Integrative Treatments

Insurance policies are private contracts between insurance companies and those receiving benefits under that policy, so different health insurance policies are ultimately going to contract in and out of different forms of treatment. As a general rule, you can always look for policies that cover more kinds of integrative therapies if those are important to you and your specific course of treatment.

Outside of shopping around for policies that may have more of the types of services you’re looking for, one way to push for movement in this and any other issue area is to pursue some form of legislative advocacy. For integrative therapies, you can speak to your representatives and tell them that these types of treatments should be covered as “essential health benefits” in all plans.

For information on your elected officials go to: http://www.house.gov (to find your U.S. Representative), http://www.senate.gov (to find your U.S. Senators), and http://www.votesmart.org (to find your local elected officials).
Insurance policies are private contracts between insurance companies and those receiving benefits under that policy, so different health insurance policies are ultimately going to contract in and out of different forms of treatment. As a general rule, you can always look for policies that cover more kinds of integrative therapies if those are important to you and your specific course of treatment.

Outside of shopping around for policies that may have more of the types of services you’re looking for, one way to push for movement in this and any other issue area is to pursue some form of legislative advocacy. For integrative therapies, you can speak to your representatives and tell them that these types of treatments should be covered as “essential health benefits” in all plans.

For information on your elected officials go to: http://www.house.gov (to find your U.S. Representative), http://www.senate.gov (to find your U.S. Senators), and http://www.votesmart.org (to find your local elected officials).

There are many sources of information about these complementary therapies on the internet, but most are self-serving (the source of the information stands to profit from the alternative therapy). I am convinced that modern cancer therapies can be effective and that they should not be delayed to try complementary therapies. If there are no standard therapies available, complementary therapies are reasonable. This does not mean that a lung cancer patient should not try to eat a healthy diet during therapy, but I recommend that patients do not take megadoses of any natural or alternative supplement. There are many sources of information about these complementary therapies on the internet, but most are self-serving (the source of the information stands to profit from the alternative therapy). I am convinced that modern cancer therapies can be effective and that they should not be delayed to try complementary therapies. If there are no standard therapies available, complementary therapies are reasonable. This does not mean that a lung cancer patient should not try to eat a healthy diet during therapy, but I recommend that patients do not take megadoses of any natural or alternative supplement.

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in traditional Indian cooking and medicine. It accounts for the deep yellow color of some curries. Curcumin is a chemical found in turmeric that has some activity against cancer cells in a laboratory. Turmeric is mainly used for its anti-inflammatory properties. A search of the National Cancer Institute database on clinical trials did not reveal any human trials on cancer prevention with turmeric. This is still being investigated in the lab, and if successful there, will move on to human trials. Turmeric is a spice commonly used in traditional Indian cooking and medicine. It accounts for the deep yellow color of some curries. Curcumin is a chemical found in turmeric that has some activity against cancer cells in a laboratory. Turmeric is mainly used for its anti-inflammatory properties. A search of the National Cancer Institute database on clinical trials did not reveal any human trials on cancer prevention with turmeric. This is still being investigated in the lab, and if successful there, will move on to human trials.

For most patients, it will be safe to take a multivitamin during chemotherapy and radiation that does not contain more than 100% of the US RDA. This is certainly reasonable since it is often difficult to “eat well” during treatment. An exception might be patients who are receiving 5-FU based chemotherapy. There is an interaction between 5-FU and folic acid that can make dosing and managing side effects problematic. Check with your oncologist on that one. For most patients, it will be safe to take a multivitamin during chemotherapy and radiation that does not contain more than 100% of the US RDA. This is certainly reasonable since it is often difficult to “eat well” during treatment. An exception might be patients who are receiving 5-FU based chemotherapy. There is an interaction between 5-FU and folic acid that can make dosing and managing side effects problematic. Check with your oncologist on that one.

