A Bodymind Healing Proces

Reverse Therapy™ is based on research by Dr John Eaton from 1996 to the present  day into Bodymind intelligence and symptom-focused therapy. It is a revolutionary new approach to healing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME and FMS which resolves the symptoms of these conditions by identifying and acting on the Bodymind messages which underpin them.

Reverse Therapy is based on the very latest innovations in the Psychobiology (the study of interactions between 'mind' and body'), Psychoneuroimmunology (which investigates Brain, Behaviour and Immune system reactions) and Bodymind Healing - a holistic approach to 'dis-ease' which investigates why the organism has been forced to produce symptoms in order to address an imbalance in the individual's life circumstances.

The Basic Idea

The basic idea behind Reverse Therapy is that the symptoms of CFS/ME/FMS, and other non-specific illnesses, are produced by glandular problems which, in turn, are initially triggered by external pressures. As the pressures remain unresolved, due usually to internal blocks in the person, Bodymind is forced to place the body on ‘red alert’ and to send symptoms to warn that new actions need to be taken. The conditions known as CFS/ME and FMS are created, in particular, by an over-worked Hypothalamus (in the centre of the brain) which impacts on the Nervous, Endocrine and Immune systems.

Reverse Therapy works by understanding and acting on the underlying symptom message. Once this has been received and actioned, and long-standing pressures have been resolved, Bodymind is enabled to return the Hypothalamus to normal function, and the symptoms can go.

What causes M.E., Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia?

We consider that all three of these conditions, as well as so-called Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome, are actually different expressions of the same underlying problem.

The condition is caused by what we call ‘Hypothalamitis’– over-activation of the Hypothalamus area in the Central Nervous System.

The Hypothalamus is situated in the mid-brain, from which place it controls practically every organ in the body, mainly through the Endocrine system. In particular, it influences the Sympathetic Nervous System (ANS) and the Immune System, where most of the symptoms of ‘Hypothalamitis’ arise. In all, the Hypothalamus controls energy levels, the sleep cycle, muscular function, circulation, temperature, the gut and defence against infection.

The key function of the Hypothalamus is to co-ordinate the actions of the Nervous system, the Muscles, the Gut and the Immune system, along with the body’s energy reserves, so that a balance can be maintained. In this way we can go to a state of vigilance in challenging situations, returning to repose when the crisis is over. Or we can fight infections and then return to a recuperation phase. Similarly, energy levels can rise in order to cope with required activities, falling again as we prepare for rest and sleep.

The basic problem in ‘Hypothalamitis’ is that this delicate balancing act is lost due to Bodymind’s realisation that the person is at sustained risk of harm.

If external pressures go on too long then Bodymind, working through the Emotional brain, or Limbic system, creates a ‘chemical memory’ about the threat. Each time situations come up that are associated with the problem the chemical memory is activated and the Hypothalamus places the body on ‘action stations’ and send symptoms to warn the person that s/he is under threat. If pressures continue, the Hypothalamus goes into runaway, chronically over-working the body to remain on red alert, and sending escalating symptoms to warn of the problem.

When the Hypothalamus wishes to activate an ‘alert’ reaction it secretes Corticotrophin Release Hormone (CRH) to the Pituitary. The Pituitary, in turn,

releases Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACtH) to the Adrenal Glands which then produce a series of hormones which initially stimulate the Sympathetic Nervous system, the Immune system and increase energy levels. However, under constant over-stimulation from the Hypothalamus hormone production starts to falter and the result is (a reversible) ‘Adrenal burnout’.

Sufferers can experience muscle pain/weakness, fatigue, headaches, swollen glands, poor concentration and memory because the Hypothalamus triggers the release of chemicals that tense the muscles, shut down attention, exhaust the energy supply, increase lymphatic fluid and alter blood flow to different areas of the brain. A dysfunctional Hypothalamus ceases to respond appropriately to feedback from the body regarding its exhausted state. Instead it continues to flood the body with hormones that stoke up the symptoms until problems are resolved.

Failure by the Adrenal glands to produce adequate Cortisol (which suppresses the Immune system) is then picked up by the Hypothalamus, which assumes that the organism is in still more danger, causing it to overwork still more, until Immune system and Sympathetic Nervous system up-regulation becomes chronic.

While this over-activation continues Bodymind is constantly signalling, through the symptoms, that action is still required in order to restore a balanced exchange between the internal and external environment. ‘Hypothalamitis’. To this extent it still awaits action on ‘the message of the symptom’. To resolve this issue is the central task of Reverse Therapy.

For more information visit www.reverse-therapy.com