedback. Biofeedback has given me control over my Raynauds and my disease. It will get rid of the stress. It's not easy, it takes practice.
You need to take care of yourself before you can give anything to another person at this time because you don't need any more stress. It is hard for another person to understand what it is like to have a disease like lupus. Have faith in yourself. It's true the body can heal itself but not if it's weighed down with a ton of stress.
Linda
In Reply to: Re: Needing advice - here's advice posted by Linda on June 06, 1998 at 16:47:14:
Here is a resource worth taking a look at.
-Greg
In Reply to: Needing advice posted by Deana Shirrell on June 06, 1998 at 16:11:16:
Deana,
I think one of your first hurdles is going to be honesty with this man. He needs to know how you may feel physically from day to day. I don't mean a daily report, but helping him to understand that there will be good days, not so good days and some really bad ones. And what he can do to help on all of those days. He also needs to know your fears. I'm sure he has a few of his own. Perhaps you could just start by sharing the message you posted here.
The other thing I would suggest is looking into the alternative view of lupus. There may be many things you can do to reduce your symptoms. I'd certainly suggest Dr. Stoll's book as an excellent place to start.
Keep us posted.
All the best!
Peter
In Reply to: Needing advice posted by Deana Shirrell on June 06, 1998 at 16:11:16:
I can definitely relate to what you are going through. I have had severe chronic low back pain for 18 months and am post-op from a 2 level fusion ( 4 1/2 months), and I am married. I do not think anyone truly understands living in chronic pain , unless you have had it yourself. My wife is very understanding, but, I know at times it has to be frustrating for her. If he truly loves you , it will not matter to him. I hope that you can become pain free and that you both live a long happy life together. Good Luck!
In Reply to: Needing advice posted by Deana Shirrell on June 06, 1998 at 16:11:16:
Dear Deana,
Stacy, Peter, Linda & Greg have good advice. I would like to add my 2 cents (since you asked):
Moving in together might give you enough time to get healthy enough without adding the stress of a new marriage on top of your seething hypothalamus (the cause of ALL your symptoms). Even then, you have to be brutally honest with your love since that is the mark of true love in a case like this.
The first thing you need is KNOWLEDGE. Until you are a much better expert than those who have been giving you the allopathic line, you will continue to have fewer & fewer options to get well as time goes on. Your new "roomate" can help you with this research since he will have to understand it nearly as well as you will have to to get well.
If he is not willing to help you with this, you need to look seriously at any wedding plans.
I will be willing to help you learn step by step, which is the only way you will be able to do it since you are so far along the road to being non-functional.
First, you need to read a book that was written about you. You will want your own copy but at this stage, to save money, get a copy from the library. Tell them you want the most recent edition of Dr Pelletier's classic "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer". The most recent one I know about was 1992 although there likely is a newer one.
THEN, when you have THAT under your belt, write again with your questions and we will go from there. The only thing I KNOW already that you need--that you could start right now--is an effective skilled relaxation technique that you practice at least twice a day for 20 minutes (not counting any done within 2 hours of retiring). See the link:
Skilled Relaxation.
As you get well, I hope you will take the time to share your experiences with the bb participants since there are a growing number of people like you out there who deserve to know that they do not have to live like this.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Needing advice posted by Walt Stoll on June 08, 1998 at 10:39:54:
I want to tahnk everyone for all that they sent.I have been looking at the sites that a few gave and getting the books that were suggested.Thank You so very much!I will be in touch and let all of you know!
Thank You Agian,
Deana
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Juicers posted by Walt Stoll on June 12, 1998 at 13:29:02:
Dr. Stoll,
I've been practicing skilled relaxation for six months. I was told by the psychlologist to start doing them every other day. You can't use the tapes forever. There is a point where you have to apply it to your daily life. You can't freak out over things during the day and then just do tapes to relax, right?
Linda
In Reply to: Relaxation and Juicers posted by Mike Kramer on June 10, 1998 at 08:40:02:
Dear Friends,
I am currently seeing a biofeedback therapist. He has been doing this for many years and I am learning alot from him. I have only seen him twice, but will continue for at least 10 sessions...maybe more.