Vitamin D is one hot topic these days, and it’s easy to get carried away with the enthusiasm. What we know about vitamin D and cancer prevention is this: we’re not sure. The studies that have been done looking at an association of vitamin D levels and cancer incidence have been mixed with regard to whether or not vitamin D is associated with a lower risk of cancer. I stress the word “association” here. We really don’t know if there is any causal relationship between vitamin D and cancer incidence. People who have normal vitamin D levels or who are taking vitamin D supplements may have other lifestyle factors that contribute to their overall good health. A randomized controlled clinical trial would be the gold standard to establish a causal relationship and we don’t have one yet. I recommend that you have your vitamin D level checked by your primary care physician and I think it is reasonable for most people to take a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D is one hot topic these days, and it’s easy to get carried away with the enthusiasm. What we know about vitamin D and cancer prevention is this: we’re not sure. The studies that have been done looking at an association of vitamin D levels and cancer incidence have been mixed with regard to whether or not vitamin D is associated with a lower risk of cancer. I stress the word “association” here. We really don’t know if there is any causal relationship between vitamin D and cancer incidence. People who have normal vitamin D levels or who are taking vitamin D supplements may have other lifestyle factors that contribute to their overall good health. A randomized controlled clinical trial would be the gold standard to establish a causal relationship and we don’t have one yet. I recommend that you have your vitamin D level checked by your primary care physician and I think it is reasonable for most people to take a vitamin D supplement.

There are some situations in which a cancer patient may want to be sure to drink more water than usual. Some of these situations would include having nausea or diarrhea during treatment (these can lead to dehydration), receiving treatment that makes it difficult to swallow, or getting a chemotherapy that is potentially toxic to the kidneys. The question remains, how much water is enough? That can depend on a lot of factors (physical activity, humidity in the environment, amount of perspiration) and can vary from one individual to another. The Institute of Medicine recommends about 13 cups for men and 9 cups for women as a general guideline. Logic would dictate that you certainly need enough to prevent dehydration. Some of the symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, dry mouth and skin, decreased urination, constipation, and of course thirst. There are some situations in which a cancer patient may want to be sure to drink more water than usual. Some of these situations would include having nausea or diarrhea during treatment (these can lead to dehydration), receiving treatment that makes it difficult to swallow, or getting a chemotherapy that is potentially toxic to the kidneys. The question remains, how much water is enough? That can depend on a lot of factors (physical activity, humidity in the environment, amount of perspiration) and can vary from one individual to another. The Institute of Medicine recommends about 13 cups for men and 9 cups for women as a general guideline. Logic would dictate that you certainly need enough to prevent dehydration. Some of the symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, dry mouth and skin, decreased urination, constipation, and of course thirst.

I require a very complete set of medical records for my new patients. I review these carefully. If I am unfamiliar with any aspect of their cancer or treatment, I research by reading my oncology text books, reading published studies and consulting with my naturopathic and oncologist colleagues. My first visits with new patients are typically 90 minutes so that I can learn as much as I can about each person as an individual (after all they are people with cancer, not just cancer diagnoses). I then several more hours developing my recommendations, which stem from my experience and additional research. I then provide my consultation note and my recommendations to the patient and to their other healthcare providers. I typically follow-up with patients in accordance with their treatment and disease experience on a repeated basis. I require a very complete set of medical records for my new patients. I review these carefully. If I am unfamiliar with any aspect of their cancer or treatment, I research by reading my oncology text books, reading published studies and consulting with my naturopathic and oncologist colleagues. My first visits with new patients are typically 90 minutes so that I can learn as much as I can about each person as an individual (after all they are people with cancer, not just cancer diagnoses). I then several more hours developing my recommendations, which stem from my experience and additional research. I then provide my consultation note and my recommendations to the patient and to their other healthcare providers. I typically follow-up with patients in accordance with their treatment and disease experience on a repeated basis.

