The Alternative Medicine Blog

The effect of progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery in improving psychological well-being and quality-of-life for breast and prostate cancer patients: Initial report

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As many of you know, I am going to invest a considerable amount of time and energy researching MBM modalities in the oncological setting. Partially because MBM modalities, when combined with standard treatment, show great promise to increase quality of life, reduce anxiety, pain intensity, and possibly even extend life.

For a thorough description of my research interests please visit my Guided Imagery page at my website www.WernerAbsenger.com and my page about Mind-Body Skills Groups .

Right now I just wanted to bring awareness on research that is being done at Cyprus University. The following abstract by Andreas, C. (2011). The effect of progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery in improving psychological well-being and quality-of-life for breast and prostate cancer patients: Initial report just appeared in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine whether relaxation and guided imagery techniques have the potential to reduce anxiety, depression, pain intensity and improve quality-of-life for prostate and breast cancer patients.

Materials and method: Two-hundred patients with breast and prostate cancer were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n = 100) or the control group (n = 100). Only patients in the intervention group received relaxation and guided imagery sessions. Each participant received 4 sessions of relaxation followed by guided imagery. Saliva was collected before and after the sessions and analyzed. Other measurements included assessment of quality-of-life (EORTC QLQ-30, Breast Module-BR23, and Prostate Module-PR25), pain intensity (pain intensity rating scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory) and anxiety (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale-SAS).

Results: Even though the study has not yet been completed initial results show that the amylase level was significantly decreased after the relaxation and guided imagery sessions in the intervention group compared to the control group. Similarly, cortisol levels were also found to be lower in the intervention group compared to the control group, however to a lesser degree. Quality-of-life (P = 0.003), anxiety (P = 0.008), depression (P = 0.004), and pain ratings (P = 0.005) also show a positive response to the interventions.

Conclusion: Salivary α-amylase levels were significantly reduced and reacted more rapidly than cortisol levels to the interventions, suggesting that it is a better relaxation index. The use of Mind-Body techniques appears effective in reducing the levels of anxiety, depression and body discomfort in patients who have breast or prostate cancer. These simple, inexpensive and non-invasive interventions have the potential to enhance the psychological and physical wellness in these patients.

If you are a cancer patient or a caretaker/loved one of a cancer patient you might be interested in Mind-Body Skills Groups forming in West Michigan. We’ll be exploring Guided Imagery mentioned in this study and many other Mind-Body modalities. For more information visit my page about Mind-Body Skills Groups.

The quest continues to find the best combination of modalities to improve the lives of patients suffering from cancer and their caretakers/loved ones.

Thank you for reading the Alternative Medicine Blog! Your Source for Mind-Body Medicine News and Research.

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APA: W Absenger. (2011, October 20). The effect of progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery in improving psychological well being [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.amacf.org/2011/10/the-effect-of-progressive-muscle-relaxation-and-guided-imagery-in-improving-psychological-well-being.html

MLA: Absenger, Werner. "The effect of progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery in improving psychological well being." The Alternative Medicine Blog. The Alternative Medicine Blog., 20 OCT. 2011. Web. Insert your date of access here.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Beste Gesundheit,

Werner Absenger, M.Sc.

MBM Research Scientist: Visit me at www.WernerAbsenger.com

Ph.D. Student at Saybrook University’s College of Mind-Body Medicine Research Track

Sign Up For The MBM Insider Werner's Free Mind-Body Medicine Newsletter

References:

Andreas, C. (2011). The effect of progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery in improving psychological well-being and quality-of-life for breast and prostate cancer patients: Initial report. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 3(3), e125. doi:10.1016/j.eujim.2011.05.044

 

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U.S. Gets a D- on the National Scorecard on U.S. Health and A Manifesto for A New Medicine

