A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL D

TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL D. PRESTON (2008) PAUL G. DURBIN, AL VERA PAXSON & PATRICIA SCOTT

Dr. Michael D. Preston died Oct 27 at the age of 90. He shall be missed. I first meet Michael in the late 80's. He was very active as a member and presenter at the now defunct National Association of Hypnotherapy and Hypnotic Anaesthesia. During the heydays of NHHA back in the 90s, we became good friends and I always respected his advice and friendship. Over the last few year, he suffered very much but this year (2008), he made his transition to the next life.

The following information comes from Michael’s book "Hypnosis: Medicine of the Mind.": Michael D. Preston, J.D., Ph.D., first became familiar with hypnosis at the 5th Army Rehabilitation Center in Sorento, Italy, while serving in the U.S. Armed Services.

In 1947, he studied psychology and hypnotherapy with Lewis R. Wolberg, M.D., a clinical professor of psychiatry and chairman of the board at New York Medical College. From there, Dr. Preston went to Chicago, then to Los Angeles. working for the Veterans Administration.

By 1960, he was made a staff member of the American College of Medical Hypnotists; conducted seminars in the U.S. and Europe with William J. Bryan, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.; wrote and edited for the Journal of the American Institute of Hypnosis.

He then founded the Institute of Medical Hypnosis in Chicago in 1966. Later, he moved his practice to Phoenix, Arizona, and with the assistance of William McGrath, M.D., Dr. Preston used hypnosis to treat not only emotional and physical problems, but to treat the terminally ill patients by applying the theory of psychoneuroimmunology.

Presently (2001), the author is affiliated with the National Society of Hypnotists, the International Society for Investigative and Forensic Hypnosis, the National Board for Hypnotherapy and Hypnotic Anesthesiology, and the American Association of Behavioral Therapists, the National Guild of Hypnotists, and the Center for Advancement in Cancer Education. Dr. Preston, also known as the "Miracle Doctor," has conducted seminars in over 40 cities in the United States, Canada, and England.

The author is the recipient of the President's Award from the Florida Association of Professional Hypnotists, the Pen and Quill Award from the American Academy of Medical Hypnoanalysts; the Hypnotherapy Educator Award from the National Board for Hypnotherapy and Hypnotic Anesthesiology; and the Founder's Award from the National Board for Hypnotherapy and Hypnotic Anesthesiology.

AL VERA PAXSON TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL PRESTON: Michael D. Preston - Rest in Peace: Michael, Mike, gee, how do I say some words about Michael. I met Michael Preston in 1980. I needed a book by Dave Elman and saw that he had a school, so thought he would know where I could get one. I called, he told me he would order it for me and contact me when it came in. I went to pick it up...and we talked for 3 Â½ hours before he had to go into a session. From that point on, he would call, I would drop everything and met him for breakfast, always eggs and toast and coffee. Some things he just wouldn't change. It was always the same order. I lived close so it was easy to meet anytime he had a break in his schedule. I had studied hypnosis for years, I had a basket full of pieces and he loved to help me, challenge me, and dare me to put the pieces together so he could feel I knew what I was talking about. After a long time of this, I decided to "Park my knowledge at the door" as he would say at the beginning of his seminars and I decided to take lessons from him. I have to say it was one of the best decisions I made in my life.

What a teacher, what a character, even what a stubborn guy he could be. Just when you thought you had it, he would show you exactly why you didn't. For a while I talked a friend into taking classes with me, so he could teach two of us at one time, even have us practice on each other...and to take some of the pressure off me (smile). She did save me for a while anyways. She could get him laughing and break any tension from us not saying the phrase exactly the way he wanted it worded.

One time he asked Casey what she would say if a little boy came in, and he would want her to wave that watch thing to put him to sleep...Michael asked her what she would do. She said she would tell him to just close his eyes. Michael would say NO...she kept trying. Michael then sat in the chair like the little boy and kept saying "no, I don't want to close my eyes:. I want you to swing something in front of my eyes. They went back and forth for a bit, Michael being a bratty kid ( I was really glad this one was HERS and I was watching!). I could see his face getting red, he was getting frustrated that she didn't say exactly what he wanted. Michael said, ONE more time...What are you going to say to me? She yelled "close those $@&# eyes. Michael laughed, and laughed and laughed, and the rest of the class was a breeze!

Michael could be intimidating but only because he wanted to make sure you did a great job. He insisted you knew what, how and why you where doing things. That is why his sessions where so successful.

When you took classes or seminars, you knew you would get new knowledge, his experiences, and he gave you so much of it all. He made you think!! You knew exactly what would work and what would not....and of course WHY! Finally in 1983 Michael gave me the honor of making me his first official instructor. Quite a honor. I helped him with seminars. He would send people over to have me work with them, and we would put on classes together, and it was amazing to me how I continued to learn more and more every time we where together. Every time he came over, he would start telling some of his stories of his experiences, and I actually learned even more from those stories on how to handle things....always a teacher!

I encouraged him to write a book. I kept telling him there was a need for a book on how and why we where doing things...a book for the hypnotherapist ... one so we could understand why we do things, what we need to do,, how we need to handle things. Something so others who had training would know why they where doing things. From the seminars, I could see how much was missing in others. That is the one thing he wanted therapists to understand, why they where doing what they where doing....cause and effect, as he would say.

