In 1962, Everett immigrated to the United States, and first traveled to Kansas where his initial intent was to become a minister in the Unity School of Christianity. He worked for the Unity Church for a short time in Kansas City. In 1963, Everett gave up his path to becoming a minister, and instead helped establish a preparatory school in Fort Worth, Texas, Fort Worth Country Day School, where he was also an instructor. There he also encountered Jose Silva, founder of the Silva Mind Control method, and began to study techniques of mind control, self-hypnosis, and meditation.

Everett utilized the techniques learned in Jose Silva’s Mind Control methodology, as well as concepts from Edgar Cayce, to form the Mind Dynamics course in 1968. Everett and his Mind Dynamics course was the subject of Jess Stern’s book, The Power Of Alpha Thinking (1969). One of the many influential graduates included Dr. O. Carl Simonton of the Simonton Cancer Center. Mind Dynamics was a precursor to other groups that used similar techniques. Alexander was often referred to as “The Teacher of Teachers” and “The Father of the Human Potential Movement” … as his employees included Werner Erhard, founder of “est” Erhard Seminars Training and the Landmark Forum; John Hanely, founder of Lifespring; James H. and Janet Quinn, founders of LifeStream; Randy Revell, founder of Context Trainings; Tom and Jane Willhite, founders of PSI World; Robert White, founder of ARC and Life Dynamics; Howard Nease, founder of Personal Dynamics; Bill Schwartz, founder of the Meditation Institute of Milwaukee; Stuart Emery, founder of Actualizations, and Russ and Carol Bishop with Insight. The first form of Mind Dynamics was non-confrontational, did not involve direct interaction with course participants, and participants did not share of their own personal experiences in the coursework. In 1970, Everett moved the headquarters of his company from Texas to San Francisco, California, and the company was bought out by William Penn Patrick in the same year. Patrick was the owner of Holiday Magic, a cosmetics company, and Leadership Dynamics, a similar company to Mind Dynamics that used more confrontational techniques. Though Mind Dynamics was structured as a for-profit, self-improvement company, it was also described as a spiritual discipline. Everett stated that one of the goals of Mind Dynamics was to “get people to a higher dimension of mind”.

Werner Erhard was a student of Everett’s, and became an instructor in his own right in the Mind Dynamics training. After reaching the level of instructor, Erhard was also chosen by Everett to be responsible for Mind Dynamics course development. Alexander Everett offered Erhard a vice-presidency in the company and a larger salary, but Erhard instead took his staff including Laurel Scheaf and Gonneke Spits to form Erhard Seminars Training. Everett was present in the hotel ballroom when Werner Erhard led his last Mind Dynamics course, and announced to the audience that he would be soon forming a new company. Though Everett publicly went up on stage and stated his support for Erhard and was sorry to see him go, privately he was furious with Erhard for planning his exit and new company behind Everett’s back. John Hanley, who later went on to form Lifespring also was influenced by Mind Dynamics and Everett. The course spread to Australia and Europe, but was shut down in 1973 along with Leadership Dynamics and Holiday Magic, when William Penn Patrick died in a plane crash. Patrick’s companies were being investigated by the United States government on allegations of pyramid schemes. However, the Mind Dynamics course still had a huge effect on the New Age movement.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Alexander Everett, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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Robert West and Saul Shiffman have authored works on smoking cessation. They believe that, used together, “behavioral support” and “medication” can quadruple the chances that a quit attempt will be successful. Both, however, disclosed that they are paid researchers or consultants to pharmaceutical companies or manufacturers of smoking cessation medications.

Cold turkey

“Cold turkey” is abrupt cessation of all nicotine use. It is the quitting method used by 80 to 90% of long-term successful quitters in some populations. In a large British study of ex-smokers in the 1980s, before the advent of pharmacotherapy, 53% of the ex-smokers said that it was “not at all difficult” to stop, 27% said it was “fairly difficult”, and the remainder found it very difficult. Methods advanced by J. Wayne McFarland and Elman J. Folkenburg (an M.D. and a pastor who wrote their Five Day Plan in about 1959), Joel Spitzer and John R. Polito (smoking cessation educators whose work is free at WhyQuit.com) and Allen Carr (who founded Easyway® during the early 1980s) are cold turkey plans.

