Hypnosis (aka meditation) and Pain Relief

First to say that I really like this new format for the site. The research news is the first thing that catches my eye ... when I read the article, BC.org accompanies it with their comment on the right side. I forget what is on the left side...oh well...next time.

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/comp_med/new_research/20070828.jsp

This is the article that I refer to. After I read it I snickered to myself. I was an administrator in anesthesiology and researched the principles of "alternative" to bring to our practice. It was a little too soon for the east coast institutions to grasp. Arizona, New Mexico and California had already successfully instituted the "ancients" philosophy of medicine into the western. The east coast resistance to this integration wasn't an issue of "costs"...but mindset peppered with a lot of ego.

Fortunately, there were many bright minds on the east coast who understood and utilized the principles....many were within the industry but outside of the "institution". It's nice to see that they are still viable as evidenced by this article. Computers also are closing the gap of "regional thinking".

This article equates the "costs savings". This too was my favorite method to convince insurance companies and facility managers of the benefits....after all, it was the language that they spoke. I had spreadsheets for everything...still do. The numbers in an of themselves are relational only to the economic "vitro dish" where they are cultured.... contracts that pay for the care i.e. insurance companies and/or the federal government.....and us personally. ahhhh the stories I could tell.

"Once upon a time" this was a great system....and, by design, the rich paid for the poor in a relatively seemless delivery of service. But when "never enough" became the mission instead of "do no harm"..... and that means the kettle of human soup that sustains a "free market, consumerized health system".....everyone is responsible for the outcomes. The question is "Can we accept this responsibility?"

I agree also with BC.org when they advise a "qualified hypnotist". Reiki, for example, is very affective in this area and can achieve similar outcomes. Reiki programs were located in hospitals for this reason. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.....and if the money changers need to put a new spin on an old teaching to give it light then so be it...whatever it takes to get "back to the table".

It is also possible to find very good reading material on the subject of meditation. Finding a good book is part of an adventure to be enjoyed....but when you're devistated as we all were by this diagnosis, then the foot work to find this information might be provided by a trusted friend, family member or healthcare provider. It's a gift that keeps on giving because it can be used throughout your recovery. But immediately before surgery, a "mental health mentor" can offer a world of support.

Best wishes to you all...as ever.