Warning signs that you are dealing someone of questionable ethics when it comes to cancer care are:
• They promise you a cure that conventional treatment won’t give you
• They are asking you to spend a significant amount of money on treatment. Most complementary therapies are not covered by insurance, but watch out for those who are asking for a significant amount of money from you for their treatment.
• They recommend that you discontinue treatment with your oncologist. There may come a time when you choose to discontinue treatment with your oncologist but that’s a conversation that you should have with him or her and usually after potentially curative therapies have been exhausted or the side effects of therapy outweigh any potential benefits.
• They have a miracle cure that the FDA won’t approve.
• Ask about whether or not there are published studies on the effectiveness of the treatment they are recommending for you.
• Be careful if they tell you there are no risks or side effects
• Use your common sense…if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Warning signs that you are dealing someone of questionable ethics when it comes to cancer care are:
• They promise you a cure that conventional treatment won’t give you
• They are asking you to spend a significant amount of money on treatment. Most complementary therapies are not covered by insurance, but watch out for those who are asking for a significant amount of money from you for their treatment.
• They recommend that you discontinue treatment with your oncologist. There may come a time when you choose to discontinue treatment with your oncologist but that’s a conversation that you should have with him or her and usually after potentially curative therapies have been exhausted or the side effects of therapy outweigh any potential benefits.
• They have a miracle cure that the FDA won’t approve.
• Ask about whether or not there are published studies on the effectiveness of the treatment they are recommending for you.
• Be careful if they tell you there are no risks or side effects
• Use your common sense…if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Cancer programs may vary depending on the size of your medical center and the services that are available to you. Academic medical centers that are involved in cancer research often have the NCI designation “Comprehensive Cancer Center”. Just because a cancer center calls itself “comprehensive” does not necessarily mean it has this NCI designation. Smaller community cancer programs have often been accredited by the American College of Surgeons and this would be something you should ask about. A radiation oncology program should be accredited by the American College of Radiology.

There are no defined criteria for an “integrative” cancer care program. There are several things you should look for, however. One would be a physician, preferably an oncologist, who has done additional training in integrative medicine. There is an associate fellowship program in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona which was developed by Dr. Andrew Weil and is the one I have completed. A few other universities offer fellowship programs in integrative medicine so you should ask the integrative medicine physician what his or her additional training has been. In two to three years there will hopefully be a national board certification for integrative medicine physicians which will make the task of finding one infinitely easier. An integrative cancer program should emphasize evidence-based therapies that are combined with conventional therapies.
Cancer programs may vary depending on the size of your medical center and the services that are available to you. Academic medical centers that are involved in cancer research often have the NCI designation “Comprehensive Cancer Center”. Just because a cancer center calls itself “comprehensive” does not necessarily mean it has this NCI designation. Smaller community cancer programs have often been accredited by the American College of Surgeons and this would be something you should ask about. A radiation oncology program should be accredited by the American College of Radiology.

There are no defined criteria for an “integrative” cancer care program. There are several things you should look for, however. One would be a physician, preferably an oncologist, who has done additional training in integrative medicine. There is an associate fellowship program in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona which was developed by Dr. Andrew Weil and is the one I have completed. A few other universities offer fellowship programs in integrative medicine so you should ask the integrative medicine physician what his or her additional training has been. In two to three years there will hopefully be a national board certification for integrative medicine physicians which will make the task of finding one infinitely easier. An integrative cancer program should emphasize evidence-based therapies that are combined with conventional therapies.

EmbodiWorks provides an educational website with integrative cancer care resources about whole person health and healing in five areas–body, mind, spirit, social, and environmental. We also have a Resources section to help cancer patients and caregivers navigate their cancer journey. Our goals are to reduce cancer risk and improve cancer-related survival, quality of life, and whole person health care.

