Friday, July 24, 2015

"Hypnobirth" Options in Idaho

At times I feel I was ahead of my time.  I helped my wife deliver two children with hypnosis, and I have assisted a number of clients over the years (albeit not in the delivery room).  This, of course, was long before "hypnobirthing" and other such terms had come into the lexicography!

I was delighted to read Jami Hepworth's recent article in the Idaho State Journal.  Dubbed "Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis," these classes in Pocatello, ID, will doubtless prove most beneficial, and they may serve to promote hypnosis as a valid therapeutic "alternative" as well.  Hypnosis has been shown to help women relax in between contractions, and it can reduce pain to at least some extent.  Hypnosis helps the mother "push" the baby into the world, and later to expel the placenta.  Moreover, those with anxiety about nursing have also benefitted demonstrably from hypnotic suggestions.

The link is here:  http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/childbirth-hypnosis-classes-now-offered-in-pocatello/article_90e1f754-3048-11e5-a3ad-cbf10cb38ef8.html.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

BBC Article Notes Connection Between Music, ASMR

The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) refers to a variety of sensations, including "chills" down the spine, "goose bumps," and other "tingling" feelings, usually prompted by sensory stimulation (e.g., music).  Thus, this post should be of interest to those with a variety of interests.  We can point to apparent links between hypnosis and music, as well as hypnosis and ASMR.  Moreover, the skepticism about ASMR is remarkably similar to initial skepticism about hypnosis!

David Robson's piece appeared yesterday (22 July 2015), and while he did not mention ASMR specifically -- he referred instead "skin orgasms"! -- it is clear from the text that what he described is indeed ASMR.

Perhaps more interesting than Robson's dubious terminology is the question of susceptibility.  Some people experience ASMR far more than others, while many do not experience it at all.  Similarly, of course, a few people fall into the category of "suggestively gifted elite," while others respond far less dramatically to hypnosis or hyperempiria, and some seem altogether resistant.

Obviously, these subjects all need far more research.  Meanwhile, here's the article:  http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150721-when-was-the-last-time-music-gave-you-a-skin-orgasm



Friday, July 3, 2015

Scientific Study Verdict: Singing, Attending Classical Music Concerts Reduce Stress

I am not certain how valid the conclusion is, given the size of the sample studied (15 singers; 49 audience members:  only 64 people in all).  However, investigators plan to repeat the experiment at concerts on the 7th and 11th of July.

The entire article, including composer Eric Whitacre's address, can be accessed at:
http://www.gramophone.co.uk/feature/scientific-study-shows-classical-music-concerts-reduce-stress?pmtx=recommended&utm_expid=32540977-5.-DEFmKXoQdmXwfDwHzJRUQ.2&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F.

[This is a cross-post, also entered at LennyCavallaroMusic.blogspot.com.  Obviously, it is of interest to both musicians and therapists!]