Book Review: Treating Trauma with Energy Psychology
Are you interested in energy psychology and want to learn more about non-tapping approaches? Check out the new book, Treating Trauma with Energy Psychology, edited by Catherine Folkers. It contains case studies from Folkers and eight other mental health professionals, detailing their use of Advanced Integrative Therapy, a chakra- and language-based technique, along with other energy psychology techniques to help clients overcome a variety of issues. Their case stories are compelling, and the book left me wanting to learn more about this energy psychology technique!
What’s inside
The cases described in the book cover a range of issues, from borderline personality disorder, to phobia, to PTSD. The clinicians tend to have a psychodynamic orientation, looking at past traumatic events to explain current suffering. They posit that the traumatic events which affect current functioning can even predate birth, including prenatal trauma, intergenerational trauma, and possibly past-life trauma (even metaphorically). Asha Clinton founded AIT, though she stipulates that she received it. You can read a blog about her story here.
The book begins with a description of the basic AIT protocol and an explanation of muscle testing, which is a key component of AIT. Some of the most interesting case studies for me dealt with psychogenic illnesses. AIT conceptualizes some illnesses as messages from the body, where unresolved trauma has led to physical problems. In one case, Crohn’s disease cleared up; in another, kidney function improved, allowing the client to avoid dialysis.
Other interesting cases involved histories of intense childhood abuse, leading to complex PTSD. People with intense childhood trauma and insecure attachment have difficulty in their adult relationships. They are often diagnosed as having borderline personality disorder. These cases are notoriously difficult. However, the stories in this book detailed convincing progress and improved functioning as old trauma patterns cleared. The results were certainly exciting.
Bottom line: the takeaway from "Treating Trauma with Energy Psychology"
Treating Trauma with Energy Psychology is an interesting read. It is worthwhile for clinicians as well as laypeople who are interested in mental health. It offers hope for the many people who are living with the aftermath of trauma, particularly with complex childhood trauma. Left unresolved, these traumas create patterns that are difficult to overcome using conventional means. However, they seemed to respond remarkably well to AIT.
It is my earnest hope that effective tools like AIT and other energy psychology techniques will become more mainstream, so that more people can heal. This book adds to the likelihood of that happening!
If you would like to learn more about energy psychology, follow me on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also keep up with the research here.
Feeling keyed up? Try this.
If you want to learn a safe mind-body technique to help next time you feel keyed up, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn an easy tool you can use at any time to calm down.
When you feel "keyed up" or out of balance, you can get yourself back in balance by practicing the Brain Balancer. This simple body-based technique helps restore left-right balance and allows you to feel more clear and connected. The technique was adapted by Phil Mollon from Roger Callahan's Thought Field Therapy. Practice the technique right now by watching the video below and following along. You can also download written instructions in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Why It Works
The Brain Balancer blends principles of neuro linguistic programming and energy psychology. While tapping an important triple-warmer meridian point, you move your eyes and activate different brain functions. All of this allows you to feel present, balanced, and centered.
This technique is also excellent to use when you feel like you haven't fully processed your emotions. If it sounds familiar, perhaps that is because this technique often is a standard part of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Thought Field Therapy (TFT) sessions.
If you haven’t given the Brain Balancer technique a try yet, do it now. Take notice of how your body feels both before and after you use the technique. This technique is just one of many you can use to get more calm and present.
More Techniques to help when you are keyed up.
If you found the Brain Balancer helpful, here are a few more tools you can use to calm down and get present: Breathing Into Balance and the Cross Crawl.
If you want to learn to use tools like this for your wellbeing, contact me.
Video Resources Provided by the ACEP Humanitarian Committee
The mission of the ACEP Humanitarian Committee is to develop and implement humanitarian projects that alleviate emotional distress caused by catastrophic natural and man-made events around the globe. We do this by encouraging and assisting ACEP members in developing humanitarian projects that utilize recognized energy psychology and other modalities that meet ACEP’s standards and guidelines. Learn more here.
Is there scientific evidence for the chakras?
Margaret Moda conducted a review of the research on the anatomical and physiological evidence of the chakras. Her study was published in the April 2022 issue of the International Journal of Healing and Caring. After reviewing the literature on the evidence of the chakras, Moda concluded that there is some evidence that chakras emit electromagnetic radiation and have possible anatomical correlates. There is, indeed, some scientific evidence for the chakras!