Please visit our site at www.embodiworks.org. There are several great ones (unfortunately there are many more to be avoided!)
MSK Cancer Center Integrative Medicine: http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine
MD Anderson Cancer Center (CIMER):http://www.mdanderson.org/education-and-research/resources-for-professionals/clinical-tools-and-resources/cimer/index.html
Pub Med (National Library of Medicine): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cam-cancer-treatment/patient/page2

Insomnia is a really common problem for cancer patients. Although there are very effective prescription medications out there, most have some unwanted side effects. Effective nonprescription treatments for insomnia include regular exercise (preferably not just before bedtime), a balanced diet, meditation, acupuncture, and yoga just to name a few. For those of you who are still intent on taking a little something at bedtime to help you sleep, I usually recommend some combination of hops, valerian, lemon balm, and/or passion flower. Chamomile tea is helpful as well. Insomnia is a really common problem for cancer patients. Although there are very effective prescription medications out there, most have some unwanted side effects. Effective nonprescription treatments for insomnia include regular exercise (preferably not just before bedtime), a balanced diet, meditation, acupuncture, and yoga just to name a few. For those of you who are still intent on taking a little something at bedtime to help you sleep, I usually recommend some combination of hops, valerian, lemon balm, and/or passion flower. Chamomile tea is helpful as well.

This is really a common side effect with Tamoxifen treatment and all too frequently leads to discontinuation of a really helpful drug. Recommendations that are at the top of the list include regular exercise and a Mediterranean diet. Do those first. Next I would consider acupuncture. There was a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology a couple of years ago that compared acupuncture to an antidepressant drug commonly used for hot flashes called Effexor. Acupuncture was just as effective in decreasing hot flashes and patients reported increased libido, and improvements in energy, clarity of thought, and sense of well-being with acupuncture. Side effects for the Effexor group included dry mouth, nausea, constipation,and decreased appetite. Black cohosh is another option. I won’t go into all the weaknesses of the big studies that have been done on black cohosh and hot flashes but I’ll summarize by saying the preponderance of the evidence shows that black cohosh is effective in treating hot flashes. It is not a phytoestrogen as some have believed in the past. Many of the common herbal preparations used for hot flashes do contain phytoestrogens so I would avoid those and stick with plain black cohosh. This is really a common side effect with Tamoxifen treatment and all too frequently leads to discontinuation of a really helpful drug. Recommendations that are at the top of the list include regular exercise and a Mediterranean diet. Do those first. Next I would consider acupuncture. There was a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology a couple of years ago that compared acupuncture to an antidepressant drug commonly used for hot flashes called Effexor. Acupuncture was just as effective in decreasing hot flashes and patients reported increased libido, and improvements in energy, clarity of thought, and sense of well-being with acupuncture. Side effects for the Effexor group included dry mouth, nausea, constipation,and decreased appetite. Black cohosh is another option. I won’t go into all the weaknesses of the big studies that have been done on black cohosh and hot flashes but I’ll summarize by saying the preponderance of the evidence shows that black cohosh is effective in treating hot flashes. It is not a phytoestrogen as some have believed in the past. Many of the common herbal preparations used for hot flashes do contain phytoestrogens so I would avoid those and stick with plain black cohosh.

No, please save your money. For a more detailed answer please see (http://talkabouthealth.com/how-are-ph-and-the-acid-alkaline-balance-related-to-cancer).

Make sure you understand tests that actually measure acid-base balance. It must be a blood test. Salivary or urinary tests will not completely measure acid-base balance in your blood. No, please save your money. For a more detailed answer please see (http://talkabouthealth.com/how-are-ph-and-the-acid-alkaline-balance-related-to-cancer).

Make sure you understand tests that actually measure acid-base balance. It must be a blood test. Salivary or urinary tests will not completely measure acid-base balance in your blood.