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The National Scorecard on U.S. Health System Performance, 2011, updates a series of comprehensive assessments of U.S. population health and health care quality, access, efficiency, and equity. It finds substantial improvement on quality-of-care indicators that have been the focus of public reporting and collaborative initiatives. However, U.S. health system performance continues to fall far short of what is attainable, especially given the enormity of public and private resources devoted nationally to health. Across 42 performance indicators, the U.S. achieves a total score of 64 out of a possible 100, when comparing national rates with domestic and international benchmarks. Overall, the U.S. failed to improve relative to these benchmarks, which in many cases rose. Costs were up sharply, access to care deteriorated, health system efficiency remained low, disparities persisted, and health outcomes failed to keep pace with benchmarks.

How can you protect yourself and your family, given the dim outlook on access to care, rising (unattainable) insurance premiums, and rising health disparities?

I give you a hint. It will be Self-Care that is Central to Health Care! Keep reading…

ISSN 2164-0238 Assigned to the Alternative Medicine Blog

The Alternative Medicine Blog has now been assigned, under the auspices of the U.S. ISSN Center at the Library of Congress, the following ISSN 2164-0238.

Here is the entry:

Subject Heading: Alternative medicine-Periodicals

Genre/Form: Periodicals
Material Type: Document, Periodical, Internet resource
Document Type: Internet Resource, Computer File, Journal / Magazine / Newspaper
All Authors / Contributors: Absenger Cancer Education Foundation.
ISSN: 2164-0238
OCLC Number: 754917388
Other Titles: The Alternative medicine blog

Thank you for reading the Alternative Medicine Blog

Beste Gesundheit,

Werner Absenger, M.Sc.
Ph.D. Student at Saybrook University’s College of Mind-Body Medicine,
Research Track

Now Available: Werner's FREE Mind-Body Research Newsletter

Man’s Best Friend Just Became Better: Cancer Sniffing Dogs

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The following abstract from an Ehman et al. (2011) describes promising research that sniffing out volatile organic compounds (VOC) in human breath can be a tool for early cancer detection. Scientists are training dogs to do just that, breath analyses to detect metabolic disorders, amongst them cancer (Seyfried & Shelton, 2010).

I found a paper by an Austro-Polish research team as an excellent starting point in the realm of breath analyses to serve as a biomarker for disease. The paper is titled “Human exhaled air analytics: biomarkers of disease.” In it Buszewski, Kęsy, Ligor, & Amann (2007) elaborate on the chemistry of VOCs, first discovered by Linus Pauling in the ‘70s.

Looking to human breath to detect disease is nothing new and dates back to the very early history of medicine. A perfect example is the smell of acetone in uncontrolled diabetes (Buszewski et al., 2007).

Back to cancer and breath analyses. Here is the abstract from Ehman et al. (2011).

Human Cancer Gene Gets Green Light for Patent

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In a 2:1 decision handed down by Judge Lourie, the United States Court of appeals of the Federal Circuit ruled that “On the merits, we reverse the district court’s decision that Myriad’s composition claims to ‘isolated’ DNA molecules cover patent-ineligible products of nature under § 101 since molecules as claimed do not exist in nature” (Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, 2011, p. 8).

The ruling further states that, “We also reverse the district court’s decision that Myriad’s method claim to screening potential cancer therapeutics via changes in cell growth rates is directed to a patent-ineligible scientific principle” (Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, 2011, p. 8).

The court acknowledged that one plaintiff had a standing challenge to the validity of Myriad’s patents due to the fact that he would like to start research on the BRCA 1/ BRCA 2 genes immediately, but couldn’t because of the patent protection of the genes.

Eight Week Yoga Class Improves Pain, Psychological Functioning and Cortisol Levels in Women with Fibromyalgia

We know very little of Fibromyalgia (FM) which is depicted by musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, depression, and hypocortisolism  (decreased levels of cortisol). In this study Curtis, Osadchuk, & Katz (2011) recruited 22 participants to partake in a 75 minute yoga class (twice weekly, eight weeks).