The theory
The idea of chakras stems from ancient Eastern traditions and has become increasingly popular in the West. The popularity of the concept mirrors that of the meridians – born in the East, gaining traction in the West. There is some scientific evidence supporting the meridians. In this study, Moda sought to examine the evidence for the chakras based on electromagnetic radiation or anatomical correlates.
The study setup
Moda searched databases for studies on the anatomical and physiological studies of the chakras. She excluded papers on theory or intuitive descriptions and expanded her search to include books containing scientific studies. Thus, sixteen studies met the search criteria.
Study results find evidence for the chakras
Moda grouped her results in two categories: anatomical studies and physiological studies.
Anatomical Studies
Two studies found that the chakras align with known nerve plexuses:
- Rokade (2017) found a plexus of nerves near the location of the purported heart chakra.
- Sweta and colleagues (2018) found a plexus of nerves near the location of the purported base or root charka.
Physiological Studies
Several studies found electromagnetic emissions from the chakras:
- One study by Motoyama (1981) used a magnetometer, copper wire and photoelectric cells. When the subjects activated a chakra, the photoelectric cells emitted a faint light and the copper electrode detected high-frequency oscillations.
- Hunt used an electromyograph (EMG) (1977, 1986). She detected wave forms and frequency bands from 100 Hz to 1 KHz, corresponding to various colors, in the area of the chakras. Further, she found that, as the subjects activated or "opened" a chakra, the frequency increased. In 1997, Wirth and colleagues attempted to replicate the findings and did, but others have questioned their research.
- Rewold and Husen (2020) used electrodes to measure frequencies above 200Hz in a group of biofield practitioners and university students. In both groups, the frequency bands matched what Hunt had found. Additionally, the frequency band power was higher among the biofield practitioners than the students.
- Jalil et al (2015) used radiofrequency meters with dipole whip antennas to detect electromagnetic radiation from the chakra locations in young healthy subjects. They found that each chakra emits a particular band of frequencies. Interestingly, their findings (chakras emit frequencies of 29 MHz – 86 MHz) matches the overall frequency of the human electromagnetic field of about 53 MHz.
In each case, there were measurable electromagnetic emissions from the chakras.
Why this study on the evidence for chakras matters
This study adds to our understanding of the human electromagnetic field and round up the evidence for the chakras. While many Westerners remain skeptical of the meridians, chakras, and biofield, these concepts are aligned with what we know about physics: Humans have electromagnetic energy and bioelectric fields.
Get involved!
There are many ways for you to participate in ACEP's mission. If you would like to learn more about the chakras, check out ACEP’s upcoming Comprehensive Energy Psychology course! In order to support research, consider making a donation. Finally, if you would like to get involved with ACEP, join a committee!
Have insomnia? Try this.
Want to learn a great technique to help you sleep? You’re in the right place. This blog teaches you an easy tool you can use the next time you have insomnia to help you get the sleep you need.
The Balance Hook-Up, also called the Wayne Cook Posture, is a technique that helps overcome insomnia. In two to 15 minutes, you will feel your body and mind relax, and you will then be able to fall asleep. This technique comes to us from Donna Eden. Practice the technique right now by watching the video below and following along. You can also download written instructions in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Why It Works
The Balance Hook-Up is a simple technique that actually has a lot to it! Crossing our ankles, arms, and hands, we are crossing the brain's corpus callosum; this helps us feel grounded. The gentle pressure and attention to our chest area and slow breathing help activate the upper portion of the vagus nerve, which helps us calm down. Moving our tongue up and down applies gentle pressure to our meridian system. All of these ingredients combine to make a fabulous self-soothing, anti-insomnia recipe.
If you haven’t given the Balance Hook-Up a try yet, do it now. Take notice of how your body feels both before and after you use the technique. It is helpful not just for insomnia, but any time you feel upset or have racing thoughts. In fact, this technique is just one of many you can use when you need calming and balancing.
If you want to learn to use tools like this to improve your wellbeing, contact me.
Video Resources Provided by the ACEP Humanitarian Committee
The mission of the ACEP Humanitarian Committee is to develop and implement humanitarian projects that alleviate emotional distress caused by catastrophic natural and man-made events around the globe. We do this by encouraging and assisting ACEP members in developing humanitarian projects that utilize recognized energy psychology and other modalities that meet ACEP’s standards and guidelines. Learn more here.
