Deciphering the Alphabet Soup of Energy Therapies

NET, EFT, NAET, JMT, NMT, TFT and I could go on and on. In the last decade, there has been a proliferation of energy therapies claiming to effectively treat and even eliminate everything from anxiety and depression to severe auto immune disorders. How is the consuming public to know what works and what doesn’t, how to select a therapy, and how to find the right practitioner?

First, a little background is in order. After Dr. George Goodheart developed Applied Kinesiology (commonly known as muscle testing) in the 1960‘s, practitioners had a new, non-invasive, and useful tool for assessing what was happening in the body/mind. About the same time, people in the Western world were getting their first exposure to Chinese Medicine, especially acupuncture. Most of the energy therapies began as a combination of the two – kinesiology and meridian based protocols.

Although the premises behind these therapies is essentially the same in all of them – the idea that an impedance in the flow of energy allows problems to develop or continue, some of the therapies were developed by psychologists and other mental health professionals to address primarily emotional symptoms, while others were developed by chiropractors and acupuncturists to address primarily physical symptoms.

So the first question a consumer might ask themselves is, “what do I want to accomplish with energy therapies“? Even though all of these therapies can theoretically treat physical and emotional problems, EFT, TAT, TFT, Matrix work, BSFF, are primarily focused on emotional distress and NET, NAET, BioSet, JMT, and NMT primarily address physical symptoms.

Another consideration is how much self treatment do you hope to do? Several of the above therapies are easy for the lay person to learn to use in self-help fashion, but others are much too complicated for that.

The question, “what protocol will work best for me?” is a much more difficult one to answer. Like more conventional treatment, when it comes to energy therapies, there’s nothing that works for everyone. However, there are some protocols that seem to consistently work better than others for certain types of problems. In general, I’ve found the newer therapies tend to work better because they have been built on the successes of earlier ones. For this reason, I’d suggest asking a potential practitioner what the latest modalities and updates they have been trained in. Are they keeping up with the latest updates and refinements?

Any individual may still find one of the older therapies best for them. This is where practitioner experience and skill is essential. I would suggest finding a practitioner who employs many different techniques, in order to avoid the “if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail” phenomena. A skilled clinician will be able to assess what is most likely to give you the best results, rather than try to fit any problem into the one protocol they know.

Finally, there’s nothing quite as good as a referral from someone who has been happy working with a particular practitioner. No one is right for everyone, but asking some basic questions will help you find the person and technique to assure you a good experience with energy medicine.

Dr. Bowers in a PA Licensed Psychologist and board certified in Medical Psychology. She uses most of the therapies referred to above in her practice. To learn more about Lee, you can go to www.drleebowerws.com or call her at: 610-520-0443.

Of Course Two Brains Are Better Than One!

by Dr .Lee A. Bowers

How many times have we heard someone say, “I just have a gut feeling about this?” Most people, when they refer to their “gut” are talking about their digestive system – stomach, intestines, etc. So how does your stomach make decisions for you?

The gut has a mind of its own, called the “enteric nervous system.” Researchers have found that, just like the larger brain in the head, this system sends and receives impulses, records experiences, and responds to emotions.

The enteric nervous system is located in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon. It is a network of neurons, neurotransmitters, and proteins that sends messages between nerves, support cells like those found in the brain in the head, and a complex circuitry that enables it to act independently, learn, remember, and produce “gut feelings.”

The gut’s brain plays a major role in human happiness and misery. Many gastrointestinal disorders like colitis and irritable bowel originate from problems within the gut’s brain.

Research in a new field of medicine called “neurogastroenterology” has discovered that the gut contains 100 million nerves – more than in the spinal cord! Major neurotransmitters – serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, norepinephrine, and nitric oxide are in the gut. Two dozen small brain proteins, called neuropeptides are there, along with the major cells of the immune system. Enkephalins (members of the endorphin family) are also in the gut.

The gut is a rich source of bensodiazepines – the family of psychoactive chemicals that include Valium and Xanax. As research progresses, implications for new treatments for diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Chron’s disease, ulcerative colitis, epilepsy, and autism is enormous.

Patients with severed spinal cords, which prevent the higher brain from communicating with the rest of the body, and stroke victims, will also benefit from this research because the gut’s brain can learn to perform many of the functions of the higher brain.

So learn to listen to your gut, increase your self-awareness, and be grateful for nature’s wonders!

Dr. Bowers is a medical psychologist in Villanova and. You can contact her at: 610-520-0443, leebowers@comcast.net, or www.drleebowers.com.