Let me start by saying there are some components of citrus fruits that have anti-tumor activity in pre-clinical studies (those done in test tubes and mice). In particular d-limonene which is a monoterpene found in orange and lemon peels may be active against some tumors and is being investigated in phase I/II trials. Keep in mind this is a concentrated chemical extracted from citrus fruit and given in intravenous form—sound familiar? Yep, this is how chemotherapy got its start. In one trial I read, nausea and vomiting were “dose-limiting toxicities” (one goal of phase I trials is to see how much drug can be tolerated). Side effects like nausea and vomiting occur because of the effect of the drug on normal cells. Now with that said, there is no evidence that lemon juice is effective in the least for treating cancer. As for impact on “normal” cells—have you ever tried drinking much lemon juice? I think you’ll find there is an effect on normal cells. Let me start by saying there are some components of citrus fruits that have anti-tumor activity in pre-clinical studies (those done in test tubes and mice). In particular d-limonene which is a monoterpene found in orange and lemon peels may be active against some tumors and is being investigated in phase I/II trials. Keep in mind this is a concentrated chemical extracted from citrus fruit and given in intravenous form—sound familiar? Yep, this is how chemotherapy got its start. In one trial I read, nausea and vomiting were “dose-limiting toxicities” (one goal of phase I trials is to see how much drug can be tolerated). Side effects like nausea and vomiting occur because of the effect of the drug on normal cells. Now with that said, there is no evidence that lemon juice is effective in the least for treating cancer. As for impact on “normal” cells—have you ever tried drinking much lemon juice? I think you’ll find there is an effect on normal cells.

The standard treatment for lymphedema is lymphatic massage and compression under the guidance of a physical therapist specifically trained in lymphedema management. There is no question that is the most effective treatment. In addition, there is one trial that was conducted in France and published in 1996 which demonstrates some efficacy using an extract of Ruscus (Butcher’s Broom) and Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone ( a citrus flavonoid) called CYCLO 3 FORT. In that trial all 57 patients received manual lymphatic drainage (lymphatic massage) and the patients that received CYCLO 3 FORT had less edema at the end of 3 months. Butcher’s Broom can cause diarrhea. The standard treatment for lymphedema is lymphatic massage and compression under the guidance of a physical therapist specifically trained in lymphedema management. There is no question that is the most effective treatment. In addition, there is one trial that was conducted in France and published in 1996 which demonstrates some efficacy using an extract of Ruscus (Butcher’s Broom) and Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone ( a citrus flavonoid) called CYCLO 3 FORT. In that trial all 57 patients received manual lymphatic drainage (lymphatic massage) and the patients that received CYCLO 3 FORT had less edema at the end of 3 months. Butcher’s Broom can cause diarrhea.

Inflammation is heat or fire in the body. This includes a distinction between acute and chronic inflammation. Think about when you've had a cut or wound. Your skin is red, flamed, and perhaps uncomfortable. That's acute inflammation. But in chronic inflammation, the "flare" does not stop. It continues on and on for months and years where the body acts with immune and other processes to heal a "wound" and yet there isn't one. The chronic inflammation then begins to support health conditions such as cancer.

To reduce inflammation, eat organic vegetables, some fruits, spices such as turmeric, and consider specific supplements. Inflammation levels can also be tested. The most common blood test is called c-reactive protein (CRP) high sensitivity available through mainstream blood laboratories. A healthy level is below 1.0 mg/L.

You can learn more about inflammation and cancer, including a more in depth explanation about inflammation and how to reduce it, in an article on the EmbodiWorks integrative cancer care resources website at http://www.embodiworks.org/cancertreatments/bodymindspirit/inflammation/.

Wishing you optimal health and healing. While low levels of inflammation are normal and necessary, chronic high-levels of inflammation in the body have been shown to allow the progression of development from pre-cancerous forms to full blown malignant disease. Food such as refined and artificial sugar, processed foods, bad fats and animal-based foods lead to the conversion of a type of fat – arachidonic acid – into compounds which promote inflammation which in turn can lead to cellular damage and disease. One can reduce inflammation in a number of ways but a basic guideline is to focus on a plant-based whole food diet.