How to keep your sanity when the world is losing it
The pandemic, the wars abroad, the political divide at home, inflation, commuting again – sometimes it seems the world has gone crazy. How are we to keep ourselves sane and grounded amidst all that turmoil? The question is not rhetorical. I read the research on mental health and talk about these things with my clients all the time. Here are some ideas that can help you stay sane when the world seems to be going crazy:
Get back to your cushion.
I know, the meditation cushion is almost cliché. That doesn’t mean it’s not important! In my case, it’s a futon in the spare room. Wherever you sit, go sit. Do it every day. If you haven’t started a mindfulness or meditation practice, this is a good time to do it. There’s a lot of research that shows how meditation changes our mood and even changes our brain. It’s probably the single best thing you can do to ensure a little smoother sailing when the waters are rough.
Connect to your peeps.
Your friends and family need you and you need them. Human beings exist in relationship to others, and we just can’t thrive without them. So, send a message, or dial the phone. Have a talk or plan a date. Meet for a walk or a coffee. Whatever you do with them, make your people your priority. They’ll remind you what’s important and what’s eternal, and your life will be better for it.
Stay in your body.
It’s interesting to see how often people are unaware of the signals of distress their bodies are sending. I remember being unaware of them myself, but with practice, I learned to notice and respond to them. You can, too. Things like walking, running, exercising in general can help you burn off extra energy, which we often need to do. Other things like EFT tapping or yoga practices can shift the energy in our body-mind. All of it can help us stay centered, grounded, and calm.
Laugh.
Watch a funny sitcom or stand-up show. Listen to a humorous podcast. Spend time with your funny friend. When all else fails, watch laughing babies on YouTube. Whatever tickles your fancy is fair game – but make laughing a priority. It changes our body chemistry and makes us feel better long after the giggles stop.
Appreciate nature
If you can, go outside. Appreciate the quiet of a snowfall or the din of an ocean or the soothing sound of early birds. Smell the roses! Or the salt air, the moss of the forest, the dry dust of desert sand. Feel the warmth or coolness or shock of cold on your skin. And look! The natural world is beautiful. Cultivate a beginner’s mind and take it all in with appreciation.
Slow down.
When we are in a rush, our body is filling with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over the long haul, that’s not good for you. Even in the short term, it doesn’t feel great. When we are stressed, we feel, well, stressed. Cultivate the opposite: Take a pause before you cross the threshold of any room. Take a breath before you talk. When you transition from one activity to the next, take a moment to notice that you are shifting. This is one that I need to practice more this year.
How about you? What from this list strikes a chord with you? What did I leave out? I’d love to hear from you!
Reiki helps Cancer Patients
Energy psychology includes tapping therapies, which have been widely researched and which we write about frequently. However, there is more to energy psychology than meridian tapping. Some energy psychology practices focus on the chakras (Advanced Integrative Therapies, for example, is a chakra-based energy psychology method). Others focus on the biofield. Energy psychology practitioners also may use biofield therapies from other energy-based disciplines. Reiki is one example. It has gained popularity and traction in recent years, particularly in the field of palliative care for cancer patients. It is one of the modalities supported by Unite for HER. Research and patient reports confirm: Reiki helps cancer patients.
What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a noninvasive practice that uses a light touch on, or hovering just above, the body. The goal of Reiki is to direct the flow of energy through the biofield, the purported energy that surrounds and interpenetrates us, in order to promote healing. Reiki promotes a sense of wellbeing and relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, reduces pain, and increases energy levels.
Reiki originated in Japan, where, according to legend, the monk Mikao Usui created it as a spiritual practice. The word rei means universal, and ki is life energy (like chi). It is now widely used in the West as a popular form of complementary therapy and wellness tool. It is increasingly popular in cancer centers, where it helps address the emotional and spiritual needs of cancer patients. Reiki does not address the cancer itself, but rather, promotes the wellbeing of the patient. It has no negative side effects and patients almost universally endorse it as a relaxing treatment that connects them to a sense of wellbeing.
How does Reiki work?
Reiki providers typically deliver Reiki as a hands-on, using light touch, or hands-over therapy in a series of about 30 hand positions. It is similar to Healing Touch and Therapeutic Touch. The client usually lies fully clothed on a massage table, though sometimes cancer centers have Reiki practitioners deliver Reiki to people receiving treatments in an infusion chair.