Cut down to quit

Gradual reduction involves slowly reducing one’s daily intake of nicotine. This can be done in two ways: by repeated changes to cigarettes with lower levels of nicotine, or by gradually reducing the number of cigarettes smoked each day. As of 2010, and unlike earlier studies who claimed some benefit for gradual reduction, a Cochrane review found that abrubt cessation and gradual reduction with pre-quit NRT produced similar quit rates.

Pharmacological

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved seven medications for treating nicotine addiction. All of these helped with withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

* Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) Five of the approved medications are different methods of delivering nicotine in a form that does not involve the risks of smoking. The five NRT medications, which Cochrane found in 1996 increased the chances of stopping smoking by 50 to 70% compared to placebo or to no treatment, are:

::1) transdermal nicotine patches deliver doses of the addictive chemical nicotine, thus reducing the unpleasant effects of nicotine withdrawal. These patches can give smaller and smaller doses of nicotine, slowly reducing dependence upon nicotine and thus tobacco. Cochrane found further increased chance of success in a combination of the nicotine patch and a faster acting form. Also, this method becomes most effective when combined with other medication and psychological support.

::2) gum

::3) lozenges

::4) sprays

::5) inhalers.

:A study found that 93 percent of over-the-counter NRT users relapse and return to smoking within six months.

* Antidepressants: bupropion is an antidepressant marketed under the brand name Zyban.
Bupropion is contraindicated in epilepsy, seizure disorder; anorexia/bulimia (eating disorders), patients’ use of antidepressant drugs (MAO inhibitors) within 14 days, patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of ethanol or sedatives (including benzodiazepines such as Valium)

* Nicotinic receptor agonist: varenicline is a marketed by Pfizer in the U.S. as Chantix and Champix in the UK and Canada. Varenicline Tartrate is a prescription drug that can be used to alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms. It can also be taken as a form of aversion therapy by smokers to make the act of smoking non-appealing or with adverse effects, similar to acamprosate or disulfiram for ethanol addiction.

:*Cytisine (Tabex) is the basis of Pfizer’s development of varenicline, and is an extremely inexpensive plant extract. It has been in use since the 1960s in former Soviet-bloc countries. It was the first medication approved as an aid to smoking cessation, and has very few side effects in small doses. Pfizer funded and managed all studies of varenicline that were reviewed in a 2008 Cochrane review and unfortunately as of 2009, Cochrane reports, “The evidence on cytisine is limited at present, and no firm conclusions can yet be drawn about its effectiveness as an aid to quitting.”

Two other medications have been used in trials for smoking cessation, although they are not approved by the FDA for this purpose. They may be used under careful physician supervision if the first line medications are contraindicated for the patient.

::1) Clonidine may reduce craving for cigarettes after cessation. However, it does not consistently ameliorate other withdrawal symptoms.

::2) Nortriptyline, another antidepressant, has similar success rates to bupropion.

Psychosocial approaches

* Great American Smokeout is an annual event that invites smokers to quit for one day, hoping they will be able to extend this forever.

* The World Health Organization’s World No Tobacco Day is held on May 31 each year.

* Smoking-cessation support and counseling is often offered over the internet, over the phone quitlines (e.g. the US toll-free number 1-800-QUIT-NOW), or in person.

* Attending a self-help group such as Nicotine Anonymous and electronic self-help groups such as Stomp It Out

Smoking cessation services

Group or individual therapy can help people who want to quit. Some smoking cessation programs employ a combination of coaching, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and pharmacological counseling.

Self-help

* Interactive web-based programs which specialize in teaching participants how to quit.

* Quit meters: Small computer programs that keep track of quit statistics such as amount of “quit-time”, cigarettes not smoked, and money saved.

* Self-help books.

* Spirituality Spiritual beliefs and practices may help some smokers quit.

* Newsgroups: dating back to Usenet days, alt.support.stop-smoking has been used by people quitting smoking as a place to go to for support from others. It is accessible through Google Groups.