From my experience, most therapists don't know much of anything about relaxation, stress and meditation so I don't listen to their comments about it anymore. ;)
The biofeedback therapist I am seeing has a Phd in psychology and relaxation is his speciality. From what I have been reading, the benefit of biofeedback and learning skilled relaxation is to be able to use these skills whenever you need them. I am learning how to calm myself during stressful events. My panic and anxiety attacks are withering away. I am sure the nutrition is helping, but the techniques I am learning are wonderful. And I have just begun learning!
My hands are not so cold anymore. They are a wee bit cold, but not the popsicles they used to be.
I am very GRATEFUL to Dr. Stoll for recommending it!
peace and love,
pamela
In my opinion, relaxation tapes are no
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Biofeedback posted by Pamela J on June 13, 1998 at 00:47:29:
My biofeedback therapist made me a relaxation tape.
I think they are great!
I also love the relaxation music and ocean waves tapes.
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Juicers posted by Walt Stoll on June 12, 1998 at 13:29:02:
Walt,
I have been using various types altered state techniques for many years. One of my favorites
Is using a Light & Sound machine for brainwave entrainment and I was wondering if you had
any comments about this yea or nay? I switch between tapes, CD and the machine, and sometimes
I combine them. It is not too uncomfortable to put in "earpods" plugged into the machine
for listening to a binaural beat, and regular headphones over them for listening to
a theta level music soundtrack.
There is an excellent computer program by the name of Cthugha which will drive a
CD-rom equipped computer monitor with visual imagery. With the right CD it gets quite intense
and at the same time induces a "eyes-open" state of hypnosis. Unfortunately, I have
been unsuccessful in creating a table that responds to the theta level music (not enough
percussion changes).
If anyone else has had experiences with these technolgies, I would like to know if you
found the them of any use.
Greg
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Juicers posted by Linda on June 12, 1998 at 18:43:17:
Dear Linda,
Right & WRONG. Whoever told you that has NO understanding of the stress-effect storage in the hypothalamus. He does, perhaps, understand something about the psychosocial aspects of the stress-effect but he knows nothing about the fact that more than 90% of all fight or flight storage in the hypothalamus is NOT from psychosocial causes.
Once you learn how to put your brain into the alpha/theta rhythm, you do not need tapes of any other crutches you might have used to learn the technique. To that extent, your advice is not TOTALLY wrong.
However, until your symptoms have been gone for at least 6 months, you are tempting fate to do it less than 20 minutes twice a day.
Remember, you are going to be exposed to at least 320,000 stressors tomorrow--just like you were today. How are you going to discharge those FOF storages????
Have you read the articles about stress on the homepage of this 'site----or the chapters about it in my book?
It is really a shame that there are so many "professionals" out there who have not taken the time to become expert in their fields. They should stick to giving advice about what they know.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Biofeedback posted by Pamela J on June 13, 1998 at 00:47:29:
Pamela
I wonder if your therapist would have a directory of therapists such as himself in other parts of the country? I'm having trouble finding someone who will just do biofeedback without psychotherapy. I live in Lafayette, La. Would you mind asking him? Thanks.
Nancy
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Biofeedback posted by Pamela J on June 13, 1998 at 00:47:29:
Dear Pam,
You are right about everyone having to find their own way. The best we can do is get the person looking in a rewarding direction.
HOWEVER, I can't help myself when I see something that I know is a wrong path. These skills are NOT mainly to be used "when needed". That is the least important time to use them. This is a situation like "fixing the roof while the sun is shining".
The idea is to discharge the storage in the hypothalamus so the entire bodymind works more like we were designed to work.
Besides, when you need it is the very hardest time to do it--
just like the roof while it is raining.
Re-read the chapter about stress where it explains about the "edge of the cliff" and how that position greatly increases the stress-effect caused by any stressor. By far the largest benefit from the regular practice of skilled relaxation is that it moves one back from the edge of the cliff.
