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David Russ
USA
21 Posts |
 Posted - 07/23/2008 : 14:07:41
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A friend of mine and fellow TMSer suggested that I read up on The Sedona Method. I resisted, being who I am, but he bought me the book anyway and I am writing to recommend it. It suits our personalities and tendencies well.
I resisted because I thought it would be another journalling, meditation, whatever and I just didn't want to have ANOTHER THING TO DO.
But it turns out to be an absurdly simple and effective method for recognizing and letting go of emotions. Which is really going to help us. I really recommend it. It's not another guru. It's simple and easy to learn.
In fact, after reading the book for a couple of days and practicing it on my own, I did it with my daughter last night. She gets terrors at night and I've been at a loss for what to do. Last night, she went from terrified to happy in about five minutes, with very little effort. I am telling the truth.
Check it out, if you care to.
www.sedona.com |
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mk6283
USA
272 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2008 : 14:40:59
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David,
You are a chiropractor, is that correct? If so, in what context do you view your work? A placebo? Symptomatic treatment? I don't know any chiropractors and I'm sure most would have a strong conviction in the effectiveness of their treatment, but given your exposure to TMS I was curious as to what your take on it was. The same goes for acupuncture I suppose, although I'm not sure if you do that. Thanks.
Best,
MK |
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armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2008 : 17:16:11
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...placebo...
EFT != TMS treatment.
--
What were you expecting? |
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David Russ
USA
21 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2008 : 20:04:58
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Hi MK,
You know, I really appreciate your question. I wondered, when I started posting here about my experiences with pain and TMS, how others would react to my profession.
I was wondering if I might be asked to defend myself, and I appreciate your question for its curiosity and lack of accusation.
I view my work in the context of a resource for people in pain, with injuries, or who want to maximize their physical wellness. I am there for people who have been injured, who have had surgery or are trying to avoid it, people who have chronic pain, and for people who just enjoy good bodywork.
I should add that my practice is markedly different than most chiro's, in that the majority of my work is soft-tissue oriented and that I am holistic in terms of my views on mind-body illness and healing. I spend a bit of time reassuring people that they are really quite OK and that with a little more exercise or rest or better food they'd feel terrific.
I find my treatments to be very effective. I think my patients would agree...I think so because they keep coming back even though I don't push any treatment plans, I just give my opinion and suggest a course of action. Pretty much all of them consent to work with me and let me handle the details.
With the work that I do, and the kinds of emotional stuff that comes up, and the fact that people often get worse before they get better, I have found that having the patient decide to do the work rather than ME decide and TELL them what to do makes a huge difference. I give my opinion, suggest a course of action, and let the rest go.
I am sure that a good part of the effect that people get from my care is what some might call placebo. I don't know, but I THINK that when a person feels that their doctor / caregiver is competent, caring, skilled, and present, they can let go of some of their fear and anxiety and feel better right away. In fact, I am sure that this is part of the care.
I am sure because there are times when a new patient comes to see me and all we do is talk. I listen to their story and help them interpret it, help them understand what their symptoms mean and do not mean, give them an idea of their prognosis, reassure them that they do not need surgery. And though I don't touch them, they are visibly relieved and more comfortable when they leave the office.
I also know that competent and skilled bodywork can produce immediate and lasting changes in the tissues, which leads to changes in function, which leads to changes in sensation.
In this regard I am sure that Sarno and I are on different wavelengths, and that is just fine with me. I think Sarno, brilliant as his work may be, HAS to disavow the physical or his theory is much less strong. For me, I think it's both.
My own case is a good mix of physical injury and emotional holding on, repression, and tension.
As for acupuncture, I am a devoted patient of one Dr. Qin, a classically trained acupuncturist who has helped me tremendously. His work helps me release tension, he has helped me get stronger again after the months of disuse of my left hip and leg. His presence is profoundly reassuring and I feel completely comfortable letting him manage the physical process of my healing so I can let it go and focus on the part that only I can do--the emotional part.
I really do not trust most of my chiropractic colleagues to manage this with the competence, compassion, and integrity that Dr Qin has shown me (and that I strive for every day). I'm not sad about this, but I do feel for the patients of the majority of my colleagues who are unfortunately not much more than hands-on salesmen.