Advanced practitioners can also deliver Reiki from a distance by tuning in to the client’s energy field and delivering the treatment. Interestingly, a study in 2004 documented an equal and significant reduction in depression and anxiety among people who received distant Reiki healing. In that study, people did not know whether they were receiving Reiki or not, and there was no evidence that people felt anything during the treatment. During the covid pandemic, Reiki providers often connected to their clients via telephone or video call, and guided the client through some of the hand positions while the practitioner directed the flow of energy, sometimes using their own body as a proxy. Patients reported feeling relaxed and experiencing a greater sense of wellbeing during these sessions. In more common in-person Reiki sessions, people experience relaxation and wellbeing, and often describe being in a liminal state regarding time, place, and even self.
Many cancer patients who receive Reiki report feeling relaxed, often experiencing the first reprieve from anxiety and worry since diagnosis. It is common for people to fall asleep during Reiki treatment. After treatment, people report feeling more optimistic, less tired, and more comfortable.
What does the research say?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine (NCCIM), there are not enough studies to make claims to Reiki’s efficacy. However, the studies we have to date show that Reiki helps with distress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and pain. In addition, the anecdotal evidence is strong, and many patients want to try Reiki. Researchers had to close one planned large study because not enough people would agree to be in the no-Reiki comparison group. Reiki and integrative therapies in general are more appealing to women and younger people.
Reduction in distress
A study by the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine collected pre-post survey data from 213 study participants. Reiki volunteers came to infusion rooms, waiting rooms before radiation or proton therapies, and inpatient hospital rooms. Sessions lasted just 10 – 30 minutes. Recipients reported statistically significant (p< .001) reductions in distress, anxiety, depression, pain, and fatigue. Those who turned in their surveys also liked the session and found it helpful, said they would do it again, and most would recommend to others. In open-ended question responses, most said they found it relaxing, it helped them think positively, relieved physical and psychological symptoms, helped them feel connected to self and others, and increased their sense of spiritual wellbeing.
Improved quality of life
A randomized, controlled, double-blind study from the Centro Hospitalar de S. João in Portugal tested Reiki on patients with blood cancer. The 230 study participants received Reiki, delivered by Reiki practitioners, or sham Reiki, delivered by sham therapists not trained in Reiki. They received biweekly hour-long Reiki sessions for four weeks. Participants took the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life questionnaire before and after treatment. The data showed that pain was the biggest factor in decreasing quality of life, and that those who received Reiki experienced greater quality of life. The WHOQoL data is divided into five domains: general, physical, social, environment, and psychological. Interestingly, in this study only the psychological domain did not reach statistical significance; the other domains all achieved significant improvements (p = .05). Results were impressive enough that the hospital decided to incorporate Reiki therapy in the services available to patients.
Improves fatigue
A pilot study published in the journal Integrative Cancer Studies focused on Reiki to address fatigue among cancer patients. Researchers compared Reiki to rest among 16 participants. Participants experienced both treatment conditions, being randomized into Reiki then rest, or rest then Reiki. Reiki consisted of five consecutive days of hour-long Reiki, a week of no treatment, two more Reiki sessions, and another two weeks off. The rest condition consisted of five days of hour-long rest during the day, followed by a week of no intervention, and a final week of no intervention. During the Reiki condition, participants experienced a reduction in fatigue (p = .05); they also achieved significant improvements in tiredness, pain, and anxiety. These improvements were not found in the rest condition.
Improved wellbeing
A 2012 study published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care investigated the effect of Reiki on pain and anxiety using a numeric rating scale by Reiki providers. The 118 study participants received between one and four, 30-minute Reiki sessions. Seventy percent of recipients said Reiki improved their wellbeing; 88% said it helped them relax; 45% said it eased pain; 34% said it helped them sleep. For those who received all four Reiki sessions, anxiety decreased dramatically (p = .000001). Pain decreased, and participants reported that receiving Reiki improved their overall wellbeing, sleep quality, relaxation, pain relief, and anxiety.
Overall improvements
A 2013 study published in the same journal investigated Reiki at a cancer infusion center. Participants received Reiki and filled out a survey, rating their improvement in pain, mood, distress, sleep, and appetite. Ninety three percent of Reiki recipients rated it a positive experience, and almost 90% said they would like to have it again. Eighty seven percent said it helped them relax, 75% said it helped ease worry, 79% said it improved their mood, 38% said it helped them sleep, 48% said it helped reduce pain, 41%said it helped with loneliness, 67% said it improved their attitude, and 30% said it helped with their appetite.