Once you are away from the cliff, you will find that you don't have the crises nearly as often and, THEN, using the polished technique when the rare crisis DOES happen is an appropriate way to use it.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation (Machine-Driven) posted by Greg on June 13, 1998 at 18:48:25:
Dear Greg,
ALL of these things work for a % of people. The trick is to learn how it feels inside to be in the alpha or theta rhythm . THEN, people don't need any of these crutches. Nothing wrong with using them forever, it is just a lot less bother to do them without.
I am sure, with that much experience, you are aware of the "Megabrain" people. They seem to be keeping up on the cutting edge of ways to shortcut the learning procedure. I would be surprized if they did not have a website. If anyone finds it, I would be grateful for the information so I could link to that site.
Thanks, Walt
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation (Machine-Driven) posted by Walt Stoll on June 15, 1998 at 11:13:39:
Ah, then you'll be wantin to go to this place.
Glad to help.
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Biofeedback posted by Walt Stoll on June 15, 1998 at 10:21:07:
Dr. Stoll,
How do you know that stress is stored in the hypothalmus? The brain can store stressful memories, I can understand that, but has it been PROVEN that stress is stored in the hypothalmus and how so?
Linda
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation (Machine-Driven) posted by CyberMage on June 15, 1998 at 13:05:14:
CM,
I just love reading your posts!!! You sure add some spice to this board!!
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Biofeedback posted by Nancy on June 14, 1998 at 13:18:31:
Nancy,
Go to this site:
http://www.aapb.org/
They will be able to help you. Request that you wouldl like a list a biofeedback clinicans in your state. They will send you the list. That is their job. :-)
Hope this helps,
Mike
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation (Machine-Driven) posted by CyberMage on June 15, 1998 at 13:05:14:
Dear Greg,
I GREATLY appreciate your putting us onto this site. I have asked Bill to link us with it ASAP.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Biofeedback posted by Linda on June 15, 1998 at 18:25:12:
Dear Linda,
There are dozens of books and hundreds of articles written about this by the top experts in the world. I wish I could say that I have discovered any part of this but I have not.
If you want to know, I can suggest places for you to start. Once you have the basic information under your belt, you can design your own study processes.
First, read a copy of Dr Pelletier's classic: "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer"--the most recent editions would be best.
THEN, if you think you want to go to the basic research, read ANYTHING by Hans Selye. MD (currently acknowledged as the world's leading authority in this field (even though he is now dead).
I recommend this order since your note tells me that you have little or no basic knowledge in the field. As you learn, I hope you will share your learning with the bb participants. If you have questions like this, so must many others.
Thanks for the question! Walt
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Biofeedback posted by Michael on June 16, 1998 at 21:27:20:
Thanks alot, Mike. I'm going to check the site out now!
Nancy
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Juicers posted by Walt Stoll on June 12, 1998 at 13:29:02:
Walt,
I too misunderstood about not doing skilled relaxation in the early morning. I thought that when you said not within 2 hours of retiring that meant at BOTH ends of retiring. Maybe a better way to say it is not 2 hours BEFORE retiring. Glad you cleared this up for me and others.
PS I just received my third batch of your book to give to friends. The seem to be ready for it now that they see the results on me. Is a new eddition in the works?
Healthfully relaxed,
Laura
In Reply to: Time for Relaxation posted by Laura on June 25, 1998 at 20:39:03:
Thanks, Laura.
A new, updated and expanded edition IS in the works and should be available by the first of the year.
I appreciate your suggestion about the "retiring" thing.
Namaste` walt
Dr. Stoll.
First of all, this is a great Website! I've read many of your posts. Thoughtful and thorough.
I have (not always) mild hypertension. I get near a blood pressure cuff and it goes up, while at home I can maintain it in the normal range. The lower number is usually the culprit when its up:90-100. The upper number is fine. I use the Eat Right Diet-Type-O and do moderate exercise and use a guided relaxation tape.
By the way, I think I've had some "critters i.e. candida, viruses in my system and wonder if these might increase stress on my cardiovascular system.