I am in favor any therapy that has demonstrated a track record of success. And what might be best for one individual might not be the best for another person. That being said, when my colleague and friend, Dr. Andrew Weil, and I are asked, “For what conditions does hypnosis work best?” we usually respond, “Gut and skin conditions”. Dr. Weil feels that both the digestive system and skin have a greater abundance of nerve and blood supply that can be activated by hypnosis. I do not know all of the exact mechanisms that are activated anatomically, but in almost 40 years of practice experience, I have seen the best and most rapid results when hypnosis is used or added to the treatment of digestive disorders like irritable bowel, hyperacidity, inflammatory bowel, nausea… and for skin conditions like urticaria (hives), itching, burn recovery, acne, and even cases of psoriasis. I am in favor any therapy that has demonstrated a track record of success. And what might be best for one individual might not be the best for another person. That being said, when my colleague and friend, Dr. Andrew Weil, and I are asked, “For what conditions does hypnosis work best?” we usually respond, “Gut and skin conditions”. Dr. Weil feels that both the digestive system and skin have a greater abundance of nerve and blood supply that can be activated by hypnosis. I do not know all of the exact mechanisms that are activated anatomically, but in almost 40 years of practice experience, I have seen the best and most rapid results when hypnosis is used or added to the treatment of digestive disorders like irritable bowel, hyperacidity, inflammatory bowel, nausea… and for skin conditions like urticaria (hives), itching, burn recovery, acne, and even cases of psoriasis.

I think I pretty much described “What is hypnosis…” in the first five question answered and would refer you to read those responses. You’ll see that I favor the definition of hypnosis described by the professional association, The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, which is:

“Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration, and focused attention. It’s like using a magnifying glass to focus the rays of the sun and make them more powerful. Similarly, when our minds are concentrated and focused, we are able to use our minds more powerfully. Because hypnosis allows people to uses more of their potential learning self-hypnosis is the ultimate act of self-control.”

Hypnosis offers several benefits in application for individuals dealing with cancer. On of my audio programs “Cancer Support: Chemotherapy and Radiation” (available at www.healingwithhypnosis.com) addresses many of these benefits. And there are many other excellent audio programs offered by my colleagues in clinical hypnosis as well. Although there is a wide range of cancers and cancer treatments, I would list the following as ways in which hypnosis can help:

• Lessening anxiety – Although “cancer” is only a word and not a sentence, many experience anxiety about the diagnosis, the treatment they will undergo, and the worry or anxiety about what the outcomes may be and how they affect one’s life and the lives of their loved ones.
• Preparation for surgery and recovery after surgery – The research is consistent in showing that hypnosis helps patients achieve better outcomes from the following aspects of surgery: less pre-surgical anxiety, greater pain management ability (less pain), less pain medication required, shorter operating time, more rapid recovery with less discomfort and rates of infection, faster wound healing, and shorter hospital stays.
• Reducing and managing pain – Some cancers cause more pain than others, and hypnoanalgesia is term used to describe greater comfort (less pain) due to hypnosis. With greater pain control the need for narcotic medications are reduced and the individual is more alert and attentive to interacting with activities of life and family.
• Less side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy – Hypnosis has a very good track record for helping individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy to experience less nausea and emesis, less pain, reducing hot flashes (e.g., associated to Luprin treatment for prostate cancer patients).
• Improving sleep – Hypnosis in and of itself is not the same as sleep, for individuals using hypnosis are awake, but so well relaxed that it helps improve going to sleep, staying asleep, being able to return to sleep when awakened during the night, and experiencing a greater restorative quality of one’s sleep.
• Reducing stress – When hypnosis is learned (remember, ALL hypnosis is self-hypnosis) it naturally helps lessen our emotional and physical stress responses, and helps to better insulate us to the stresses we are exposed to in life.
• Improving positive outlook and mood – Hypnosis is a valuable tool for many aspects of medical conditions, and with a sense of greater control, we also acquire an improved or more positive outlook. That means a cancer patient has more resistance to depression that might accompany the stresses that tax one’s emotional and physical endurance during the cancer experience. I think I pretty much described “What is hypnosis…” in the first five question answered and would refer you to read those responses. You’ll see that I favor the definition of hypnosis described by the professional association, The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, which is:

“Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration, and focused attention. It’s like using a magnifying glass to focus the rays of the sun and make them more powerful. Similarly, when our minds are concentrated and focused, we are able to use our minds more powerfully. Because hypnosis allows people to uses more of their potential learning self-hypnosis is the ultimate act of self-control.”

