We consider that this condition is actually based on a glandular disorder, which is created by the Hypothalamus overworking the Pituitary/Adrenal glands (together these make up the HPA axis), which in turn overwork the major body functions - gut, muscles, circulation and Immune sustem. We therefore call this condition 'HPA disorder'.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is still sometimes known as M.E. This is is now an outmoded label and the term Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is now encouraged within the medical profession.
We consider that this condition is actually based on a glandular disorder, which is created by the Hypothalamus overworking the Pituitary/Adrenal glands (together these make up the HPA axis), which in turn overwork the major body functions - gut, muscles, circulation and Immune sustem. We therefore call this condition 'HPA disorder'.
The reason that the Hypothalamus becomes overactive in the first place is that Bodymind (the protective, emotional intelligence working through the body) is sending symptoms to warn the person to take action to restore the balance between external demands and personal needs.
Bodymind also over-activates the HPA axis for a further reason - which is to put the whole organism on 'red alert' aganst the crisis. Thus the Immune system works harder at fighting infections - producing problems such as swollen glands, sore throat, feverishness and (in some cases) viral problems. The Digestive system works harder at defending against toxins in food - resulting in such symptoms as irritable bowel, stomach pain, nausea, blaoting and candida outbreaks. The muscles work harder in readiness for action and, because they burn up so much glucose, create fatigue. Overwork also causes muscle pain, weakness and post-exertional malaise. One particular muscle - the scalp muscle - causes tension headaches when it overworks.
Careful investigation of the situations in which symptoms first appeared or worsened
Establishing why Bodymind is using symptoms to guide, warn and protect the individual
Encouraging the client to act on the emotional imperatives of Bodymind
In this way, Reverse Therapy reverses symptoms by raising clients' awareness of what Bodymind is trying to 'say' through the symptoms and then working with them to take appropriate action in situations in which symptoms get worse. Alternatively, if the symptom-level is more or less the same from day to day, the Reverse Therapist will encourage the person to make changes to the day-to-day lifestyle in order to restore emotional balance.
The reason that the Hypothalamus becomes overactive in the first place is that Bodymind (the protective, emotional intelligence working through the body) is sending symptoms to warn the person to take action to restore the balance between external demands and personal needs.
Along with many other researchers, we consider that Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/M.E. are expressions of the same disorder.
In fact major symptoms listed for CFS/M.E, are the same as for Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The main difference is that, where fatigue is often mentioned as the dominant symptom for CFS, muscle/joint pain is listed as the main symptom in FMS. On the basis of clinical observation we observe that many patients with Fibromyalgia tend not to have Immune system disorders, where CFS patients are more likely to report sore throat, swollen glands and feverishness – all linked to Immune system problems.
Fibromyalia is actually based on a disorder of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (the HPA axis), which in turn overworks the major body functions - gut, muscles, circulation and Immune sustem. In the case of FMS we see the HPA axis mostly concentrating on the muscular-skeletal system. This problem was initially triggered when Bodymind (the protective, emotional intelligence working through the body) created an 'Alarm response', via the Limbic system and the Hypothalamus, when it noticed that the person was at continuing risk of emotional harm. In part, it is also sending symptoms to warn the person to take action to restore the balance between external demands and personal needs.
The solution lies in:
Careful investigation of the situations in which symptoms first appeared or worsened
Establishing why Bodymind is using symptoms to guide, warn and protect the individual
Encouraging the client to act on the emotional imperatives of Bodymind
In this way, Reverse Therapy reverses symptoms by raising clients' awareness of what Bodymind is trying to 'say' through the symptoms and then working with them to take appropriate action in situations in which symptoms get worse. Alternatively, if the symptom-level is more or less the same from day to day, the Reverse Therapist will encourage the person to make changes to the day-to-day lifesyle in order to restore emotional balance.
Anxiety is also known as Stress, panic disorder, or sometimes just as nervousness. Included in this disorder are panic attacks, phobias and – sometimes – post traumatic stress disorder
Anxiety is not an emotion. It is that state that ensues when Headmind blocks action on the emotions. The most common emotion that gets blocked is Fear but blocked Anger and Sadness (or even all three) can also contribute to an Anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is also known as Stress, panic disorder, or sometimes just as nervousness. Included in this disorder are panic attacks, phobias and – sometimes – post traumatic stress disorder
Anxiety is not an emotion. It is that state that ensues when Headmind blocks action on the emotions. The most common emotion that gets blocked is Fear but blocked Anger and Sadness (or even all three) can also contribute to an Anxiety disorder.