I'm not overly concerned just curious about how you would tackle this.Thanks very much. And continued success with all you are doing.
James
In Reply to: mild hypertension posted by James on June 14, 1998 at 20:03:06:
Dear James.
Thanks for your boost. It helps.
I would like to know what happens to your brain rhythms when you do your relaxation. If you have been doing an alpha/theta rhythm twice a day for 20 minutes (not counting any done within 2 hours of retiring) for 6 months, & still have even "white coat hypertension", I would like to know about it. We should all write a paper about you.
There are a lot of other things shown to deal with labile hypertension like this but, rather than dump them all on you & suggest you sort through the pile, it would be a lot more accurate to have you detail your history on the BB & let me see your pattern. See the link about the Health Coaching Service and do what it says on the BB. By doing it in public, I am willing to do it free since it can help a lot of others with the same problems at the same time.
Walt
Hi Doctor Stoll,
I wrote you back on 6-2-98 about my ever lasting health problems. I bought the book, (Mind as a healer, Mind as a slayer), and your book is on order. I read the first book. Its pretty complex. Its hard to understand that most all of this is caused by poor mgmt of stress. What would put my liver at such a high level of operation? Why do I have so much trouble with athletes foot, toenail fungus, and dandruff? I get acne breakouts often also. Some mornings I wake up with matted/gooey eyes. Sometimes the fatigue I experience is unbearable. It basicly shuts me down for a few hours. Especially when unknown certain foods are eaten. Sometimes when I'm feeling bad, my handwriting which isn't the greatest in the first place, becomes very hard to do. I have to really concentrate on what I am writing. I worry about everything and irt drives me nuts because I know most of it should not affect me. I have been trying the books ideas on relaxation and such. I also have been excercising with my health rider and I bought a new bike a few days ago. I was really embarrased at the short distance I rode before becoming worn out. My heart was pounding and my legs were burning. But, I'm going to keep going. I have to figure out a way to beat this! Any more help would be greatly appreciated!!! I have been using the vinigar on my toes and it seems to be helping alot. Thank you.
In Reply to: Food Sensitivities posted by Rob on June 19, 1998 at 08:23:50:
Dear Rob,
Take it on faith that you do not have 20 different conditions to explain all of your symptoms. You have ONE mechanism and it is what Pelletier's book is about.
I have read that book more than 10 times & I still get more out of it each time I read it. I did not expect you to become an expert the first time through. I DID put the answers into your hands.
The reason I wrote MY book the way I did was for people that might have trouble with "MAS, MAS". It doesn't go into depth at all but superficially explains the way it is. You will have the same questions about it, however, since this note seems to be asking for how this can be. Pelletier's book says how that is. If you want the research BEHIND Pelletier's book, you will have to read everything that Hans Selye, MD wsrote over a lifetime of research (50 years). That is why he is still considered the world's authority about how chronically stored stress-effect totally changes how the body works in EVERY system (even though he has been dead for more than 10 years).
Either you are going to have to become an expert in this OR you are going to have to take some of it on faith and Do the skilled relaxation which is, so far, the only thing shown to discharge it.
THEN, you will become a believer since you will not be able to deny the benefits. Perhaps, then you will find it easier to understand WHY this works like this.
Walt
I mentioned on an earlier posting that I had trouble finding any version of the Workbook in any bookstore. When searching by author and total proved futile I tried the ISBN. I was told that the ISBN that is posted on the website here is out of print.
Today I received my hardcover edition that I ordered from one of the on-line bookstores. It's ISBN is 1-56731-075-3.
I received the fourth edition, copyright 1995. There might be later editions. MJF Books is the publisher. (All references in square brackets given later in this posting are to this book.)
Not only I have carefully scrutinized this book's bibliographic data in the last few hours, but I have also read parts of it. I was just about to send an inquiry to find someone who would test me for Alpha/Theta waves while I meditate. Then I looked in the workbook. I says: "Alpha training is now less often used by professional biofeedback trainers, as it has been found that people can achieve the alpha state without necessarily relaxing other body systems. . . . [121]"
It goes on to recommend "a new EEG machine called a n e u r o a n a l y z e r." This machine is used to reduce muscle tension, beta and delta activity, and increase sensory motor rhythm intensity [121-122].