Improving pain and anxiety
A team of researchers conducted a review of randomized controlled trials of Reiki for pain and anxiety. All studies in the review included a control or treatment as usual group and a Reiki group; all were published in peer-reviewed journals since 2000. Reiki achieved small effect sizes, measured by Cohen’s d, for reducing anxiety and pain, suggesting that Reiki may be effective for addressing these concerns.
The body of evidence supporting Reiki as a complementary therapy for people with cancer is growing, but small. More, larger studies will help move the field forward. In spite of the research, many oncology centers offer Reiki to their patients. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center offer Reiki; all have participated in gathering some evidence of its efficacy.
Who gives Reiki treatments?
Reiki providers do not hold professional licenses in that method, though in some states they must carry a massage therapy license. Some professionals who use energy psychology also use Reiki in their practice.
There are three or four levels of training; each comes with an attunement given from Reiki master to student. At the first level, practitioners learn the hand positions. In the second level, they learn to do distant Reiki. At the third level, they deepen their understanding, learn symbols, and are prepared to teach Reiki to others. After giving an attunement to a trainee, they are called Reiki Masters.
Trainings, however, vary widely. Some people can become Reiki Masters in a weekend or through online courses. One study suggested that Reiki practitioners with more experience generated better results. On the other hand, studies found that practitioners untrained in Reiki giving sham Reiki actually help patients feel better. It will be interesting to see how the field of Reiki changes as the practice becomes more popular and more evidence based.
Bottom Line
Reiki is a form of energy therapy that has roots in the East and is gaining popularity and a research base in the West. It is particularly popular in cancer centers because of its ability to help with anxiety and to reduce pain.
Need an energy boost? Try this.
Groggy and can't take a nap? This blog teaches you an easy tool for an energy boost.
Next time you need an energy boost, try the Four Thumps. This is a simple body-based technique that will help you get your energy flowing. The technique comes to us from Donna Eden. Practice the technique right now by watching the video below and following along. You can also download written instructions in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
How it works
Tap lightly under your eyes. Then tap or rub under your collarbones, on the middle of your chest, and on your bottom rib.
Follow along with the video above and give the Four Thumps a try! Take notice of how your body feels both before and after you use the technique. This technique is just one of many you can use to get your energy flowing again.
Why it works
When you use techniques like the Four Thumps, you are interacting with your body's energy system and increasing the flow of energy through your system. This technique turns your circuits back on and gets your energy flowing again.
This technique is also helpful if you feel discouraged, numb, shocked, or paralyzed.
More techniques for when you need an energy boost
If you found the Four Thumps helpful, here are a few more tools you can use to increase your energy: the Heel Shock Release and Thymus Thump. All of the videos and techniques in our "Try This" series were created by ACEP's Humanitarian Committee in order to help people heal by spreading the word about the powerful effects of energy psychology techniques. We invite you to help by sharing this information!
If you want to learn to use techniques like this to improve your wellbeing, contact me.
Video Resources Provided by the ACEP Humanitarian Committee
The mission of the ACEP Humanitarian Committee is to develop and implement humanitarian projects that alleviate emotional distress caused by catastrophic natural and man-made events around the globe. We do this by encouraging and assisting ACEP members in developing humanitarian projects that utilize recognized energy psychology and other modalities that meet ACEP’s standards and guidelines. Learn more here.
Stress, inflammation, and cancer
This blog gives an overview of recent findings from the field of psychoneuroimmunology: the intersection of psychology, biology, and immune function.
This blog is partly the story of how stress acts on a molecular level to increase our chances of getting cancer and of cancer progression. The more important part is the story of how de-stressing might help our immune systems function better and help to improve our health. Research from the field of psychoneuroimmunology – psychology, neurology, and disease – helps us to understand, in a practical way, how stress affects our bodies. In deepening our understanding of what is happening in our bodies, perhaps we can thoughtfully harness our mind-body-spirit approach and use it to our advantage. Read on to learn more about the connection between stress, inflammation, and cancer.
Inflammation: A molecular story
We have heard a lot about inflammation and disease. But what exactly is inflammation, and why is it harmful? Inflammation happens in our bodies, and it’s not all bad. In fact, inflammation is vital for healing; it’s how our bodies fight disease and repair damage. The problem is with chronic inflammation. This increases the risk of a variety of diseases.
A group of chemical messengers called cytokines play an important role in inflammation. Cytokines are secreted by cells to regulate the body’s immune response. When a cell secretes a cytokine, that cytokine binds to other cells. The receiving cells carry out activities based on the cytokine’s message. These activities can include cell inflammation, growth (proliferation), and death (apoptosis).