DISCOVER ENERGY PSYCHOLOGY…

Ancient Wisdom For the Rapid Relief of Emotional and Physical Distress

For over 5000 years, practitioners of Chinese medicine have believed that the cause of negative emotions and chronic physical ailments is within the body’s energy system. These healers identified meridians or energy channels associated with different emotions and body functions. Just as the proper flow of blood throughout the body is essential to our health, so is the proper flow of the body’s energy, or “Chi” through these meridians.

In recent years, Western scientists have documented the existence of these acupuncture meridians, but few Western healthcare practitioners are yet familiar with techniques for removing the blocks to our body’s energy system in order to optimize physical and emotional health. Now, these remarkable methods are available through the practices of various holistic health care providers. Some of the more widely used methods are:

AIT – Advanced Integrative Therapy

Developed by Nahoma Asha Clinton, LCSW, Ph.D., and formerly known as Seemorg Martix Work, AIT is an in-depth transpersonal energy psychology that goes to the deepest levels of the human psyche. Not for the rapid relief of acute symptoms, rather this work goes to the deeper wounds beneath the symptoms. It is extremely powerful and transformational.

NMT – Neuromodulation Technique

NMT is the brainchild of Oregon Chiropractor, Leslie Feinberg. After studying and practicing numerous energy therapies, Feinberg concluded that the theories behind their workings were usually not scientifically based and that the outcomes, when favorable, were actually happening for reasons other than those explained by their developers. Feinberg believes that the Autonomic Nervous System functions much like a digital computer and as such, can be debugged and reprogrammed. This is known as “informational medicine” – i.e. methods that work by identifying and bringing awareness of the mind body to the incorrect informational state that directs the body toward illness, and making the appropriate corrections. This very new (2002) technique’s early results are extremely promising in addressing all kinds of physical and emotional problems.

TFT/EFT – Thought Field Therapy/Emotional Freedom Technique

TFT was developed by psychologist Roger Callahan, and refined and named EFT by engineer Gary Craig. These methods involve the client holding thoughts, feelings, or images of the situation (emotional or physical) they would like to correct, while stimulating specific acupressure points. TFT/EFT is especially effective for eliminating the effects of past traumas, anxiety, and fears. Immediate and dramatic relief is often experienced.

TAT – Tapas Accupressure Technique

Developed by acupuncturist Tapas Fleming, this technique involves mentally holding a thought, feeling, or picture of the undesirable situation, while pressing on several acupressure points. Most clients feel profound physical and emotional relaxation immediately. This technique is especially effective for eliminating allergies and physical pain, as well as emotional distress.

JAFFE-MELLOR TECHNIQUE

An earlier informational medicine or bioenergetic technique that deactivates specific disease-causing pathogens which were identified over ten years of clinical research. Used especially for elimination of allergy symptoms, and those of autoimmune and similar disorders such as osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease. Featured in the November, 2000 edition of Alternative Medicine.

NET – The Neuro-Emotional Technique

Developed by Scott Walker, a chiropractor, NET is a method for finding and removing blocks in the energy system that have created dysfunctional neurophysiological patterns. Negative emotions and their origins are revealed and released from the meridians, thereby removing the energy blockage and the accompanying symptoms.

REIKI

A form of bodywork and ancient Tibetan practice that was rediscovered around the turn of the last century, Reiki is probably the best known method of hands on healing practiced today. Reiki balances the Chi in the body to achieve health and balance. Clients report relief of aches and pains, along with a general sense of relaxation and emotional and physical well-being.

Problems happen in life, but now, suffering is optional!

These techniques clear energy blockages and restore healthy emotional and physical functioning much more rapidly than traditional therapies. We have successfully used these techniques to eliminate many problems, and have achieved significant remissions in others, including:

? anxiety/fears ? chronic pain ? depression ? lupus

? fibromyalgia ? arthritis ? HIV ? habit control

? allergies ? chronic fatigue ? low self esteem ? sinus problems

? addictions ? sexual problems ? assertiveness ? anger

? decision making ? natural childbirth ? athletic performance

? multiple sclerosis ? learning difficulties ? problems with children

? reduce recovery time from injuries or surgery ? cancer ? stress

This information was prepared by Lee A. Bowers, Ph.D. Dr. Bowers is a Licensed Psychologist, board certified as a Medical Psychologist, and designated a Fellow of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. Lee is a Reiki Master and a practitioner of all the methods of energy psychology described above, and teacher of several of them. She is listed in the 2nd Edition of Who’s Who in Healthcare.

Lee A. Bowers, Ph.D.

Integrated Mind/Body Healing

610-520-0443

leebowers@comcast.net

Visit our Website at: http://www.drleebowers.com

AN INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Lee A. Bowers, Ph.D.