Michael was a handyman around the house, always on ladders, on the roof trimming his orange trees, falling off, serious accidents, and then get the ladder to something else. He really never got it...He didn't need to get on ladders! Since he FELT young, he knew he could do it, he was not going to listen. I gathered my son and I would go many times to do things when I would catch him doing them. The problem was, he didn't always ask...he would just do it. Then the accident of falling on his arm. Something like 7 surgeries, infections, lots of problems. He had enough. HE sold things, packed up and had Bill drive him to his daughters, in the Midwest. He was there for a couple months. I talked to him several times...he really didn't like not being able to do his thing...said the rocking chair was not for him, frustrated. He threw some things in the SUV and drove himself, bad arm and all. I had him move in with me while he was looking for him a new place to live. He had stopped his practice, no one answered the phones for months and months at a time. I took over the phone number when he moved out of state so he could stay connected to those who had his number. He even did a couple sessions while with me, it did take a lot from him. His pain was nerve pain and he just could not get long term relief from it. He wanted to put a program together on Cancer, that was a spark for him, however, he kept getting worse. He could not fix it. He was so uncomfortable and it was so hard to watch it. That was not who he was.

He signed the company name over to me and said he was done. He would concentrate on the cancer thing, and then we could do it together. He just had to get feeling better. He finally had enough of the pain, seeing no way out of it, they kept telling him they could not do anything more...and he just gave up. Michael had more strength than anyone I have ever met, and he fought to the end, then just said, enough...and went to meet HIS maker.

Michael had more knowledge than a thousand books. He had so much hands on experience, so many people he had helped...and the large amount that he had taught. HE was a natural teacher. NO one understood the mind and working of the body like he did. No one knew how it worked and how to make it work, then he did, in his own determined way. He understood the cells and could make them so interesting. He made learning fun...and serious at the same time. Many times we came from different views and different roads but we would get to the center and meaning eventually...both saying the same thing...in our own way. Because of him, I have been lucky to have a active practice now for 28 years. I owe so much of it to his teachings and determinations, and lack of patience with me at times. I learned so much. His wonderful ability to always love to share his knowledge, do a quick tape for you, tell you how to handle something...the rescue squad of one...knew it all. giving it all. He has touched so many lives in his 90 years. I will cherish the last email...that said, FRIENDS FOREVER, Michael. That is the way I feel about him, no matter the differences it was always, Friends forever!

I know he is still looking in and correcting me...or just shaking his head, thinking, you should have done it this way. I dare not to stop learning, he will make sure of that. I have no doubts he now is in a new teaching role, still sharing. GOD Bless you Michael...and ...oh yes, Michael, We are still talking about you. IF I had to engrave a stone for you, I would put....HE THOUGHT HE WOULD LIVE FOREVER....HE DOES!!! We are still praising, talking and still learning from the wonderful knowledge you left with us with your wonderful book. Your wisdom was timeless. Michael, you are missed! GOD BLESS. Al Vera Paxson, Ph.D. You-nique Medical Hypnotherapy Institute of Medical Hypnosis, Scottsdale, Arizona.

"MEDICINE OF THE MIND" AUTHOR, DR. PRESTON, SURPRISES ME! PATRICIA SCOTT: JUNE 2008

This has been an exciting week, culminating in an unexpected hour-long telephone call with Dr. Michael Preston, author of "Medicine of the Mind". I studied extensively with Dr. Preston in the early 1990's and haven't seen or spoken with him in many years. Since he was in his 70's when I studied with him, I wasn't even sure if he was still of this world. An interesting twist of fate that included someone "borrowing" my cherished signed copy of "Medicine of The Mind" about 2 years ago and never returning it actually laid the groundwork for this amazing phone call. For a long time I felt very upset and even angry that someone would keep something that meant so much to me. I thought I knew who borrowed it, and put the word out to many people in order not to embarrass the person, about how important this signed book was to me. A few weeks ago I came to terms with the fact it was probably gone forever, and decided to wish the person well and hope the book helped them or someone else. Funny how as soon as you decide to "let go" of old resentments, the universe offers unexpected rewards.

Dr. Preston said he did remember me and my ex-husband, Ernie, who accompanied me to those trainings in Phoenix. I originally attended to support Ernie, who had Lymphoma, and was immediately enthralled with the field of Medical Hypnotherapy and made it my specialty. Ernie used the techniques he learned from Dr. Preston for many years, and I'm convinced this significantly prolonged his life. Ernie died about 1 1/2 years ago of a different disease. During the phone call, Dr. Preston offered me bits of insight about working with what he calls "patients", and I refer to as "clients". I told him, ironically, I will be presenting a seminar based on his "Library" technique next month in Orlando for the Hypnosis Education Association, and he began to review his technique over the phone. I wish I had been able to record this phone call, but alas, it is only recorded in my mind and in the scribbles of furious notes I was taking.

