NEW MIND-BODY APPROACH TO CURING CANCER FOUND: Unique Use of Hypnosis Helps Revive Immune System.

A new mind-body program for curing cancer has been developed. It is based on four basic premises: (1) The body has natural defenses against cancer; (2) Negative states of mind (in particular, hopelessness) can suppress the immune system; (3) If these negative states of mind can be reversed, the immune response can be revived and the cancer prevented or rejected; and (4) Hypnosis (a heightened state of belief) provides an effective means of reversing such negative states of mind. Several successful case histories are provided in support.

Press Release on Cancer Paper Los Angeles, CA July 1,2003

A new mind-body approach to preventing and curing cancer is presented in the book Towards Greater Freedom & Happiness by Alfred A Barrios, Ph.D. (amazon.com). The book presents the Self-Programmed Control (SPC) mind-body approach to preventing and curing cancer. The approach is based on four basic premises:

1. The body has natural immune defenses against cancer.
2. Negative states of mind (in particular hopelessness) can suppress the immune system.
3. If these negative states of mind can be reversed, the immune response can be revived and the cancer prevented or rejected.
4. Hypnosis provides an effective means of reversing such negative states of mind.

The main goal of the SPC-mind-body program is to eliminate two main sources of hopelessness, one or both of which are usually present in cancer patients:

1. The typical "death sentence" interpretation of a cancer diagnosis, and
2. A deeply embedded hopeless attitude towards the possibility of ever achieving happiness and fulfillment in life.

The following overview briefly outlines the initial session with the patient as well as the overall strategy for subsequent sessions (the procedure is applicable for both one-on-one as well as group or Class sessions): First, in order to minimize the immune-suppressing sense of dread and hopelessness usually created by a diagnosis of cancer, the initial focus is on establishing a high level of hope and belief in the power of the mind to help eliminate the cancer. This includes: 1. Presenting the strong evidence and rationale supporting the mind-body approach to cancer. 2. Leading the patient through mental exercises that experientially demonstrate the mind-body connection and how one has the potential to develop control over it through the power of thoughts. This would include causing salivation by having patients focus on the thought of biting into a lemon; using a thermal biofeedback device to illustrate the ability to increase blood flow to the hands by thoughts of warmth; as well as having the patient experience a number of the different SPC hypnotic techniques (demonstrations of the power of the mind). 3. Further adding to the patient's sense of control by leading the patient through imagery exercises where he/she visualizes the cancer cells being "gobbled up", "destroyed," "dissolved," etc. by the body's natural defenses. 4. Presenting case histories (testimonials) of numerous successful applications of the mind-body approach to cancer.

In order to minimize the other possible major source of hopelessness in patients hopelessness about their lives in general - a comprehensive psychotherapeutic approach is taken where the SPC techniques are used to facilitate the reprogramming or changing of any negative attitudes, beliefs or habits underlying the general state of hopelessness. This is usually the biggest obstacle to most current mind-body approaches since such negative states are usually deeply embedded and are hard to change or reprogram. However, the major advantage of the SPC-mind-body approach is felt to be the greater effectiveness of its unique hypnotic techniques at facilitating such reprogramming. Studies are presented to support this statement.

An additional advantage of SPC's ability to facilitate reprogramming is that it can help break any bad habits causing over-exposure to carcinogenic agents - such as smoking; as well as help program in other life style changes that can strengthen the immune system such as healthy eating habits, exercise, stress management, etc.

SPC can be applied concurrently with any ongoing standard therapy and help enhance the patients' positive response to this therapy. Case histories where this combined approach was successful are presented. However, because it can often produce fast results - sometimes within two to three weeks or less - it could even help preclude the need/for any of the standard treatments (if SPC is applied early enough) thus avoiding their often immunosuppressive effects.

A comprehensive article on the SPC mind-body approach to preventing and curing cancer can also be found at the author's website: www.stresscards.com in the Dr Barrios' Articles section.