Has anyone out there had any experience with a neuroanalyzer? Can anyone compare it to a straightforward EEG feedback machine?
Further questions:
First some background. I have a disturbed digestive tract. No one can figure it out, so sometimes they call it Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Functional Bowel Disease. I've actually had a medical professional order a test that confirmed I have Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS).
So, for the moment, let us assume that LGS and IBS are related, if not identical.
The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook does not recommend meditation (my relaxation method of choice) for IBS. Among the methods it does recommend, however, is self-hypnosis [14-15].
I found this of interest since there is medical research by a person named P.J. Whorwell showing hypnosis to be quite effective for IBS and other digestive ailments (go to PUBMED to find synopses of these articles.)
Can self-hypnosis be as effective as non-self-hypnosis (heterohypnosis? allohypnosis?)? Has anyone had success using self-hypnosis to treat physically manifesting ailments. If you have had experience in this realm, what would you think of using Whorwell's non-self-hypnosis induction scripts for self-hypnosis?
Final comment: the Workbook on appears to offer at least two different theories of stress [4-9].
One view seems to be that stress is a quantifiable attribute of life events. Furthermore, the stress quantities of all life experience changes can be added to come up with an overall measure of a person's (or group's)stress level. The higher the sum of one's stress quantities, the more stress one is under. All life experience changes have positive stress quantities associated with them, except for meditation, psychotherapy, autogenic training, hypnosis, etc.
Call this the simple theory of stress, because, except for meditation, etc., all life experience changes are treated the same. Life experience changes of contrary values are equally conceived as stressors. For example, a typical worker might value a wage increase as desirable and a wage decrease as undesirable. But, insofar as both a wage increase and a wage decrease are changes in one's life experience, the simple theory of stress would classify both of them as stressors.
The Workbook describes the research of Thomas Holmes. I haven't read his work, but the Workbook describes him as claiming that getting married has a quantity of 501 stress units, and getting divorced has 73 stress units [7]. The more stress units one experiences in a year the more stress one has experienced and the more likely one is to become ill. On this view, all change--whether it is valued as good or bad by the person experiencing the change--is stressful. All str
In Reply to: Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook posted by Mike Kramer on June 20, 1998 at 00:15:44:
Dear Mike,
I REALLY appreciate the thought you have put into this.
MY comments are:
1. This is a good example of the "Peter Principle". These authors would do much better sticking to what they do better than anyone else I have seen: Offering simple ways for people to try different approaches to skilled relaxation till they find what works for them. Unfortunately, apparently they felt that they needed to add something to each edition they put out and are trying to get into WHY people need these techniques. They had better spend about 10 more years studying what chronic stress-effect storage IS before they offer themselves up as experts in the field.
2. More than 90% of the stressors that cause fight or flight storage (chronic readiness) in the hypothalamus are NOT psychosocial. From your review, they do not take anything but the 10% into account.
3. It is true that the EEG can show pure alpha without relaxation being present. HOWEVER, no one can produce pure alpha over & over again for weeks on end without the bodymind becoming more relaxed because of less storage. HOWEVER, you will note that I never recommended an EEG for the biofeedback machine. I left that up to the technician. I have, on several occasions, gone so far as to recommend a GSR (galvanic skin response) machine because it is the quickest feedback about the bodymind state we are looking for.
If a person can learn, in a few hours of training, to control one single muscle cell without changing any of the rest of the body, surely one can produce alpha in the brain without having immediate "body" relaxation. That really does not occur until the hypothalamus becomes convinced that the sabretooth tiger is not just around the bend. This requires a discharge of the STORED readiness & has little to do with the immediate stuff.
4. Certainly, there is "good stress & bad stress". However their discussion of this simply misses the point. We were discussing that primitive truth in medical school 40 years ago (Holmes-Raye). I think I am going to start recommending people get the original edition from their library search and forget about the new editions.