Hypnosis offers several benefits in application for individuals dealing with cancer. On of my audio programs “Cancer Support: Chemotherapy and Radiation” (available at www.healingwithhypnosis.com) addresses many of these benefits. And there are many other excellent audio programs offered by my colleagues in clinical hypnosis as well. Although there is a wide range of cancers and cancer treatments, I would list the following as ways in which hypnosis can help:

• Lessening anxiety – Although “cancer” is only a word and not a sentence, many experience anxiety about the diagnosis, the treatment they will undergo, and the worry or anxiety about what the outcomes may be and how they affect one’s life and the lives of their loved ones.
• Preparation for surgery and recovery after surgery – The research is consistent in showing that hypnosis helps patients achieve better outcomes from the following aspects of surgery: less pre-surgical anxiety, greater pain management ability (less pain), less pain medication required, shorter operating time, more rapid recovery with less discomfort and rates of infection, faster wound healing, and shorter hospital stays.
• Reducing and managing pain – Some cancers cause more pain than others, and hypnoanalgesia is term used to describe greater comfort (less pain) due to hypnosis. With greater pain control the need for narcotic medications are reduced and the individual is more alert and attentive to interacting with activities of life and family.
• Less side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy – Hypnosis has a very good track record for helping individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy to experience less nausea and emesis, less pain, reducing hot flashes (e.g., associated to Luprin treatment for prostate cancer patients).
• Improving sleep – Hypnosis in and of itself is not the same as sleep, for individuals using hypnosis are awake, but so well relaxed that it helps improve going to sleep, staying asleep, being able to return to sleep when awakened during the night, and experiencing a greater restorative quality of one’s sleep.
• Reducing stress – When hypnosis is learned (remember, ALL hypnosis is self-hypnosis) it naturally helps lessen our emotional and physical stress responses, and helps to better insulate us to the stresses we are exposed to in life.
• Improving positive outlook and mood – Hypnosis is a valuable tool for many aspects of medical conditions, and with a sense of greater control, we also acquire an improved or more positive outlook. That means a cancer patient has more resistance to depression that might accompany the stresses that tax one’s emotional and physical endurance during the cancer experience.

I would recommend learning: to effectively relax, better comfort management, imagery and visualization for rapid and effective healing, improved confidence, and knowing what behavioral and mind-body steps they can implement for greater healing and recovery. I published a paper on the subject of hypnosis and surgery which is available for download at this link - http://www.healingwithhypnosis.com/AZCIM/Gurgevich_SurgeryHypnosis.pdf. I also have an audio program available from my website called “Surgery and Recovery” - http://www.healingwithhypnosis.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_code=000033. I would recommend learning: to effectively relax, better comfort management, imagery and visualization for rapid and effective healing, improved confidence, and knowing what behavioral and mind-body steps they can implement for greater healing and recovery. I published a paper on the subject of hypnosis and surgery which is available for download at this link - http://www.healingwithhypnosis.com/AZCIM/Gurgevich_SurgeryHypnosis.pdf. I also have an audio program available from my website called “Surgery and Recovery” - http://www.healingwithhypnosis.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_code=000033.