Besides measuring cortisol levels, Curtis et. al (2011) handed out questionnaires pertaining to pain (intensity, unpleasantness, quality, sum of local areas of pain, catastrophizing, acceptance and disability), anxiety depression, and mindfulness. Participants were asked to fill out the questionnaire before, after 4 weeks and after the 8 week yoga class.

Hatha yoga is a 15^th century Indian Mind-Body practice that consists of yoga postures in order to get the mind ready for meditation.

The cortisol (salivary) was collected 3x a day for each of 2 days, before and after the yoga class. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced and released in the adrenal gland and is integral in the function of the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. I wrote about the stress response some time ago in the “How the Mind and Body Communicate” series. More specifically parts three, four, six, seven, eight, and XXVII.

Here are the results. (I kept them reader friendly by omitting statistical data. Because this article is from an open source publication, I’ll link to the whole article at the bottom.)

Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that mean standard deviation (SD) scores improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention for continuous pain, pain catastrophizing, pain acceptance, and mindfulness. Intention-to-treat analysis showed that median AUC (area under the curve) for post-intervention cortisol was significantly higher than median AUC for pre-intervention levels. Mediation analysis revealed that mid-intervention mindful- ness scores significantly mediated the relationship between pre- and post-intervention pain catastrophizing scores.

The results by Curtis et. al (2011) are encouraging as they suggest that participating in a Hatha yoga class can reduce reduce pain and catastrophizing, increase acceptance and mindfulness, and alter total cortisol levels in women with FM.

Because HPA axis imbalance (hypocortisolism) in FM is one of several diagnostic markers, increased cortisol output is a desirable outcome in FM patients.

As with all studies, there are certain limitations. Absence of a control group is one, small sample size is another one, and because all participants were women, the study’s findings can’t be generalized.

Nonetheless, this study suggests that an eihgt-week yoga program could help improve psychological and pain related variables in women with FM. Curtis et. al (2011) have shown that a randomized controlled trial with a larger number of participants in order to get a better picture of Hatha yoga as an intervention for FM.

Reference: Curtis, K., Osadchuk, & Katz, J. (2011). An eight-week yoga intervention is associated with improvements in pain, psychological functioning and mindfulness, and changes in cortisol levels in women with fibromyalgia. Journal of Pain Research, 189. doi:10.2147/JPR.S22761

Beste Gesundheit,

Werner

Now Available: Werner's FREE Mind-Body Research Newsletter

Meditation and the Immune System

    After my first year in Saybrook’s Mind-Body Medicine Ph.D. program (research track) my mission becomes a little clearer. I am still not quite clear on what my dissertation will be about, but I know it will involve Guided Imagery as an adjunct in an oncological setting.

    The past year was very exciting. I wrapped up several intensive residential requirements, and participated in the Initial Professional Training Program (PTP) and the Advanced Professional Training Program (ATP) at Dr. Gordon’s (who just happens to be the Dean of College of Mind-Body Medicine) Center for Mind Body Medicine. I also had the opportunity to take the Center’s model of Mind Body Skills Groups into the workplace, where it received rave reviews from my participants.

08-Marathon Training, Miami 2010: Why Vitamin B6 Should Be Part Of The Antioxidant Network & 9 Miles (hills again!)

Below is a map of my hilly route (mapmyrun.com, 2009). It is an awesome run up and down Fruitport road. Elevation ranges from 574 ft to 663 ft. The ascent is 112 ft and difference in elevation is about 90 feet or equivalent to a 9 story climb. The starting point once again is the Spring Lake Rite Aid. This course is getting even prettier as the leaves are starting slowly to turn color exposing a runner to an awesome display of fall colors. A 1:30 hours run that literally nourishes body and mind!

Now that we have taken care of nourishing the mind, how about some info on nourishing the body as well? After today's stats we'll cover vitamin B-6.

