Hypnosis Involved In Epic Solar-Powered Flight

As of this writing, two bold pilots are attempting to fly around the world in a solar-powered plane.  This amazing effort showcases the latest technological achievements and is designed to encourage further development of clean-energy alternatives to fossil fuels.

Needless to say, the humans face a number of physiological challenges.  According to a Reuters report published today, "[Bertrand] Piccard and Andre Borschberg have been taking turns piloting the plane on each leg of the journey.  Both have trained to stay alert for long stretches of time by practicing meditation and hypnosis."

The full article:  http://www.reuters.com/article/us-solar-airplane-idUSKCN0YD03H.

The Power of the Mind: Not Always Positive!

The BBC published David Robson's fascinating article, "The Very Real Pain of 'Imaginary' Illnesses," on Friday, 8 April (2016).  This piece reported on the work of Dr. Suzanne O'Sullivan, who has treated a number of seriously debilitated patients whose problems were apparently "all in their minds."

Psychosomatic illnesses are indeed "real" to the victims thus afflicted, and the external symptoms may include conditions as severe as blindness, muscle spasms, excruciating pain, paralysis, and seizures.  These are often addressed via cognitive behavior therapy, and I suspect that hypnosis might be successfully integrated into the program as well.

The article can be accessed at:  http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20160407-the-very-real-pain-of-imaginary-illnesses?ocid=global_future_rss&ocid=global_bbccom_email_08042016_future.

BBC Article Links ASMR Response To Musical Stimuli

The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) refers to a variety of sensations, including "chills" down the spine, "goosebumps," 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 some months ago (22 July 2015), and while he did not mention ASMR specifically -- he referred instead "musical skin orgasms"! -- it is clear from the text that what he described is indeed ASMR.

Perhaps more interesting than the colorful description 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

Alzheimer's Linked to "Negative Beliefs About Aging": Yale School of Public Health Research

Apparently the power of the mind -- specifically our belief systems -- to harm us is far greater than previously thought.  This point was underscored yet again recently (7 December 2015), this time in a study published by Yale University's School of Public Health Research.  The project,  

<< led by Becca Levy, associate professor of public health and of psychology, is the first to link the brain changes related to Alzheimer’s disease to a cultural-based psychosocial risk factor. The findings were published online Dec. 7 in the journal Psychology and Aging.
“We believe it is the stress generated by the negative beliefs about aging that individuals sometimes internalize from society that can result in pathological brain changes,” said Levy. >>

The complete article can be access through this link:  http://news.yale.edu/2015/12/07/negative-beliefs-about-aging-predict-alzheimer-s-disease-yale-led-study?utm_source=YNemail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ynalumni-12-08-15.

Of course, hypnosis can be of immense value when dealing with negative beliefs, and can also help people develop more positive convictions and expectations.  Thus, yet another application emerges! 

"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.

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

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!]