Dr. Preston has been very ill for about 6 years now, following a fall from a ladder. Interestingly, I remember the very first seminar I attended in Phoenix with him. He was telling us a story about falling off a ladder a couple of years earlier (remember he was in his 70's at that time!) and as he lay unconscious in the hospital, having lost an enormous amount of blood, the doctor told his son not to be too optimistic because of his fathers age. Little did that doctor know that as soon as Dr. Preston fell and cracked his head open, in the unconscious state he began to give orders to his body to stop the bleeding and start the healing process. Being a doctor, he knew the precise directions to give his mind/body, and a few days later when he came out of the coma he began yelling at the doctor and repeating every word he had said to his son. The doctor was shocked, needless to say, as Dr. Preston lectured him on never using such negative language in the room with someone who is unconscious, because they DO hear every word and not everyone is trained as he is to ignore such limiting comments. After telling the class this story, he went on to convince us that there is absolutely no reason we can't live to 126 and beyond.

I found it interesting that his latest illness was caused from "falling off a ladder", and all I could think was, if I were Dr. Preston I would definitely stay away from ladders! He has evidently extended his previous forecast, in spite of his current condition, and said several times during our conversation that "400" years old is his expectation. I thought I had been optimistic by taking his "126" prediction and adding years every year since then to arrive now at an estimation of "187". Guess I need to readjust my expectations.

The wonderful result of this phone call is that Dr. Preston is sending me another signed copy of his book, and I also ordered 10 more books to make available to my students at UP Hypnosis Institute. I believe this new "reconnection" with Dr. Preston was destined, and I plan to do whatever is necessary to introduce my students and other audiences to his skills and techniques.

BOOK REVIEW HYPNOSIS: MEDICINE OF THE MIND: MICHAEL PRESTON REVIEWED BY THELMA HOWE:

HYPNOSIS: MEDICINE OF THE MIND, written by Dr. Michael D. Preston, is a comprehensive resource for hypnosis. Although written for the practitioner, anyone interested in hypnosis can benefit. The first five chapters discuss the history, definition, and mechanics of hypnosis as well as the brain’s role in stress- overreactivity. Early on Preston debunks several myths of hypnosis: hypnosis is not sleeping, losing consciousness, nor total loss of control. After Preston gives a general overview of hypnotic treatment, he elaborates on induction, deepening processes, tests of depth, hypnotherapy, and age regression. In each chapter the practitioner is given several techniques with examples and complete scripts for practice use.

The third section of the book focuses on the main uses for hypnosis: development of the immune system, drugs and alcohol treatment, and other special treatments. A chapter is devoted to each of these topics. According to Preston any physiological ailment or emotional problem can be remedied by hypnosis if the patient has the desire to overcome the problem and believes it is possible to do so.

Before reading HYPNOSIS: MEDICINE OF THE MIND, I was a bit skeptical of hypnosis. However, the author debunks several myths about hypnosis. He gives a clear explanation of what hypnosis is and is not, as well as the details of how hypnosis works are explained. I felt hypnosis bordered on brainwashing but after reading this book I realized that hypnosis is a safe and effective way to treat many issues people struggle to overcome. For the lay person the technical terms discussed may be overwhelming at first. As the book continues Preston explains the technical jargon of hypnosis thoroughly. The reader is given various examples and complete scripts for the most common ailments and problems which hypnosis is used to treat. The key points are reiterated many times in the book. The repetition of these principles can seem a bit redundant. However, the repetition allows the book to be utilized as a reference manual once read in its entirety. Whether you are a practitioner or just curious to learn about hypnosis, HYPNOSIS: MEDICINE OF THE MIND, is a great learning tool.

DEVELOPING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: MICHAEL PRESTON: FROM "HYPNOSIS: MEDICINE OF MIND: ULYSSIAN PUB. CANADA 2001

Pain, suffering, and depression become secondary when the patient or subject is suffering from a severe, debilitating, or terminal disease. In most patients, a time pattern of psychic death has been established and formulated so that death may be predicted within months of the origin of the diagnosis. The attending physician is always on guard for the inevitable question: "How long do I have to live?" When the answer is not straightforward, the patient will interpret the evasive answer into meaning that his remaining days are rather short. At this point, the patient is overcome with fear, loneliness, depression, and self-pity together with an underlying delayed reaction of hatred.

Since there are no known cures for cancer and other terminal diseases, treatment is delayed for fear that the condition is already beyond repair. Early detection and removal or treatment can and will reward the patient with additional years of productive and enjoyable life. However, when the words indicating terminal diseases are spoken, there is an immediate deterioration of the thought process, resulting in negative body responses.

At the mere mention of cancer and having accepted the fact that he is suffering from such a disease, the patient begins the downward progress, resulting in death within the limits of the time prescribed or mentioned by the attending physician. The conscious mind now works in unison with the subconscious mind to create the inevitable result of early death. The thought "[ cannot survive" becomes deeply etnbedded in the memory bank, preventing its removal by (174) conscious effort. The conscious mind has the ability to feed the information into the memory bank but lacks the capacity to remove any thought that has been placed there and becomes deeply embedded within. The removal of the thoughts is limited to the powers of the subconscious mind. Returning back to the basic principle that it is the subconscious mind that directs the brain to perform in any manner, we can now begin to recognize how corrective suggestions may be implemented.