David Russ |
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myles
30 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2008 : 01:55:56
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Interesting twist to this thread. I was so impressed with myofascial release therapy, that I changed to learn it and switched career to become a manual therapist having been a web designer for ten years.
However, even with six months of myofascial therapy and Active Isolated Stretching my old headaches suddenly came back with a vengence and then overpowered me and moved down my neck into my old shoulder blade spasm (where I can't even turn my head left or right due to the pain).
That's when I re-researched and came across TMS. I am now quizzing patients during treatments and surprise, surprise the ones with long-term pain in several areas all fit the bill with unhappy childhoods, perfectionist/goodist personalities, etc. etc.
So I have an elephant in the room... but given Sarno's assessment that only 10% of people will accept a diagnosis I'm very reticent about going into TMS with these people. Also I don't consider myself healed or cured by it yet, despite having some progress in several areas so I can't draw firm conclusions.
I have already though, like David, started telling these people that their musculo-skeletal systems are fine and dandy and there's nothing major to worry about. So if I can do a bit of manual therapy and add some genuine relief to those muscles then those two things combined might totally clear the symptoms. Then David and I only have to worry about emotional rage reservoirs and symptom creep...
My basic plan involves getting patients to total freedom from pain on the initial symptom and then getting them into an activity that helps them reduce their anxiety, explores their emotions, addresses their inferiority complex, lets them express their rage. Ideas on a postcard to... he he. But I think suggesting kickboxing, primal screaming, and acting classes are acceptable to people without going into the whole TMS thing. These people are liable to hang on David and I's every word, so if after a few successful treatments we say, I had a client just like you and she does x, y and z once a month now and she never gets any pain anywhere anymore, I think they'd go for it, and I would be happy.
The only worry is if symptom imperative kicks in to something they feel isn't my bag, like anxiety, depression, etc. but I would tell them to phone me about those specifically too.
I am thinking about taking some psychiatry qualifications, or maybe just a couple of EFT/EMDR certificates would do. It's very unregulated and I can just call myself a life-coach, get some insurance and that'd probably suffice. I would however, totally throw myself into learning Freud, Kant, Sarno from scratch so I really was au fait. Just like I have learnt full anatomy (every single muscle, bone, organ, gland, major nerve, vein, artery etc.) for my myofascial release as it helps me give much more precise treatments.
M
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hazerfazer
USA
19 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2008 : 22:16:16
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quote:
Originally posted by armchairlinguist
...placebo...
EFT != TMS treatment.
--
What were you expecting?
I have no idea what this means. What are you saying?
Can't wait to be healed! |
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hazerfazer
USA
19 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2008 : 00:13:58
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Here's a dilemma/issue I've been having, particularly with the Sedona Method, but it applies to a lot of things.
Basically, I've felt the positive effects of releasing as per the method, and I know that the process is really good for me emotionally.
The thing is, I feel like I could constantly be releasing old things that I still am holding on to, and I feel like "this is good for me, I should be doing it, but if I'm not doing it whenever the thought arises to do it, then I must not care about myself".
This leads me to not do it very much because I feel like I don't know when enough would be enough. Which creates a vicious cycle in and of itself. This kind of thing has applied personally to other self help endeavors.
What is the solution? Should I set a certain time or amount of time to release? Or what?
Thanks. |
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myles
30 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2008 : 02:01:37
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I looked at some examples on youtube, doesn't really float my boat. The methodology basically boils down to three questions:
Could I let go of this emotion?
Would I let go of this emotion?
How long will I hold onto this emotion?
And I can't tell the difference between question one and two. Maybe someone could (would?) help me on that!
M |
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David Russ
USA
21 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2008 : 11:49:48
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Yes, it is absurdly simple. It is working for me and I think it might work for others around here as well. The book is like 20 bucks and considering how much we all spend on our problems that's a pittance. Little risk.
MK, you might be surprised at how open people are to the concept of TMS. I've discussed it with all kinds of people, from 65 year old Iowan grandmothers to 40 year old beer-gut carpenters. People know about the mindbody connection, and they appreciate it when I incorporate it into their care.
Good luck with whatever new modalities you choose to explore in your practice! |
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seven
USA
35 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2008 : 20:52:01
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quote:
Originally posted by myles
I looked at some examples on youtube, doesn't really float my boat. The methodology basically boils down to three questions:
Could I let go of this emotion?