Emotions are intended by Bodymind to be cleared quickly through action. For example, when Bodymind sends up the emotion of Fear it needs the individual to start talking to people, get help, and take gradual steps to master the situation. When this does not happen (because Headmind thinks 'it's weak to be afraid' for example) the original emotion is intensified and added to any other emotions in the pot. The resulting 'pressure-cooker' effect partly contributes to the Anxiety state. When Bodymind notices that the pot is full it switches the alarm button on the Nervous system, thereby triggering gut reactions, increase in heart rate, sweating, tension, shallow breathing and panic. Meanwhile, Headmind tends to go round and round with worry, getting nowhere, instead of planning for action.
Phobias are simply anxiety disorders linked to specific situations, such as lifts, planes, cars, heights or social situations. Sometimes these are based on a trauma from the past. Again, the basic fear is there to warn the person that the situation is potentially unsafe but Headmind interprets the fear as a signal to run away into an imaginary comfort zone. The main task is to help people identify their fear as a natural emotion which is useful in flagging up that more steps need to be taken in order to improve confidence.
The Reverse Therapy treatment process for Anxiety goes as follows:
Teach client Bodymind focusing techniques
Investigate situations in which Anxiety appears
Identify the underlying emotion which needs to be released
Identify the symptom-message
Work with client on expressing, acting upon, and resolving, the emotion in question
Help client tolerate discomfort when resolving emotions like fear and anger
Teach client how to bypass Headmind worry and 'disaster movies'
Keep focusing on tasks that improve confidence and take client out of the comfort zone.
Reverse Therapy refers to this condition as 'de-pression' for a very particular reason. When Headmind tries to force us to over-conform to being a particular kind of person (e.g. 'strong', 'nice', 'dependable', 'always in control', etc) then any emotions which don't fit that self-image are 'de-pressed back into the body. For example, one person can try to be the perfect employee, never complaining even when pushed to the limit. When Bodymind sends up the emotion of fear to let her know she is vulnerable and needs help, this can be ignored by Headmind as 'selfish' or 'weak'. The most common emotions that are depressed are in fact fear, anger and sadness.
Lethargy
Sleep disturbance
Poor concentration
Appetite problems
Cravings and addictions
Thoughts of suicide
Inner emptiness
Low mood
Anxiety
Reverse Therapy refers to this condition as 'de-pression' for a very particular reason. When Headmind tries to force us to over-conform to being a particular kind of person (e.g. 'strong', 'nice', 'dependable', 'always in control', etc) then any emotions which don't fit that self-image are 'de-pressed back into the body. For example, one person can try to be the perfect employee, never complaining even when pushed to the limit. When Bodymind sends up the emotion of fear to let her know she is vulnerable and needs help, this can be ignored by Headmind as 'selfish' or 'weak'. The most common emotions that are depressed are in fact fear, anger and sadness. De-pressing these emotions usually leads to Anxiety as the 'pressure-cooker' effect builds up.
When Bodymind notices that a state of over-arousal exists (for example, when the Adrenal glands produce too much Cortisol – a common symptom of depression) it uses the Hypothalamus to compensate by reducing Serotonin (a mood booster) and increasing Noradrenalin (which damps down the Nervous system and creates lethargy, among other symptoms). The combined effect is to produce the state called clinical depression.
Unfortunately, Headmind then reacts to the state of depression that it has itself created by indulging in thoughts of self-blame. Taken to an extreme these can result in thoughts about suicide.
If you are not sure whether you fit the profile for depression you can take our Depression Test now.
Notes: These comments do not apply to manic depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which Reverse Therapy cannot treat.
Reverse Therapy works by first helping the person to understand how people can get lost in Headmind worry and hopelessness. Headmind then tries to de-press what it sees as uncomfortable emotions, which were in fact sent by Bodymind to galvanise the person into action and back into life. These emotions continue to await resolution before Bodymind can discharge them.
A thorough investigation of the circumstances in which 'de-pressed' symptoms first appeared is undertaken – as well as more recent occasions when the symptoms worsened. Once the underlying emotions which are being 'de-pressed' have been uncovered, the client is encouraged to take action to resolve the needs indicated by those emotions. For more information on health and the emotions please also look at the Bodymind page. Clients are also taught how to stay in a state of bodymind awareness and take small steps to restore Headmind's confidence in the person's ability to engage with life.