Consider for a moment a patient who has just been informed that he is suffering from colon cancer of some duration. His immediate backlash thought is: "[ am condemned to an early death. " Every ache and pain thereafter are accepted by the patient to mean that the condition is worsening, and any assurances by his physician that these pains are not related are rejected. With the passing days and months, the patient retreats within himself and develops symptoms of self-pity, depression, hatred, and loneliness, causing him to become entirely dependent upon family and other relatives for the ordinary daily chores. When this dependency becomes overbearing upon the family, especially with no hopeful future in sight, the repressed desire for an early demise begins to settle within the individuals most concerned.

Overcoming the torment that by now has undermined the patient is a very difficult and an almost impossible task for the hypnotist. The patient must first be convinced that there is room for hope, and a commitment must be made to survive against insurmountable odds. The dreaded feeling of death is ever-present. The helpless and lost sensation within must be overcome, and the question "How can I succeed and cure myself when all of the best medicine provides no hope?" must be answered in a convincing manner. Years of scientific research have failed to provide an encouraging answer; however, research in clinical hypnosis and the small measure of success give hope where no hope previously existed.

Every doctor has heard mysterious stories of a patient's recovery from a disease that denied conventional explanation. Such stories give rise to the doctrine that there exists some (175) undefined element to healing that is not subject to microscopic examination or laboratory tests. Some element in the mind of the patient makes a very important contribution in the difference of that person's reactions to illness. Whatever happens in the mind also happens in the body.

During the early stages of development of modern medicine, immunologists concluded that the immune system was autonomous in nature and that it functioned independently of the rest of the body's organs. However, around 1950 researchers learned that the immune system could tell which cells belonged to the body and which were foreign cells, that the immune system possessed a biochemical memory that helped it recognize and destroy certain cells, and that it was capable of sending millions of killer cells to assist in this destruction. One encounter of a foreign cell was sufficient for future recognition.

Continued research and laboratory studies revealed other very interesting and disturbing patterns of conduct. Not only is the immune system called upon to locate, identify, and destroy cells entering the body through external avenues, but it is also required to destroy and remove cells affected by functional stress arising during the everyday activities.

Ductless glands, for example, such as the adrenal and pituitary glands, release their powerful secretions directly into the bloodstream in such varying amounts as may be necessary. Since the brain runs, rules, and controls the function of each cell in the body, we must therefore recognize that it is the brain that causes the condition to start or stop.

In each and every stressful or traumatic situation, the body undergoes a number of changes. Some situations will produce a combination of changes such as increased pulse rate, sweating, nervousness, shortness of breath, or any other emotional response such as fight or flight. It is therefore concluded that if stress or a traumatic event can create such an immediate response, then shouldn't some other factor within be able to turn it off? These are only some of the clues linking the brain to the immune system. The next question, then, begs for an answer. If the brain can influence the (176) immune system, is there some way that we can control and direct this function of the brain? The answer to this is yes.

Assume for a moment that two individuals were just concluding a conversation in a closed room and one of them was leaving. As he opened the door to leave, he was confronted with a tall, heavy individual wearing dirty clothes and holding a gun which was pointed directly at him. The normal reaction would be for him to feel an increase in pulse rate, accelerated breathing, sweating, and anticipating physical harm. The fight-or-flight syndrome would begin to manifest itself. Without any words spoken, the body changes were immediately caused by what he saw. Accompanying this image was the perception it gave, and the mind analyzing these factors concluded that this was a dangerous and stressful situation.

The events unfolded so fast that the person was not consciously aware of his physical changes. However, upon hearing the remark, "Don't worry, he is only a friend of mine returning my gun," the body instantly undergoes further changes, reflecting the concept that this dangerous condition never really existed. Although the physical facts remain the same (that of the man holding the gun), the person's thoughts of the situation changed, resulting in emotional and physical changes. The only difference in the entire picture is the thinking.

We previously recognized that there was a relationship between the brain and the immune system, and now we can add the third element: the psycho-how we think. Putting the three together, we have the psycho (state of mind), neuro (brain), and immunology (the immune system). Hence, the word "psychoneuroimmunology."

Brain cells are called neurons and are located within and protected by the skull, communicating with one another by means of neurotransmitters. Each neuron is capable of transmitting and receiving thousands of messages at any given moment.

During normal circumstances, these messages are equal in number, allowing the person to enjoy a calm and controlled attitude; however, when the messages are out of balance, the result may be overactive or depressive. After these messages are transferred from brain cell to brain cell, they travel along fine, hairlike fibers called nerves to their ultimate destination in the particular organ or cell.

The immune system is a complicated, organized group of cells that have their own system of communication and alert each cell ofthe condition of other cells in the body. They have their origin in the bone marrow and follow different pathways of development. About one half of these cells are carried by the bloodstream to the thymus gland, the source of powerful hormones that allow the newly created cells to mature into powerful T-cells.

There are several types of T -cells. The helper T-cell is the most important T-cell. The helper T-cell has a memory bank of one million antigens, things that can destroy or harm the body. Upon recognizing any antigen, the helper T-cell instantly secretes a biochemical substance that alerts other immune system cells into action to locate, identify, destroy, and remove the antigen from the body.

Other cells that make up a part of the immune system are the B-cells, natural killer cells, killer T-cells, suppressor T-cells, lymphocytes, phagocytes, macrophages, and null cells (just to name a few). These by no means comprise the entire system. These cells functioning alone would be entirely ineffective in combating disease or destroying tumor tissue.