Would I let go of this emotion?
How long will I hold onto this emotion?
And I can't tell the difference between question one and two. Maybe someone could (would?) help me on that!
M
Myles,
That is not exactly how it works.
Lets say you are experiencing the emotion of anger.
You ask your self "Can I allow or welcome this emotion of anger to be present?" And then let your awareness hone in on the anger feeling. Don't try to push it out or pull it in, just allow your self to experience it as it is. The answer to the question is "yes" because of course you can allow your self to experience the anger that is present.
Next you ask "Can I let this feeling of anger go?" In other words are you physically able to press the delete button? So the answer again is "yes." You may not want to but you can.
Than you ask "Would I let this feeling of anger go?" This question is asking if you are "willing" to let the angry energy pass through and release it from your mind. If you are willing the answer is again "yes." If you are reluctant to say "yes" you may ask "Would I rather have this angry feeling or releasing it from my mind and let it go?" "yes"
The last question you ask your self is "When?" Meaning when will you let it go? (Important to remember the whole time you are focused in on the "feeling" of your anger!) As you answer the question "now," let go the best you can and the anger energy will pass from your mind and once gone it is gone forever.
Hope this helps,
Jimmy |
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mizlorinj
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2008 : 09:48:16
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To the health care guys who posted on this thread: I am happy to hear you spend time talking with your patients and truly seem to care about them. So: thank you.
Dr. Bernie Siegal (author) suggests all docs learn to re-engage with patients; learn how to talk and listen to patients more. That art seems to have disappeared from the medical world! It makes a difference in how a patient is helped!
Other topic: can I vs. would I let go of emotions! Of course we CAN; the question remains: do we want to? People get used to carrying emotions around and can actually decide that no, I don't want to let it go. I work with someone who has a laundry list of physical complaints and yet is proud she carries resentments! Yes, proud of it! So does everyone WANT to rid themselves of harmful emotions? Heck, I sure do, I want freedom!
-Lori |
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David Russ
USA
21 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2008 : 11:07:47
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quote:
Originally posted by hazerfazer
Here's a dilemma/issue I've been having, particularly with the Sedona Method, but it applies to a lot of things.
Basically, I've felt the positive effects of releasing as per the method, and I know that the process is really good for me emotionally.
The thing is, I feel like I could constantly be releasing old things that I still am holding on to, and I feel like "this is good for me, I should be doing it, but if I'm not doing it whenever the thought arises to do it, then I must not care about myself".
This leads me to not do it very much because I feel like I don't know when enough would be enough. Which creates a vicious cycle in and of itself. This kind of thing has applied personally to other self help endeavors.
What is the solution? Should I set a certain time or amount of time to release? Or what?
Thanks.
Hazer, it sounds like you are encountering resistance because you've decided that you really SHOULD let go. In other words, you're holding on to a certain idea of what the Method should do, or how you should do it, or what you should feel like after you've been doing it. And since you don't live up to that SHOULD, you feel something, maybe shame?
I may be overstepping the boundary of what a person can do through a forum, but if I may....can you allow yourself to fully feel this SHOULD? Can you let it go? Will you? when? 
DR |
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David Russ
USA
21 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2008 : 11:11:26
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I was working with a patient on Friday and this is a young man who has been struggling with neck pain, knee pain, and a broken heart for about a year. He's finally coming out of his deep depression, but now he is moving into some great fear and trepidation about his future; he has just graduated from med school and now he has to start practice, and he is scared.
He told me that he feels very alone. I asked him if he is resisting being alone, or resisting being not alone? He answered "both."
I asked him "can you let go of that resistance?"
He said "sure"
I asked "will you?"
He said "yes."
I asked "when?"
He said something long and complicated which boiled down to "not now...I have work to do on it first...I have to figure it out some more before I can let it go."
And then there was some silence and he said "as I said it, I realized how ridiculous that is. I don't have to figure it out to let it go. I actually have to hold on to it to TRY to figure it out."
He released it right then and there, no pain, no crying, simple. |
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seven
USA
35 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2008 : 06:13:07
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quote:
Originally posted by David Russ
I was working with a patient on Friday and this is a young man who has been struggling with neck pain, knee pain, and a broken heart for about a year. He's finally coming out of his deep depression, but now he is moving into some great fear and trepidation about his future; he has just graduated from med school and now he has to start practice, and he is scared.