07-ING Marathon Training, Miami 2010: The Sweat Rate: a Crucial Measure of Dehydration During Exercise & 4 Mile Run

Today’s preparation for the 2010 ING Miami Marathon consisted of a short, easy four mile run. Nothing big, just enough to get the weekly mileage up. On another note, today as promised, we will be discussing loss of body weight during exercise or as nutritionists call it: The Sweat Rate. The sweat rate is an important indicator and gives us very important information about the body’s state of dehydration during exercise. The sweat rate also allows us to calculate optimum fluid replacement. Of course optimum fluid replacement is extremely important not only for recovery, but also to restore glycogen homeostasis and prepare us for the next bout of exercise. But firs today’s stats, followed by an explanation of  “The Sweat Rate.”

5 Everyday Things That Are Bad for You

by Guest Author Mary Ward

Most of us are looking for ways to live healthier lives. And, many times we feel that, for the most part, we’re avoiding the things that are really bad for us. However, there may be some everyday items you’re still using that are bad for your body. Here are some common things in your home you might want to avoid.

1. Teflon – this non-stick coating used for many years on pans can be very harmful. The gases released when the pans are heated to a high temperature can be noxious – it has even been known to kill birds. In addition, as the pans get worn, the Teflon coating flakes off into our food and eventually ends up in our water system. The EPA’s outside science board has listed the PFC chemical used to make Teflon as a “likely human carcinogen”.
2. Carpet – Whether your carpet is new or old, it likely contains chemicals that are dangerous to your body. New carpets contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s), some of which are on the EPA’s list of extremely hazardous substances. Old carpet may be even worse, as some of the chemicals used in carpets in years passed have been banned. Other substances, such as adhesives and stain resistors may be dangerous when breathed in.
3. Plastic food containers – Most of our plastic food containers are harmless, unless they are exposed to heat. Plastics used to make food containers contains bisphenol A. When exposed to heat, the plastic melts just a little and the bisphenol A leaks into your food. The substance is believed to be related to an elevated risk for breast cancer, prostate cancer and diabetes. So, for the sake of your health, don’t microwave in plastic or drink from a plastic drink bottle that’s been exposed to heat. This same substance is found in most food cans, because it helps keep the food from tasting like the can. It’s believed to be safe in food cans as long as you don’t heat up the can itself.
4. Microwave popcorn – The fumes from microwave popcorn have been shown to be toxic, because of the substance diacetyl, which gives the popcorn its buttery taste. Several cases of lung disease have been directly related to inhaling large amounts of diacetyl. Check your microwave popcorn labels carefully. Many companies have already removed the substance from their brand because of health concerns, but it is still in a few brands.
5. Your humidifier – A humidifier need not be dangerous if it’s cleaned properly, but many people fail to clean theirs as often as needed. Humidifiers that are not kept clean can harbor all sorts of harmful bacteria, such as legionella, which causes respiratory infections, and several types of mold. Your humidifier should be cleaned with bleach at least twice a week if you use it regularly.

We all want to live in a safe home, and it’s frightening that there are so many items we take for granted that might be harming us. Keep your eyes open for things in your home that might make it less safe for your family.

That is great advice. Thanks Mary.

Beste Gesundheit,

Werner

Mary Ward is a freelance writer and likes writing about medical education topics, such as how to research and choose among online X-ray tech schools, how to apply for online college grants, and more.

06-26.2 Marathon Training, Miami 2010: 13 Mile Long Run & The Hottest Thing Since Sliced Bread: “Bambou” Underwear!

So, OK! Let’s start today’s training update with another Gear Check. You thought that this was all serious business about training for the 2009 ING Miami Marathon? Not quite. This post however, has to do with marathon running. There are other important things to optimum performance, such as proper shoes, (covered here) clothing, gadgets, music, etc. I usually don’t “wash my laundry in public” but this stuff I gotta share. Today’s Gear Check is absolutely awesome, and if you are an inspiring runner, or even a couch surfing hipster, you might want to check today’s Gear Check on proper running attire: bamboo underwear.