Substitutes for cigarettes

* Vaporizer: heats to or less, compared with in the tip of a cigarette when drawn upon; eliminates carbon monoxide and other combustion toxins.

* Electronic cigarette: Shaped like a cigar or cigarette, this device contains a rechargeable battery and a heating element that vaporizes liquid nicotine (and other flavorings) from an insertable cartridge, at lower initial cost than a vaporizer but with the same advantages including significantly reducing tar and carbon monoxide. However, in September 2008, the World Health Organization issued a release proclaiming that it does not consider the electronic cigarette to be a legitimate smoking cessation aid, stating that to its knowledge, “no rigorous, peer-reviewed studies have been conducted showing that the electronic cigarette is a safe and effective nicotine replacement therapy.”

* Smokeless tobacco: There is little smoking in Sweden, which is reflected in the low cancer rates for Swedish men. It is claimed that Swedish men are more likely to use snus (a form of steam-cured, rather than heat-cured, smokeless tobacco) than to smoke. There is a scientific debate over claims that spit tobacco might reduce the exposure of smokers to carcinogens or the risk for cancer (and even be used as a way to stop smoking). Some oral and spit tobaccos increase the risk for leukoplakia a precursor to oral cancer. Chewing tobacco has been known to cause cancer, particularly of the mouth and throat.

* Smoking herb substitutions (non-tobacco).

Alternative medical approaches

* Hypnosis clinical trials studying hypnosis as a method for smoking cessation have been inconclusive (The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3.) and found that hypnotherapy has no specific effect.

* Aromatherapy based treatments and herbal preparations such as Kava and Chamomile, the efficacy of which has not been established.

* Acupuncture clinical trials have shown that acupuncture’s effect on smoking cessation is equal to that of sham/placebo acupuncture. (See Cochrane Review)

* Laser therapy based on acupuncture principles but without the needles.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Smoking cessation, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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Oriental Hypnosis is an old Indian method of healing practiced by Sadhus, Fakirs, Yogis and sannyasis (Sannyasa). These people indulge in self hypnosis by practicing rhythmic breathing exercise method like ”pranayama” and meditation etc.

For hetero hypnosis they used threatening stare and suggestive techniques like loud command “sleep” etc. to bring out the subjects imagination generated from within the mind.

”Bharathiya Mantravidya” (Indian Sacred murmuring art) includes autosuggestion, authoritarian suggestion, hypnosis, tanta rituals and trance ceremonies.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Oriental hypnosis, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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Manipulative and body-based methods

”Manipulative and body-based methods”, is the precise name of a NCCAM classification, for alternative treatments that are based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body (See also Manipulative therapy).

*Active Isolate Stretching

*Acupressure

*Alexander Technique

*Body work

*Bowen Technique

*Chiropractic

*Feldenkrais Method

*Martial arts

*Massage therapy

*Medical acupuncture

*Metamorphic Technique

*Myofascial Release

*Osteopathy

*Rolfing

*Shiatsu

*Taijiquan

*Tulayoga

*Trager Approach

*Tui na

Manual lymphatic drainage

”Manual lymphatic drainage” (MLD) is a type of gentle massage which is believed by proponents to encourage the natural circulation of the lymph through the body.

Mind-body connection

The mind-body connection says that the causes, development, and outcomes of an illness are determined as much from the interaction of psychological and social factors as they are due to the biological factors of health.

Mind-body interventions

”Mind-body interventions”, is the precise name of a [http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/ NCCAM] classification, that covers a variety of techniques designed to enhance the mind’s capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms.

*Aromatherapy

*Art Therapy

*Autosuggestion

*Bach Flower Therapy

*Buteyko method

*Eutony

*Feldenkrais method

*Hatha yoga

*Hypnotherapy

*Metamorphic Technique

*Journaling

*Meditation

*Music Therapy

*Nia technique

*Rebirthing-Breathwork

*Reiki

*Self-hypnosis

*Support groups

*Taijiquan

*Trager Approach

*Visualization

*Vivation

*Yoga

Modality classifications

This is a classification by who is performing the CAM treatments.