He told me that he feels very alone. I asked him if he is resisting being alone, or resisting being not alone? He answered "both."
I asked him "can you let go of that resistance?"
He said "sure"
I asked "will you?"
He said "yes."
I asked "when?"
He said something long and complicated which boiled down to "not now...I have work to do on it first...I have to figure it out some more before I can let it go."
And then there was some silence and he said "as I said it, I realized how ridiculous that is. I don't have to figure it out to let it go. I actually have to hold on to it to TRY to figure it out."
He released it right then and there, no pain, no crying, simple.
David,
That is exactly right.
Often times just ''focusing'' on the ''negative emotion'' in an unattached way, just observing it, and experiencing it even if it is uncomfortable is enough for the mind to release it and let it go. After all, it wants to be experienced and move on out but instead we have learned to repress it.
Jimmy |
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shaun canada
Canada
3 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2008 : 18:44:01
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Thanks for the tips on the Sedona method .. I've always looked for something to do "in the moment" of pain and could never really figure it out. This method seems like the perfect complement to TMS.
On a side note, I'm happy see that more medical people are actually talking to their patients and listening to them. In reality we can all be therapists by just being willing to listen. |
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seven
USA
35 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2008 : 10:48:30
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quote:
Originally posted by shaun canada
Thanks for the tips on the Sedona method .. I've always looked for something to do "in the moment" of pain and could never really figure it out. This method seems like the perfect complement to TMS.
On a side note, I'm happy see that more medical people are actually talking to their patients and listening to them. In reality we can all be therapists by just being willing to listen.
Hey Shaun,
Here are some FREE instruction on how to release using the Sedona Method: http://www.release-technique-review.com/releasing-101-mastering-the-basics
Jimmy |
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skizzik
USA
783 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2008 : 04:47:30
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| is there enough in the sedona method book to get started? Or is the whole $388 package worth it? thanx |
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seven
USA
35 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2008 : 12:48:57
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quote:
Originally posted by skizzik
is there enough in the sedona method book to get started? Or is the whole $388 package worth it? thanx
Hi skizzik and all,
Forget buying the book or taking the course right now. Sedona is currently offering a FREE Sedona Method DVD and CD mailed to your home. I would say this is an easy $100 value and I do not work for Sedona. I am a barber in Oklahoma. You just pay a small shipping fee.
Their in depth teaching and seminars have a Zen influence and as a Christian I do not embrace that. But the basic Sedona Method technique is secular and requires no faith or beliefs. It is merely a technique for releasing unwanted emotions and allowing them to pass through.
www . sedona . com/Sedona/Public/freesignup.aspx
Jimmy |
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skizzik
USA
783 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2008 : 12:51:44
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Thanx for that seven. I was trying to figure out if that was a gimmick offer.
Hey David Russ, you said it's working for you, as in your pain is fading away?
I'm 50 pages into the book. And I'm impressed so far, but............that's the pattern I seem to have w/ all the books I read, and I get depressed I'm still in pain after absorbing them.
Armchair, there's no mention of EFT in Sedona method that I can see so far. I could see where a confusion could be made by glancing over it. And analytical insight cathartic therapy has done nothing for me and it's been 19mos of pain now. Maybe you could clarify so I'm not wasting time w/ this. Thanx. |
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seven
USA
35 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2008 : 14:38:02
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Your welcome skizzik,
The free Sedona Method DVD and CD is not a gimmick, its a great offer. Easy worth $100. I have the book, the 20 CD set and the workbook. I like the free DVD better than any of it.
I also practice EFT daily. It has really helped too. Here is a link to ''one of the best'' instructors I have found to learn EFT, her name is Jordana Lizama. She is on You Tube so the instructions are FREE. You'll find several more there too. I like Jordana the best
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlCE4P6Ue0w&feature=related
Enjoy and let me know if you have any question on either EFT or Sedona Method.
I have read all the TMS books besides Sedona Method and EFT. I am virtually pain free now. If I press on some places it is sore but standing, sitting, biking, lifting weights I am pain free 98% of the time.
Enjoy,
Jimmy |
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skizzik
USA
783 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2008 : 17:16:59
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| hey seven, did you get my e-mail? |
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The Sedona Method
