The Neurochemistry of Counterconditioning: Acupressure Desensitization in Psychotherapy
doi: 10.9769.EPJ.2009.1.1.JRL
By James R. Lane
Abstract
A growing body of literature indicates that imaginal exposure, paired with acupressure, reduces midbrain hyperarousal and counterconditions anxiety and traumatic memories. Exposure therapies that elicit the midbrain’s anxiety reflex and then replace it with a relaxation response are said to “reciprocally inhibit” anxiety. More recent research indicates that manual stimulation of acupuncture points produces opioids, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and regulates cortisol. These neurochemical changes reduce pain, slow the heart rate, decrease anxiety, shut off the FFF response, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and create a sense of calm. This relaxation response reciprocally inhibits anxiety and creates a rapid desensitization to traumatic stimuli. This paper explores the neurochemistry of the types of acupressure counterconditioning used in energy psychology and provides explanations for the mechanisms of actions of these therapies, based upon currently accepted paradigms of brain function, behavioral psychology, and biochemistry.
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I have had OCD and the anxiety that accompanies the disorder for 30 years with a variety of treatment modalities. Medications, therapy, Exposure Ritual Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Spiritual thought processes. I am trying EFT but have this question. For decades I have been taught the power of affirmations to shift biology. Now I’m working with EFT that directs me to set up with the problem followed by a positive acceptance statement and then tapping on the pressure points while saying a short piece of the problem. (E.G. 1. Set up: Even though I am Anxious, I deeply and completely accept myself 3 times with karate chop 2. Pressure points around head, eyes etc ~ I say “Anxious” while I gently tap away. Ok, finally my question. Why am I saying negative wordings while tapping? What is the mechanism that shifts this to help the mind -body into positive feelings? My mentor Dr Wayne Dyer and others for have taught me for so long that if you change you thoughts you change your biology. Now I’m confused. Can you clear this up for me?
Thanks,
James Callner
Pres. Awareness Foundation for OCD
afocd.org
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