Fortunately, there are few risks with hypnosis as the patient is only exposed to learning methods that will help them access their mind-body connection and discovering that all hypnosis is really self-hypnosis. However, I believe the two greatest risks of hypnosis and hypnotherapy are:

1. using hypnosis to remove pain that is still serving a vital purpose, and
2. hypnosis or hypnotherapy being offered by a person that is not trained or qualified to be treating a patient with it.

My rule of thumb is that one should not use hypnosis to treat a condition unless they are qualified and competent to treat the condition without hypnosis as well. This does not mean that only a surgeon can use hypnosis in helping a person prepare for surgery and recovery with hypnosis, but that the clinician should have the training and qualifications for the application being offered to the patient.

There is little legislation, laws or rules governing who can do hypnosis. And there are many programs offering ‘certification’ or a certificate to become a ‘certified hypnotherapist’. Sometimes only a fee is required, or it could be a weekend workshop open to anyone, or it may be a well-designed and supervised training. You just do not know unless the clinician is certified by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (http://www.ASCH.net), a member of a professional association representing their field of expertise, licensed by their state board for professional practice, and has had appropriate supervision and training. The only bona-fide professional association I am aware of that has developed standards of training, supervision, and certification is the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and their affiliate organizations.

I like to use the example or comparison to becoming a ‘certified injectionist’. One can take a weekend workshop and become quite adapt at giving intramuscular, subcutaneous, and even intravenous injections. However, when one needs professional help, they should seek someone qualified to treat their condition, and not just know how to give an injection. And unfortunately, there is little to protect the consumer from anyone saying they are a hypnotherapist. A professional psychologist, Steve Eichel PhD, sent applications to many organizations that offered a certificate as a certified hypnotherapist. He put the applicant’s name as Zoe D. Katz (German for Zoe the cat, his cat). He even listed Zoe’s occupation as ‘feline’… and by submitting a fee; he collected many certificates showing Zoe D. Katz as a certified hypnotherapist. To me, the use of hypnosis for clinical applications by untrained individuals is a risk of hypnosis.
Fortunately, there are few risks with hypnosis as the patient is only exposed to learning methods that will help them access their mind-body connection and discovering that all hypnosis is really self-hypnosis. However, I believe the two greatest risks of hypnosis and hypnotherapy are:

1. using hypnosis to remove pain that is still serving a vital purpose, and
2. hypnosis or hypnotherapy being offered by a person that is not trained or qualified to be treating a patient with it.

My rule of thumb is that one should not use hypnosis to treat a condition unless they are qualified and competent to treat the condition without hypnosis as well. This does not mean that only a surgeon can use hypnosis in helping a person prepare for surgery and recovery with hypnosis, but that the clinician should have the training and qualifications for the application being offered to the patient.

There is little legislation, laws or rules governing who can do hypnosis. And there are many programs offering ‘certification’ or a certificate to become a ‘certified hypnotherapist’. Sometimes only a fee is required, or it could be a weekend workshop open to anyone, or it may be a well-designed and supervised training. You just do not know unless the clinician is certified by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (http://www.ASCH.net), a member of a professional association representing their field of expertise, licensed by their state board for professional practice, and has had appropriate supervision and training. The only bona-fide professional association I am aware of that has developed standards of training, supervision, and certification is the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and their affiliate organizations.

I like to use the example or comparison to becoming a ‘certified injectionist’. One can take a weekend workshop and become quite adapt at giving intramuscular, subcutaneous, and even intravenous injections. However, when one needs professional help, they should seek someone qualified to treat their condition, and not just know how to give an injection. And unfortunately, there is little to protect the consumer from anyone saying they are a hypnotherapist. A professional psychologist, Steve Eichel PhD, sent applications to many organizations that offered a certificate as a certified hypnotherapist. He put the applicant’s name as Zoe D. Katz (German for Zoe the cat, his cat). He even listed Zoe’s occupation as ‘feline’… and by submitting a fee; he collected many certificates showing Zoe D. Katz as a certified hypnotherapist. To me, the use of hypnosis for clinical applications by untrained individuals is a risk of hypnosis.