The American Board of Psychological Specialties, a division of The American College of Forensic Examiners, has created a board certified specialty in the area of Medical Psychology. Medical psychologists have post doctoral training in various methods to help patients who have chronic and/or serious medical problems. Typically this includes working with the person on managing the emotional aspects of their illness, and also, reducing physical symptoms of the disease and the side effects of various treatments.

In 1986, research on neuropeptides by neuroscientist Candace Pert at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) demonstrated that we truly are a body/mind, as opposed to a separate body and mind. Pert showed that every cell in the body has both physical and emotional memory and function. The implications of this research are far reaching, and have served as a theoretical basis for much of the work of medical psychologists.

Most diseases common in modern society are opportunistic. When we experience a traumatic event or live in a state of chronic stress, the immune system is severely compromised. As a result, the body becomes more hospitable to everything from allergies to cancer. A medical psychologist helps clients properly process the stresses in their lives with the intention of bolstering the immune system. They also help clients manage specific conditions. For example, a patient with cancer might be in a state of shock from the diagnosis, feel fear and confusion about the treatment options, or depression over a poor prognosis or the limitations the disease poses. They might also worry about the effect the illness will have on loved ones. The medical psychologist helps the person manage this emotional turmoil.

Medical psychologists are also trained in various interventions to help patients minimize physical symptoms. Some of the techniques that are commonly used are behavioral interventions and relaxation techniques, hypnosis, and guided imagery, which all tend to effect physical changes by enhancing the person’s immune system and decreasing tension. Energy medicines such as acupressure, bodywork, and homeopathy are also frequently used. Different practitioners have different training and specialties.

Individual practitioners may have specific areas of focus. Pain management is one of the most common, because pain responds so well to psychological intervention. Pain is a combination of many things – the actual physical site of the pain, exacerbated by tension, fear, and anxiety. When the patient can learn to relax his or her body, there is a natural reduction of pain. Most of my work in Medical Psychology is as a pain specialist (cancer, fibromyalgia, arthritis, etc.) and allergy elimination work (yes, in most cases, allergies can be permanently eliminated). Others specialize in neuromuscular, genetic, or birth disorders, gynecological problems, or other specific ailments. Most medical psychologists will work with any presenting problem, in conjunction and consultation with other health care providers.

This information was prepared by Lee A. Bowers, Ph.D. Dr. Bowers is a Licensed Psychologist in Villanova, PA. She is a board certified Medical Psychologist and a Fellow of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. She is listed in the 2nd Edition of Who’s Who in Healthcare. For more information regarding Medical Psychology, you can visit her website at: www.drleebowers.com, contact her at: (610) 520-0443, or e-mail her at: leebowers@comcast.net.com.

AN INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

Medical or Health Psychology is a specialty concerned with how biology, behavior, and social factors influence health and wellness. It came into existence in recent years as science developed more evidence that we are truly a body-mind. Every cell in the body is affected by our thoughts and emotions. We now know that most chronic (and often even acute) illnesses are influenced by our thoughts, personalities, and behaviors.

Emotional states directly affect physical immunity through production of stress hormones, such as the catecholamines and glucocorticoids. There is also evidence that negative psychological states lead to faster disease progression in certain diseases (such as HIV and heart disease) and may also indirectly affect disease processes through their influence on health behaviors. For example, depression has been related to many risk factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet, and medication non-compliance.

Health psychologists help healthy people stay healthy and help patients adhere to disease management regimens. This is accomplished in a variety of ways:

PREVENTION

Health psychologists are educators and coaches, helping clients recognize risk factors and maintain healthy lifestyles.

EMOTIONAL INFLUENCE OF DISEASE

When serious illness occurs, lives are dramatically affected. An individual who is injured, may have practical issues to contend with that in turn, affect their psychological wellbeing. Who will take care of them while they recover? How will they pay for bills or care for dependents? What if they can no longer be self-reliant? How do they handle new limitations? When there is little hope of recovery, psychologists can help preserve quality of life for both patient and loved ones.

DOCTOR – PATIENT COMMUNICATION

Health psychologists aid the process of communication between doctors and patients, helping patients formulate questions for their physicians, translate medical jargon for the patient, and help the patient process information and consider options.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH and PATIENT COMPLIANCE

Helping people follow medical advice and adhere to treatment regimens is an important role for medical psychologists. Whether it involves lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, or remembering to take prescribed medications, psychologists can help improve compliance.

SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT

Managing pain or minimizing/eliminating other distressing symptoms can often be accomplished by teaching patients relaxation, stress management, guided imagery, distraction, or other behavioral techniques.

Lee A. Bowers, Ph.D. is a board certified Medical Psychologist in Villanova, PA. Dr. Bowers can be contacted at: leebowers@comcast.net, 610-520-0443, or visit her website: www.drleebowers.com.

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