Some of the glands in the immune system are the thymus, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and hypothalamus (just to name a few of these). The hypothalamus is a giant drug factory, producing stress-sensitive hormones that, in turn, cause norepinephrine, epinephrine, and corticosteroids to be produced, each of which has a definite effect on the immune system.

Now we come to where the hypnotist plays an important part in the chain of events within. The most important ingredient in psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is the psycho, the mind. All other segments are organic and like all organic (198) matters in the whole body, they respond to commands, instructions, and orders. Some of these are preprogrammed by our very nature and the inherent natural law of survival while others emerge from our activities and environments.

(1) Nothing is accomplished unless or until it is preceded by a thought, either current or previously established.

Research has taught us that the brain's connecting nerve tissues run through every gland (such as the thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen) that makes up a large part of the function of the immune system. No major or minor sector of the immune system is without a direct connection to the brain.

Various states of mind and our acceptance or rejection of the feeling or symptom, resulting from the creation of the state of mind, can result in a biochemical aftershock consistent with the severity of the state of mind. We act or we react not always to the true nature of an event but to how we perceive it to be. If time would permit us to analyze or reason as the events unfold, our state of mind-that is, how we accept or reject circumstances-would differ and our actions might take a different course.

Stress, for example, is a state of mind and most of the brain's effect on the health of any individual comes from the degree of stress sustained. During any stressful situation, a tiny pituitary gland affixed at the base of the brain releases endorphines, a powerful brain drug, into the bloodstream. Any kind of stress, regardless of the nature of its origin, instantly creates a release of the painkillers into the blood. These painkillers attempt to neutralize the stressful situation so that one is able to cope with the present circumstances. As circumstances change, so will the state of mind.

Unfortunately, the longer an individual allows the stressful situation to exist, the more troublesome it becomes. And the longer our attempts to cope with the situation end up in failure, the more desperate becomes the state of mind (179) which eventually gives up all further attempts and accepts failure, rendering the situation permanent and creating an emotional fallout of worry and fear. The hypnotist can, and must, create a state of mind that can successfully cope with the stressful situation.

When worry and fear are allowed to remain, it may lead to loss of appetite and social inactivity and eventually total helplessness. By now, we must realize that a person is continuously bombarded with two methods of attackemotional and physical. Whichever comes first, the other is soon to follow. Should an individual suffer cancerous tumors, he usually becomes so emotionally stressed out that his body surrenders itselfto all other diseases. On the other hand, when a person is faced with a stressful situation and he accepts the attitude that he can't cope with it, he allows the helpless and hopeless state of mind to take charge, surrendering all effort to cope, thereby succumbing to illness and physical problems. Stress is a component in every disease, and the removal of stress by the hypnotist lessens one very important ingredient in the physical ailment.

(1) One is the humoral immunity, which depends on special molecules always present in the bloodstream. These antibodies are able to move quickly to the site of the infection or injury.

(2) The other is cell-mediated immunity, which utilizes a team of cells to inform the immune system of the presence of virus or bacteria and then organizes an attack on it.

It is to the cell-mediated immunity that the hypnotist must direct his suggestions. These cells work in conjunction with responses to activity of other cells. They are instructed to respond, based upon the conduct of other cells in direct line of communication.

Consider for a moment the activity of this cell-mediated immunity. Constantly on patrol are the cells that make up the immune system. Each one of us has approximately four billion (180) such cells. However, each day we lose a billion and each day we grow another billion. When an immune cell encounters a foreign bacterium, it splits off a molecule and carries this molecule to the helper T-cell for identification. The helper Tcell has a memory bank of one million antigens, things that can destroy or harm the body. Upon identification that the bacterium is harmful, the helper T-cell discharges a biochemical substance into the body, alerting the system of the presence of this bacterium.

The B-cells, ever present near the lymph glands, pick up this warning and, in turn, release into the blood stream antibodies particular to that bacteria. Once these antibodies reach the bacteria, they attack, invade, and attempt to isolate it by forming a coating over it. When the antibody discharged by the B-cell is in the body, this alerts the reserve or backup cells. The natural killer cells, killer T-cells, phagocytes, the null cells, and the other cells comprising the reserve system go into action. The reserve cells, in turn, attack the bacteria and engage in a battle to destroy the bacteria.

When the bacteria has been destroyed, then the suppressor T-cells send out its own biochemical substance calling off the attack and requesting the cells to return to their specific glands until the next encounter. In the meantime, the phagocytes and the macrophages clean up the residue and cart the residue to the urine and stool. One encounter with that particular bacteria, or enemy, and the cells retain a memory of their potential destruction. Should another encounter take place, instantly a battle erupts.

Each step in the function of the immune system is a well-organized and intelligent process with a specific goal to be accomplished. Every such attack follows a precisely described routine. To organize takes planning, and planning takes intelligence. So where does this intelligence originate?

The only source of this thought process is the mindthat elusive, intangible energy. At the moment of conception, this vast knowledge directing the immune system is passed from one generation to the next. However, during the lifetime of an individual, there is a constant bombardment of interrupting and disturbing thoughts that can affect the (181) function of this system. When the incoming thoughts, impressions, or impulses become overwhelming, the immune system breaks down and the person is unable to destroy the virus or bacteria within. Drugs must then be injected into the body to aid in destroying the enemy. The longer the immune system is permitted to continue its inefficient course, the more permanent it becomes, and this inefficiency is passed along to the next generation. This new generation then "inherits" the disease of past generations needlessly.