This primitive understanding completely ignores Dr Selye's research over 50 years. The problem is that stressors, not responded to by actually running or fighting (whether caused by mother-in-law or chlorine in the drinking water), ALWAYS result in the non-discharged readiness being stored in the hypothalamus. After a while, the system acts like it is ready all the time and THAT totally changes how the bodymind copes with EVERYTHING.
ACUTE stress is good for people since it causes the fight or flight response and the bodymind acts on it. This is the way we were designed & this is healthy. It is the stress effect that is NOT acted upon that stores & causes the "chronic stress-effect" that kills us & causes us to over-react to little stressors--this is NOT healthy.
Mike, WHAT WORKS FOR YOU IS WHAT WORKS FOR YOU! If I could predict exactly what would work for you I would do so. The only way I know is for you to do what seems to be "working" and test it with some kind of biofeedback technique that shows the "relaxation response". Then, by reliably producing that response for the twice a day for 20 minutes, that seems to be the least that will produce long term results, one will gain the benefits predicted within 6-12 months (sometimes 3 but I like to predict less than can be expected--not more).
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your reviewing the book so well & sharing it with the rest of us. I had not read a copy for more than 15 years and am terribly disappointed that they felt they had to try to teach about stress-effect without knowing about it.
Just because they are the best about helping people help themselves find a technique that works for them does not make them experts in how chronic stress-effect works to cause damage to people: "Peter Principle".
I am open to comments.
If "meditat
In Reply to: Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook posted by Mike Kramer on June 20, 1998 at 00:15:44:
What is the conventional test that confirms LGS? My doc is a gastroenterologist and had never heard of LGS.
Thanks,
Gerry
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook posted by Gerry on June 22, 1998 at 15:34:59:
I had an intestinal permeability test by Great Smokey Laboratories. This is not a conventional test. But I did convince a skeptical conventional doctor to authorize my taking it.
Measurements of intestinal permeability are measurements of gut leakiness.
My actual view is that I didn't need this test, although I did ask for it at the time. From my incomplete readings of this board, the diagnosis could be made from symptoms.
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook posted by Gerry on June 22, 1998 at 15:34:59:
Dear Gerry,
More's the pity about your GI specialist!
There are now many tests measuring the "leakiness" of the gut. Why DOESN'T your "spcialist" know about this condition that underlies nearly every medical condition of his specialty?????
Call (800) 522-4762 and ask them for the physicians in your area who would know enough to order the tests for "Leaky Gut". The first ones that were developed were called "comprehensive stool analyses" although there are more specific ones that should be added now.
It will do you no good to take these results to your present doc unless you want to dedicate yourself to educating a reluctant professional. Perhaps after you are well you can present him with a fiat acompli. For now, you would be wise to see the doc who knows what to order AND how to interpret the results.
Let us know what you learn and, as you get well, share your experiences. You would be surprised how many people are suffering needlessly just like you.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook posted by Mike Kramer on June 22, 1998 at 18:36:51:
Dear Mike,
YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!
Sometimes it frustrates me that some people need something in black & white, from a laboratory, indicating a diagnosis that is more accurately, more quickly and less expensively done by history: "If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, swims like a duck, tastes like a duck and lays duck eggs, it probably IS a duck!".
Frequently, doing a "test" is the only way the patient will believe something new. The conventional medical monopoly has made a billion dollar business out of this human tendency. Who really is to blame?
Thanks for bringing this up!!!!!
Walt
In Reply to: Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook posted by Mike Kramer on June 20, 1998 at 00:15:44:
Dear Mike,
I, too, appreciate the detailed review you gave of the workbook. I am a registered nurse who has been teaching stress awareness and skilled relaxation for over eighteen years. I always recommend this book. Obviously, I have the early edition, which does exactly what I want it to do - teach people alternative methods so they can determine what works for them. I distribute fingertip thermometers to people in my workshops as a little tool to give them some reassurance that they are reaching the relaxation response. This is along the same lines as Walt mentioned with the GSR. I don't know why, but we humans are so performance minded and just have to KNOW that we are doing it right! We need to just let go, allow it to happen and we will KNOW instictively when we have reached the alpha/theta state! Just hang in there and relax, knowing that by your increasing knowledge and practice of lifestyle changes, you are moving on the path to better health. We all want instant changes, when, in fact, the changes are slow and at times seem to plateau. Be joyful and live each moment to the fullest. Aren't we fortunate to have Walt as our teacher and guide?