Cytokines and inflammation
Our bodies' chemical messengers
Some cytokines cause inflammatory responses. These cytokines are usually secreted by immune system cells. It works like this: when a cell is injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, etc., it releases chemicals which cause fluid to enter the cells; this signals the immune system to repair damaged tissue and fight infections.
When our bodies are functioning well, cytokines are rapidly released at the area of infection, which causes inflammation. The inflammation calls other immune system cells to come to the area for repair or to fight infection. When the crisis is over, anti-inflammatory cytokines come to the site to counteract pro-inflammatory activity and calm the immune response. Our bodies need to have a healthy balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. An imbalance leads to chronic inflammation and diseases like cancer.
Cytokines: types and activities
There are several subsets of cytokines. One of these are interleukins, which play an important role in inflammation. They also regulate cell growth. Researchers have been investigating the role of interleukins in cancer. The pro-inflammatory interleukins IL-1 and IL-6 seem to play roles in breast cancer tumor growth, as does the anti-inflammatory IL-4. Another cytokine that is important in cancer tumor growth and apoptosis is Tumor Necrotic Factor alpha (TNF α). Type II Interferon or IFNγ is a cytokine that activates macrophages, the large white blood cells that gobble up infections and unhealthy cells; IFNγ is also implicated in cancer.
Cytokines are produced by certain T lymphocytes (a kind of white blood cell). Th1 lymphocytes produce the cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, which are associated with fighting infections. Th2 lymphocytes produce the cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10, which are associated with tumor growth and metastases. Chronic stress and inflammation seem to lead to a dampening of the production of Th1 lymphocytes and the anti-inflammatory cytokines they produce, and an overproduction of Th2 lymphocytes and the inflammatory cytokines they produce. However, it’s not a simple, too-many-inflammatory/not-enough-anti-inflammatory cytokine equation. The system is complex, and each cytokine can, paradoxically, help or harm tumor growth.
It’s not all about the genes: The role of RNA
It's about the copying
The “maybe good news, maybe bad news” effect of these cytokines is probably the result of the complex micro-environment in which they exist. However, one common denominator seems to be the action of these cytokines on the transcription of ribonucleic acid, or RNA. RNA is the stuff inside all cells that allows for protein synthesis. Protein synthesis is essential for life; making protein is important because proteins give our bodies their structure and allow us to metabolize food, repair and rebuild tissue, maintain fluid balance, and regulate pH.
RNA helps produce, or synthesize, the proteins; DNA holds all the instructions for producing them. The instructions are part of our genetic code, contained in the double-helix string of paired molecules, or nucleotides, inside the nuclei of our cells.
RNA at work
RNA carries out the instructions, creating proteins in a process called transcription. First, DNA’s double helix is split at the transcription site. Next, proteins (transcription factors) and enzymes (RNA polymerase) bind to and copy the material in the DNA strand, thus creating a single strand copy of the gene. This strand travels outside the nucleus and into the cytoplasm, over to the ribosomes (the factory of the cells) where it binds with more RNA and certain amino acids to create proteins – including cytokines.
While we often focus on DNA and our genes as the source of illness, that is not the entire story. The problem could occur at the RNA transcription level. Even when DNA is correctly sequenced, RNA might make changes that allow for tumor growth and proliferation. There is a specific transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa-beta, which regulates several cytokines including interleukins and TNF. It seems that errors in this transcription process are at play in the process by which chronic inflammation can cause disease.
The HPA axis: Stress and immune function
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis helps our bodies respond to stress. Neurons from the hypothalamus (a part of your brain’s emotional or limbic system) send signals to the pituitary body, which we often call the master gland. Then, the pituitary secretes a hormone called ACTH that signals the adrenals to release the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol causes a release of glucose in the blood and raises our heart rate and blood pressure.
We have all felt the effects of cortisol. When we are frightened, it, along with adrenaline, gives us that rush. When we are stressed or anxious about something, it gives us that uneasy feeling. Remember being a kid listening to a scary story: even if it was for fun, your brain’s hypothalamus sent signals to your pituitary body, asking it to release ACTH. That hormone went to your adrenal glands, all the way down by your kidneys, and asked them to release cortisol. The cortisol flowed into your blood stream, increasing your blood pressure and heart rate; it also made your blood sugar levels increase so you would have energy to run away. You were ready to run, even though the scary story was just for fun. A well-functioning HPA axis is even more useful when the stress you face is real.