Control of each cell and the function thereof rest with the brain. However, the brain refuses to act until it has been directed and has received a command to perform. The decision to perform may be on the conscious level, but the performance is on the subconscious level. This control center is intricately connected by a vast network of nerves relaying messages for action or inaction. The origin of any message must be the result of a thought process. To conclude otherwise would be to assume that the brain creates the thoughts and directs their performance. Following this line of reasoning, it would then be fair to conclude that each of us would, under similar circumstances, perform identically as our brains function in a precise pattern.

The only thing that makes each of us different is how we think. A group often individuals faced with an unexpected event will respond in ten different ways, each following his own thoughts and perceptions. We are genetically and immunologically different: genetically different due to the acceptance or rejection of thoughts, impressions, and impulses on our parents and their predecessors; immunologically different due to the influences of diet, sex, race, state of mind, attitude, and our ability to deal with a stressful situation (just to name a few factors).

We must accept the PNI theory that there is a connection between the mind and the immune system, otherwise the thought process is irrelevant to that of the rest of the body. We already know that certain states of mind-that is, how we perceive a situation to be-do have a powerful biochemical influence. The more we research, the more we realize that our body does respond to how we think. (181)

States of mind have a decided effect on glands and their chemical-producing ability. A stressful state of mind affects the hypothalamus and its ability to produce hormones which are vital to the immune system. Other states of mind cause other reactions, varying in degree of effect on the immune system. The longer a negative, depressive state continues to exist, the more influence it has on the immune system. Giving up, for example, is a complete surrender of the immune system to disease. The loss of hope, realistic or otherwise, means death is near.

Since the brain is connected to every cell, diseased or otherwise, any message to the brain from the subconscious mind is immediately relayed to each cell. Instructions by the hypnotist must be directed to both the diseased cell and the cells of the immune system. I must repeat, for emphasis, that the brain controls each cell and it receives its commands, orders, and instructions from the subconscious mind which, in turn, is relayed to the cell, causing the cells to respond accordingly.

Credibility is the most important word in utilizing the immune system to treat the patient in the state of hypnosis. Nothing can be accomplished unless the patient believes in the treatment, so the hypnotist's first obligation is to educate the patient in what he is trying to accomplish and how he will go about doing it. This requires the hypnotist to have a certain amount of knowledge of the function of the immune system and the ability to explain this function in such terms that the average patient will understand it. Treatment begins with the interview and the rapport that is developed during the session. As trust in the hypnotist grows, so does the patient's responsiveness.

Conduct a general conversation with the subject relative to the information provided by the subject on the data sheet, prepared by the subject before the first session. Direct the conversation into the area of hypnosis by seeking out the subject's knowledge and impressions of hypnosis, and then give your explanation of hypnosis and why it works for the subject's benefit. When the hypnotist is satisfied that the subject has a good grasp of hypnosis, the method by which (183) the immune system functions should be explained without going into a lengthy, detailed discussion. Unless the subject is acquainted with the immune system, it may be difficult to create some imagery of the cells engaged in battle. The use of a chalkboard with some sketching of the cells is usually helpful. When drawing the various cells, always make the immune cells larger than the diseased cells; for this preinstructs the subject to imagine such cells as being stronger and more powerful.

The subject is now ready to be hypnotized by any method of induction that the hypnotist may elect with the progressive relaxation and two deepening techniques following. I prefer to use the counting-backward-from-one-to-one-hundred method, followed by the alphabet technique (as outlined in Chapter 11). Testing for depth may be attempted at this time only if the outward appearance of the subject shows he is thoroughly relaxed. No attempt to test the subject should ever be made unless the hypnotist expects a positive response. In the event that the test provides a negative response, all further tests should be terminated and alternative deepening techniques administered, allowing the subject to further relax, physically and mentally. Under these circumstances, recognize that the subject is either too resistant or exceptionally apprehensive, so the session should be ended. Arrange for a subsequent session at which time the proper depth may be achieved.

When the subject is ready to the satisfaction of the hypnotist for suggestive therapy, the subject should be taken down to the library. He is then age-regressed by taking him down the aisle between the bookshelves to a time preceding the present ailment. Following the procedure previously outlined, the books representing the present difficulties are removed from the shelves, thrown away, and removed from the library, the memory bank. These books may have such titles as Cancer, Pain, Lung Disease, Headaches, I Can't, Excuses, or any other that may be indicative of the subject's problems. Once the books have been removed and the subject is seated in the comfortable library chair experiencing a (184) feeling of complete relaxation, he is ready for the suggestions as may be necessary for the improvement of his immune system.

Continue as follows: You recall earlier we talked about the immune system and how the various cells communicated wi th one another to destroy damaged cells. These immune system cells are permanently patrolling your body looking for viruses, germs, bacteria, and troubled areas in your body. Remember that when these patrolling cells encounter an invader, a cell that doesn't belong in your body, or discover a cell that you buil t that turned out to be confused, mutated, or diseased, these cells must then, in turn, be destroyed. Some of the diseased cells cover themselves with a coating material to disguise themselves to look like good cells. Sometimes your immune system cells get lazy and don't patrol as efficiently as they should. So now it's time for you to instruct these patrolling cells to be more efficient.