#Professionalized Modalities

#Self-care Modalities

#Group Modalities

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Glossary of alternative medicine, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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Modern hypnotherapy has been used in a variety of forms, such as regression hypnotherapy (or “hypnoanalysis”) and Ericksonian hypnotherapy.

Hypnosis has been studied clinically with varying success. Applications include:

* pain management

* weight loss

* skin disease

* soothing anxious surgical patients

* psychological therapy

* habit control, a way to relax,

* sports performance.

Self-hypnosis is popularly used to quit smoking and reduce stress, while stage hypnosis can persuade people to perform unusual public feats.

Medical applications

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Hypnosis, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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Smoking cessation, referred to as “quitting” is the action leading towards abstinence of tobacco smoking. There are a number of methods such as cold turkey, nicotine replacement therapy, antidepressants, hypnosis, self-help, and support groups.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Tobacco smoking, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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A therapist who utilizes hypnosis as a primary tool for assisting clients to achieve their goals. A Hypnotherapist often differs from others therapists by focusing on the role of subconscious behaviors and influences on the client’s life.

In 1973, Dr. John Kappas, Founder of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, wrote and defined the profession of a Hypnotherapist in the Federal Dictionary of Occupational Titles:

””Induces hypnotic state in client to increase motivation or alter behavior patterns: Consults with client to determine nature of problem. Prepares client to enter hypnotic state by explaining how hypnosis works and what client will experience. Tests subject to determine degree of physical and emotional suggestibility. Induces hypnotic state in client, using individualized methods and techniques of hypnosis based on interpretation of test results and analysis of client’s problem. May train client in self-hypnosis conditioning.””

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Hypnotherapy, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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* ”Hypnosis: a gateway to better health” (1986)

* ”All in the mind?: think yourself better” (1987, 1994, 1996)

* ”A safer place to cry” (1989)

* ”Personal therapy: how to change your life for the better” (1996)

* ”The confidence to be yourself: how to boost your self-esteem” (1998)

* ”Understanding hypnosis: a practical guide to the health-giving benefits of hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis” (2000)

* ”Positive health: a practical guide to improving your wellbeing” (2001)

* ”Feelings: exploring your inner emotions” (2003)

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Brian Roet, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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Waking dream

Toward the end of the 1970’s, Epstein participated in a study of 127 subjects to investigate the experiences of “self-hypnosis, waking dreaming, and mindfulness meditation.” Reports by participants indicated that the images they experienced in waking dream had a more “vivid inner reality,” that they were more aware of the images’ “immediate impact,” and that they were less likely to see the images as their own creation.

Asthma

In the mid 1990’s, Epstein collaborated with Elizabeth Ann Manhart Barrett, then the coordinator of the Center for Nursing Research at Hunter College, City University of New York, and with other colleagues, to conduct two studies on the use of mental imagery by adults experiencing asthma. The first study, funded by the Office of Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health, examined the quantitative effects of imagery, comparing 17 participants who used mental imagery as a treatment for their asthma and 16 participants who did not. Among the group using mental imagery, eight people (47 percent) reduced or discontinued their medication, while in the group not using imagery, no one discontinued their medication and only three people (19 percent) reduced it. People using imagery also indicated that they had increased their ability to make choices and their overall power to create changes in their lives. The second study used a phenomenological, qualitative approach to explore the experience of the people using mental imagery to alleviate their asthma. With responses fro

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Gerald Epstein, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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•meditation

•guided imagery

•biofeedback & autogenic training

•breathing & movement

•self expression through words and drawings

(reference Gordon,2000)

*Aromatherapy

*Art Therapy

*Autosuggestion

*Bach Flower Therapy

*Dance movement psychotherapy

*Dynamic Embodiment

*Eutony

*Feldenkrais method

*Hatha yoga

*Hypnotherapy

*Laban Movement Analysis

*Metamorphic Technique

*Movement Therapy

*Somatic Movement Education & Therapy

*Journaling

*Meditation

*Music Therapy

*Rebirthing-Breathwork

*Self-hypnosis

*Somatic Experiencing

*Support groups

*Taijiquan

*Trager Approach

*Visualization

*Vivation

*Yoga

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Mind–body intervention, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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