Namate` Linda
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook posted by Linda Hynds on June 24, 1998 at 11:21:43:
Linda, can you tell me more about the fingertip thermometers? Where do you get them and how do you read them for relaxation response, etc.
In Reply to: Re: Fingertip Thermometers posted by Phyllis A. on June 24, 1998 at 11:50:34:
Hi Phyllis,
Thank you for asking. Please e-mail me kickstress@aol.com. and I'll talk to you about sending you one. I'm sure you don't need a large quantity. The basic idea is that you hold the little thermometer gently between your thumb and fingertip. Warmer hands equate to a more relaxed you! Remember that this is only a tool to help you understand where you are in the process. By the way, are you the Phyllis from KY?
Namaste` Linda
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook posted by Linda Hynds on June 24, 1998 at 11:21:43:
Hi, Linda!
I REALLY appreciate your input!!!! It is perfect!
Namaste` Walt
In Reply to: Re: Fingertip Thermometers posted by Phyllis A. on June 25, 1998 at 09:24:36:
Dear Phyllis & Linda,
I just had to insert my 2 cents here. The reason I have not recommended the temperature approach, in spite of the obvious advantages of cost, is that the skin temperature changes very slowly whereas the GSR changes almost instantly with the brain changes we are looking for.
This is akin to using a "slow light" when traveling down a winding, unfamiliar trail at night. If the light doesn't tell you you are off the path for a while after you are off the path, it will take you a lot longer to find the goal at the end of the path. If the light gives you instant feedback, you will not get off the path at all.
Is this making sense? In my experience, those who can learn with a temperature device could have learned without anything at all nearly as well. Of course, as Linda says, some people need something concrete to tell them when they have "got" there. There is, like with everything, a double edged sword with this too: if the person is concentrating on the patch telling them when they are there, they are not focusing enough on the inner signals which, in the end, are the ones that are critical.
What works, works. I just had to share my concerns.
Namaste` to you both.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Fingertip Thermometers posted by Walt Stoll on June 26, 1998 at 10:33:37:
Dear Walt,
Thanks for your input. I agree wholeheartedly that this is not the most scientific approach, but my experience in using these at seminars is that people, for the most part, find them very helpful. People just don't trust their feelings and they want some proof. At least it is something to provide for feedback. They can continue to use it until they decide its no longer necessary. Sometimes. people tell me that they thought they were reaching that alph/theta point, but, they panic and freeze. In fact, alot of people tell me that. Has anyone else experienced this? I just try to reassure them that there is nothing to be frightened of and to just let go and relax.
I know you and I discussed fingertip temperature in the past. These are regular themometers, not the "spots". Since I have now developed a one on one program which is once a week for four weeks, I am considering a GSR for those sessions. I was not able to find the one at Radio Shack. In fact, I was told at two stores that they never carried anything like that.
Of course, my aim is to help people and encourage their independence. I think the thermometers help to a limited extent. Please let me know if you have some other suggestions. I ALWAYS appreciate your knowledge and teaching. And, your friendhip goes beyond words.
Namaste` Linda
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook posted by Walt Stoll on June 26, 1998 at 10:24:36:
Thanks for the kind words. They came at a good time. Today, I was scheduled to do a workshop. I was there, had all the packets assembled, had the music playing and the room arranged. I even had some of my products there. Well, after 45 minutes, I figured no one was coming, I packed it all back up and headed home. Perhaps I won't do this again without pre-registration! Why do people just not take this seriously? Anyway, thanks again for the kind words.