Walk around in this library of yours and as you walk around, you do find a door that is open. When you see the open door, just nod your head YES so I know that you have found the open door.

(The patient nods his head.) Now look around some more and not too far from the open door, there is a door that is closed. Again, when you see the closed door, nod your head YES so I know that you have found the closed door. (The patient nods his head.) (185)

Let me tell you what is behind the closed door. When you were born and still a tiny wet baby, the Almighty stood over you and spread His hands over your body and blessed you. These blessings landed on your body and covered your whole body like angel dust, starlets, or sprinkles. These blessings entered into your body through the tiny pores in your skin and became living cells.

These cells patrol your entire body looking for, finding, and destroying viruses, bacteria, germs, and foreign material that enter into your body. The doctors call these cells your immune and defensive system. I prefer to call these cells workers, protectors, friends, helpers, even soldiers and angels. For most of your life, these friends, helpers, and protectors were very efficient and kept your body free from disease and discomfort. But somewhere and somehow you insul ted your friends, workers, and protectors.

You see, each and every time you criticized yourself, you also criticized your workers and helpers. And so too every time you became stressed, you also stressed your friends, workers, and helpers and they became lazy. The more you became stressed and the more you have criticized yourself, the lazier and more inefficient they became.

You have reached a point that your workers, helpers, friends, and protectors got so disgusted that they threw up their hands and said, "If you don't care, why should we work so hard?" (186) When they became so disgusted, they went behind the closed door and remained there.

Understand that your problem developed because your friends, workers, and helpers were no longer protecting your body. So wi th your permission, I am going to get the door open and instruct your workers, helpers, protectors, friends, maybe soldiers and angels to go back to work and do the job that the Almighty intended for them to do.

Do you want the door opened? If you do, just nod your head YES so I know that you want the door open. (The patient nods his head.) [Always ask permission to have the door opened. When permission is given, that is reassurance that the person is motivated to recovery. In all the years that I have been in hypnosis, only once did the subject not express the desire to have the door opened. Later, I found out that she had suicidal tendencies. In this case, I told her it was my duty to have the door opened and I told her that I would clap my hand together, this causes the door to burst wide open. I clapped my hands very hard without hesitation. Much to her surprise, the door just feel apart. I then instructed her that the door was so broken that no one could put it together. Not only was the door broken but also was her depression. She fully recovered.}

Continue as follows: I am gently going to place my hand on your forehead and the moment I touch your forehead, this causes the closed door to burst wide open and when the door is open, out come your workers, helpers, and protectors in a never ending number, like an army into the library and then out the open door and back into your body (187) to do the work that they were initially intended to do.

Now keep your eyes on the closed door. (Gently place your hand on the forehead with the thumb on one temple and a finger on the other temple.) Now the door has burst open and it's shattered and out come your protectors, helpers, friends, and maybe soldiers and angels in a never ending number into the library and then out the opened door and back into your body. I can't see them but you can. Don't be surprised how they look.

When you see your workers, helpers, protectors, just nod your head YES. (The patient nods his head.) [I state that when the subject sees the bookshelves in rows, the subject will see everything after that. So when you state that the workers and protectors come out the door, expect the subject to see this happen. Why it works is not important, just know that it works. I explained beforehand that when I place m hand on the forehead, the door will burst wide open and the workers will come out. If you want a person to see something specific, you must explain ahead of time what is going to happen and then the subject realizes those exceptions.

Continue as follows: Now your workers, helpers, protectors, friends, soldiers and maybe angels work for you. Your thoughts are their commands and instructions. These thoughts that you give are relayed by the brain through all of the wires called nerves to the workers and helpers, causing them to perform the duties that you request. (188)

I am going to ask your friends and workers to patrol your entire body from the top of the head, all the way down to your toes and to the ends of your fingertips and examine each and every cell in your whole body. To look for, search, examine each cell, tissue,

gland, and organ for any foreign material such as viruses, bacteria, germs, and chemicals that are harmful and dangerous to your body. To identify these invaders and destroy the viruses, germs, bacteria, and chemicals and remove the residue to the stool and urine so that you can expel this out of your body.

I am also going to ask your friends, workers, and protectors to search for, locate, and identify any diseased tissue, tumors, cluster of cells and any cells that are present in the body that do not perform any useful healthy function in the body. To destroy these unnecessary and harmful cells and tissues. To look for cells that should be soft and when these cells have a hard exterior, to destroy the cells and remove the interior material down to the stool and urine. [This is when the workers and helpers are directed to specific area in the body where the doctors have indicated there is a tumor or tumors, infected tissues, or suspected problems. You may also ask the patient to touch certain areas specifically locating the tumors or infected tissues. The therapist should never touch unless he has permission and the area is not personal. The more specific the instructions and the more detailed the area is described, the more success you can expect.] (189)

Continue as follows: I am also asking the brain to collapse the veins and capillaries that serve the tumors, infected tissues, and cancer cells and stop serving these tissues with the energy to keep the tissues, cancer cells, and tumors alive. To allow these cells to die immediately.