The role of chronic stress
However (and thankfully) most of the time our stress is not really an imminent threat. Our modern stressors are less likely caused by the bear in the woods than by thinking about and relating to ongoing stressful things like horrible bosses, dysfunctional relationships, health concerns, or dwindling bank accounts. These stresses tend to be chronic, and they are not good for us.
When we experience chronic stress, our HPA axis can be come dysregulated. Instead of a short-term burst of cortisol, we have chronically elevated levels; in time, the levels become depleted, so we don’t have store available during a crisis. Generally, chronic stress seems to lead to an elevated level of cortisol, with its resultant increase in blood sugar and cardiovascular activation. In some cases, chronic stress, especially the kind experienced during childhood, seems to lead to less ACTH, and less cortisol, being available when needed. In both cases, an inefficient stress response leads to chronic inflammation and an increased risk of disease. This is the role of inflammation in the stress, inflammation, and cancer cycle.
Circling back to the cytokines: Chronic psychological stress and the cortisol it releases seem to cause our bodies to produce more Th2 cells than Th1 cells. This imbalance might cause our bodies to produce more of the cytokines that are associated with tumor growth and metastasis. Again, there is not a simple causal relationship between these cytokines and every kind of cancer risk, but in some cases, a correlation seems to be at play.
About those genes: BRCA, cortisol, and cancer
We have all heard of the BRCA mutations, which are linked to an increased risk of developing breast and gynecologic cancers. BRCA genes are important in DNA repair and apoptosis. Some studies, like this one, have shown that, when cortisol levels are high, cells do not efficient repair damage and they experience increased oxidative stress. The same study found that women who had elevated cortisol levels were more likely to develop cancer. Other studies have shown that BRCA1 is downregulated when exposed to high cortisol levels, making it less efficient at repair and apoptosis. Stress seems to directly impact the function of BRCA. Indeed, stress could be the link that connects this gene to the development of breast cancer.
Hope
In this blog, we explored a world of microscopic interactions which seem come together to form the link between stress, inflammation, and cancer. While researchers are learning more, we clearly have not figured out the whole picture. What seems to be at play is a combination of events: exposure to a carcinogen, a genetic predisposition, faulty RNA, an imbalanced immune system, stress and the HPA axis dysregulation with its consequent hormonal exposure – all of these paint part of a picture of what might have gone awry.
What can we do about it now? We have seen how stress seems to be directly related to disease progression; might de-stressing help stop or slow disease progress? The anti-stress benefits of biofield therapies, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and some forms of talk therapy are well understood. Research is underway, demonstrating the effectiveness of various practices in slowing disease progress. Now is the time to hold up hope for ourselves and our community. Let's work to harness the mind-body-spirit connection to increase our wellness and improve our health outcomes.
Feeling clumsy? Try this.
Read on to learn an easy tool you can use to boost your coordination.
When you find yourself bumping into things and losing your coordination, it's a pretty good sign that your energy field is out of balance. You can get yourself back in balance by practicing the Crossover should pull or the standing version, the Cross Crawl. Both of these simple body-based techniques help restore left-right balance and allow you to feel more clear and connected. The crossover shoulder pull was adapted by Phil Mollon from Roger Callahan's Thought Field Therapy. Practice the technique right now by watching the video below and following along. You can also download written instructions in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
How it Works
You can also do the Crossover Shoulder Pull, drawing your hand from the opposite shoulder to the same-side hip: right hand on left shoulder, down to right hip; left hand on right shoulder, down to left hip.
Why It Works
The Cross Crawl balances our energy field. We move our energy when we move our bodies. Doing this with crossing over activates both sides of our brains, which is always grounding.
This technique is also excellent to use when you need to focus or if you feel scrambled. It helps you feel "together."
If you haven’t given the Brain Balancer technique a try yet, do it now. Take notice of how your body feels both before and after you use the technique. This technique is just one of many you can use to get more calm and present.
More Techniques to help when you feel clumsy
If you found the Brain Balancer helpful, here are a few more tools you can use to calm down and get present: Breathing Into Balance and the Cross Crawl.
All of the videos and techniques in our "Try This" series were created by ACEP's Humanitarian Committee in order to help people heal by spreading the word about the powerful effects of energy psychology techniques. We invite you to help by sharing this information!
If you want to learn to use tools like this to improve your wellbeing, contact me.