Namaste` LInda
In Reply to: Re: Fingertip Thermometers posted by Linda Hynds on June 27, 1998 at 20:56:47:
Hi, friend Linda!
You are using the thermometers appropriately. I just had to say what I did so others with less experience than you would not be led astray.
Radio Shack had several kinds of GSRs for years up to a few years ago. Those who said they never had them are revealing how long they have worked there.
Their little units cost about $30 and were not much better than what you are using . Perhaps if you had a $300 unit you could use it for dramatic demonstrations and send it home with selected students between classes ( a reasonable rental is $25 a week and anyone serious about using it will not need it for more than a week or two. No use having is sit in someone else's home not being used.
Namaste` Walt
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook posted by Linda Hynds on June 27, 1998 at 21:04:13:
Dear Linda,
In 30 years, this only happened to me once--a lot more than I ever needed. A lawyer patient of mine had gotten so much good out of my advice that he decided--without my knowledge or consent--to do a Jazz benefit for me to advertize this wonderful new approach to health & healing.
He rented Memorial Hall at UK and had a community Jazz group donate their time. He printed up fliers & advertized it appropriately. Once this had all been done, he came to me & told me what he had done. I was dismayed to say the least. I could hardly not go after he had done so much so I did (me and about 10 others--the Hall holds about 1000 people). I was so embarassed that I got up & suggested that everyone go home after tearfully thanking all who had come.
The band said that they so enjoyed playing with each other (they were REALLY good) that they would prefer staying & playing since the Hall had been rented for the night. After all they didn't get many opportunities to play in an acoustic hall like that.
SO, I stayed as long as they did (deeply scrouched down in my seat). I think that was the worst night of my life. I should have learned my lesson that the public was not ready to learn about the same stuff you are finding they STILL are not ready to hear about 20 years later.
The disease-care crisis is not ALL the doctor's fault!!!!
Namaste` Walt
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook posted by Walt Stoll on June 29, 1998 at 10:04:07:
Dear Walt,
What can I say? Thank you for sharing. I guess the BB participants are ready to hear and study all of this. Anyone out there have any ideas why there seems to be this apathy? Weel, Walt, needless to say, I won't be buying a GSR for $300 until my business is more predictable. Sometimes I think I shouldn't have left my paying job with the insurance company. But, I KNOW that was the right thing to do. I'll just hang in there. But, its tight with the income cut almost in half. I know you inderstand what I am talking about.
Namaste` Linda
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook posted by Linda Hynds on June 29, 1998 at 10:13:56:
Dear Linda,
For what it's worth, I empathize deeply with your frustration at lack of attendance. Totally unrelated, last year I organized a spiritual poetry writing evening workshop. Lots of preparation. One person showed up, ironically, from out of town. I did what I could but was ready to hide under the table from embarrasment. Anyway, if I lived in your area, I'd certainly attend your workshops and would bring along interested friends. A passing thought--do you have an Institute of Noetic Sciences discussion group in your area? We have a local group, and I've found them to be very receptive to all kinds of alternative ideas. The same folks tend to show up regularly, so you'd have a built-in audience. I'd be glad to research this one for you--it wouldn't take much time at all. If you want to email me, please feel free. I'm reachable at ckitts@calpoly.edu
Namaste', Kyra
In Reply to: Re: Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook posted by Kyra on June 29, 1998 at 13:35:47:
Kyra,
Thank you so much for sharing. I know I'm not the first, nor the last person this will happen to. I have always had the philosophy that when things don't work out as planned, there is usually a good reason. So, I will just keep trying. My chiropractor told me at my app't today that he was asked by a vitamin supplement company to be the speaker a ttheir tri-state meeting. They sent fliers (three times) reminding all their subscribers of the meeting. And, guess what? Not one person showed. He says that in 2-3 years, he thinks things will be different. But also said this is sometimes the price we all pay for being on "the cutting edge". And, where have I heard THAT before, Walt?(grin) We just need to all hang in there and support each other as we make this journey together. Thanks for sharing with me.
Namaste` Linda