It is necessary to kill these cells that are harmful and dangerous for survival of the body. I am also asking the brain to continue this process of searching, locating, and destroying these tumors, cancer cells and tissues until the process is complete and all of the tumors, cancer cells and tissue that serve no useful function until the body is fully healed and healthy.

Nothing is beyond the power of your subconscious mind to aid in the recovery of your body. The imprints, instructions, and suggestions that you have given are now permanently recorded in your Health and Happiness, Success, and Desire books and continue to direct your helpers, workers, protectors, friends, soldiers, and maybe angels in keeping your body protected from cancer cells and invaders.

Be proud of who you are. Give yourself credi t for taking the time to heal yourself. Look after your precious body. It's the only one you are going to have, so love yourself. Be pleased wi th yourself and do not let anyone harm you or cause any physical or mental injury. Protect yourself even from your own harmful acts. (190)

Now is the time to leave your library, your sanctuary, your retreat, and return to the conscious state of awareness. I am going to count from one to three, and at the count of three, your eyelids do open and you are alert and feeling wonderful, relaxed, comfortable, and satisfied in mind and body.

The foregoing language should be delivered very slowly and methodically. Take your time. Pause between each sentence. Let the subject or patient absorb each descriptive word. Allow time for the patient to grasp the meaning of such words and permit him sufficient time to formulate a picture or image in his mind of each thing you are describing.

A sentence should be delivered in this manner: Close by ... or nearby ... there is another door and it's closed find this door ... you can see it when you see this door ... again ... nod your head YES...

Whenever a patient is able to visualize the bookshelves in the library, he will be able to find the doors and his protectors. Do not attempt to describe the protectors, workers, helpers, or friends. Each patient's description will vary, so do not attempt to put one patient's description into another patient's image or picture. It just doesn't work.

Due to the varying types of the immune system, I prefer to use several terms, such as soldiers, workers, helpers, friends, protectors, and maybe angels. Each of these descriptive words carries a separate and distinct connotation in the minds of the subjects. Soldiers may mean people who would not hesitate to protect or carry out a command; they are duty bound. Workers are those who go about and methodically get the job done. Helpers are those who assist because there is a need for assistance. Friends are those who (191) get the work done because they are ready to help. Protectors are guardians and angels enhance one's belief in the Almighty, whose power is universal and unlimited.

Keep interchanging the words by referring to the immune system as being soldiers and helpers, and then another time as bein~ workers and friends. By interchanging these words, we begin to mold all of the characteristics into one figure, ending up with an individual object that is strong, very friendly, and a good worker.

Following the session, ask the patient to describe the immune system or workers. Make a note on his chart as to just how the patient views his system for future reference. Show no surprise and do not make fun of the description the patient gives. Over the years, I have heard the immune system called Pac-man, Dow Chemical Cleaners, Scrubbies, Brushes, Arrows, Shovels, Fish, Cotton Balls, Large and Small Soldiers, Those on Horses, and Little People (to name a few). The clothing, uniforms, and dress vary in color.

Recently one of my cancer patients described them as being Grains of Rice. At the subsequent session, he explained the rice concept. In his mind, they were kernels and he was a retired colonel in the Air Force. The words kernel and colonel are pronounced the same. At the time that he first created the image of his immune system, he was not aware of the close association of the two words. It was during a selfhypnosis session that he recognized the similarity. This brought a pleased smile to his face as this recognition led to a feeling of security, of being in the hands of superior officers.

It is the brain that causes the body to function. The thought is the energy and impulse to the brain requesting certain action, and upon receipt of this instruction, the brain then commences the process of body action. The brain, on its own, cannot cause any action. The initial and motivating force must come from the thought process.

In a state of hypnosis-that is, in a state of awareness dominated by the subconscious mind-body functions may be altered, changed, and modified by suggestion. Upon acceptance of the suggestion by the subject or patient, the brain either causes some action to happen or prevents the

(192) function of what we would consider ordinary and normal. Most of us consider the ability to speak a normal and ordinary body function; however, by proper suggestion, speaking can be entirely removed or modified. Since we speak with no conscious effort, we must then assume that this body function is controlled by the subconscious mind. So if the subconscious mind can cause a change, then we must recognize that the subconscious mind can direct the brain to increase or decrease all functions in the body. Through the use of hypnosis, bodily functions such as breathing, walking, running, sitting down, standing up, hearing, smelling, or any number of other functions can be altered or entirely inhibited.

During one of my party demonstrations, I asked a young lady in a state of hypnosis if she would like a drink of water, since she was thirsty. At her request, she was given a glass of cool liquid and when she had finished drinking, I said to her in a surprised voice that I made a mistake and had given her a glass of gin. Immediately, she started to cough and became extremely upset, thinking that she had consumed a full glass of gin. This was followed by a suggestion that she would become intoxicated and would need some assistance in getting horne. Within a few minutes, she began exhibiting signs of intoxication and in less than an hour, she passed out on a couch. Once she had not rejected the suggestion that what she had consumed was gin, the responsive conduct was an automatic process over which she had no control. Such is the effect of the subconscious mind upon the body functions. It is not material to the subconscious mind whether or not the statements and suggestions are true. It is the intended effect, by the language used, that causes the subconscious mind to respond the way that it does.