Video Resources Provided by the ACEP Humanitarian Committee
The mission of the ACEP Humanitarian Committee is to develop and implement humanitarian projects that alleviate emotional distress caused by catastrophic natural and man-made events around the globe. We do this by encouraging and assisting ACEP members in developing humanitarian projects that utilize recognized energy psychology and other modalities that meet ACEP’s standards and guidelines. Learn more here.
Research on Integrative Therapies and Cancer Survivorship
Research shows that cancer patients in hospitals that incorporate integrative therapies have a much better survival rate than those whose hospitals do not incorporate these tools. A study by Terri Crudup and her colleagues was published by the online Journal of Oncology in January of 2022. The study examined the relationship between treating hospital's use of integrative therapies and cancer survivorship. While other studies have looked at the subjective wellbeing of patients using some of these therapies, this study is the first to look at institutional endorsement of integrative therapies and patient survivorship.
Moreover, more is better. In this study, patients in hospitals that incorporated just a "low-mid level" of integrative therapies had triple the 5-year survivorship of those treated at institutions that did not use integrative therapies. Significantly, patients treated in hospitals with "high levels" of integrative therapies had a 48% increase in 5-year survivorship.
The theory
A cancer diagnosis impacts the whole person, affecting not just physical wellbeing. It also creates a cascade of emotional and mental health correlates. Additionally, it often prompts a spiritual crisis. It makes sense, then, that integrative therapies are popular among cancer patients. Integrative therapy is the term used for the combination of complementary and lifestyle therapies with conventional medical treatment.
Some of the most popular integrative approaches include nutrition counseling, exercise counseling, massage therapy and support groups. Others include meditation, biofield therapies, and physical practices like yoga and chi gong. However, without institutional involvement, these therapies are difficult for patients to find and to afford. Patient demand alone might not be enough to enroll other hospitals into the integrative world – but research like this might.
The study setup
Participants: The study included 172 patients, treated by 103 oncologists from 103 institutions. All patients were adult women. They had been treated for breast cancer in 2013 and 2014. Among the women in the study, the median age was 51. Finally, eight percent of participants had metastatic disease.
Scoring system for institutional involvement in integrative therapies: The researchers identified 12 therapies that are popular among breast cancer patients, listed below. Then they questioned providers about their institutional involvement on three metrics:
- First, educate: increase patient knowledge of integrative therapy
- Secondly, support: recommend, provide access to integrative therapy
- Thirdly, provide: institution covers partial or full cost of integrative therapy
Integrative therapies included in the study
- Nutrition consultation or program
- Exercise consultation or program
- Patient support groups or patient-survivor pairing
- Spiritual services
- Psycho-oncology support
- Massage therapy
- Meditation or mindfulness
- Yoga
- Acupuncture or acupressure
- Music or art therapy
- Reiki, Healing Touch, Therapeutic Touch
- Tai chi or chi gong
- Study results
Study results
As noted in the beginning of this article, patients in hospitals that had just a low- to mid-level use of integrative therapies had triple the 5-year survivorship of those treated at institutions that had low involvement of integrative therapies. This was based on multivariate analysis (see below). Here is the breakdown:
5-year survivorship by level of institutional involvement
- low cohort: 89%
- low-mid cohort: 96%
- mid-high cohort: 96%, and
- high cohort: 95%
Considering other factors (multivariate modeling)
Increased odds of 5-year survivorship include:
- An older age at diagnosis (66–76),
- Having a PPO insurance plan,
- Being treated in an academic setting, and
- Being treated by an institution with a low-mid or mid-high integrative involvement score.
Of note
You may have noticed that the increase in survivorship among patients of hospitals with "low-to mid-level" involvement with integrative therapies was quite high. In contrast, however, the incremental benefit for patients treated at institutions with high-level involvement was relatively low. The authors not that this might be due to increased illness among people seeking treatment centers that offer these services.
Integrative therapies are different to alternative therapies. Integrative therapies are incorporated along with conventional treatments. Alternative therapies, however, are just that - an alternative to conventional treatment. And not surprisingly, they don't get good results. In fact, a 2018 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute had found that people who used alternative therapies had worse outcomes than those who followed conventional medical practices.
Integrative therapies and cancer survivorship: a positive impact.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of integrative therapies. Indeed, these therapies offer a sense of safety and increase wellbeing among patients. However, they are more than feel-good therapies. The results of this study suggest that in fact, they impact survivorship.