Risks of hypnosis, trance, and deep meditation

Below is some information I found online; on various free websites. I started research this when I started experiencing nausea and dizziness when coming out of mediumistic trance and I wanted to know why. I asked if "trance" and self hypnosis were the same thing. My Spirit guide told me this depends on your point of view and your motivations. And that I should never practice trance of any kind without the guidance from my Spirit team; without pre-arrangement; without proper opening and closing of a session-calling to God and the good spirits for protection and guidance in light and love for the common good of improving my spirit or the good of mankind. That to work without guidance, that I would be increasing my risk of ill physical effects and risk influence of spirits from the lower planes.

Take it or leave it; It's all I've got on the subject for now. I'll update as I run across information or as soon as I get a chance to organize this better. Below In a long section I've included my thoughts as well as a couple of articles I've found online.

There can be risks and side effects associated with experiencing an altered state of consciousness. From the common mundane sleep walking and physical harm, or mental and equilibrium and physical discomfort; all the way up to triggering mental reactions and mental illness. It really depends on the type and duration of experience and circumstance. Altered states of consciousness is a normal and common function of the human body. And like other functions; use and overuse of-- can have consequences.

several simple searches on the internet will demonstrate enough evidence to show this. You just have to keep in mind the vast array of experience types and extrapolate the information.

Risks from a religeous perspective (from a certain viewpoint):

Also, depending on your religious persuasion and beliefs, you may find any of these 'experiences' dangerous. For example; Most evangelical, orthadox, and fundamental sects/groups from the Abrihamic religeions (Christian, Muslem, Jewish) have big problems with such experiences and all things 'paranormal'. For them, there can be no divergence in belief. It's either their way or the hyway.

Here are some examples: (of which I do not endorse, believe in or subscribe to, by the way)

http://www.creationists.org/spirits.html

Again, with all such topics; if you are going "be - in -to" researching you will want to get as many view points and perspectives as possible before you make up your own mind.

I am fully aware that from many view points I am crazy. From many religeous view points I am damned and dancing with "evil" so to speak. To be quite honest, there is nothing either sides can do about it other than pray and hope the other will change and see the light. It's the same from both sides. I think, in American society it is often fogotten that we have the freedom to believe and practice whatever we want in so that it does not infringe on others rights to do the same. I know a lot of reliegeous groups believe that is wrong. In such cases, each side can be content that the other will "discover" the truth, in the next life to come...

What really bothers me is that each of us finds the others "stance" or belief to be repungnent. That each of our feelings are hurt or offended. In which case all I can do is to go back to the information on What is the best Religion ?

Are there any possible problems or complications?

Hypnosis done under the care of a professionally trained hypnotherapist is generally considered safe when used with standard medical treatment. Emotional distress may happen in some situations. People who have certain types of mental illness should not be hypnotized.

http://www.brooksidecenter.com/possible_dangers_and_complicatio.htm

Brookside Center for Counseling and Hypnotherapy

Possible Dangers and Complications

by Maurice Kouguell, Ph.D., BCETS.

Is hypnosis in any way dangerous?

The following is a presentation of the review of the literature and reported individual cases. The reader will have to decide what conclusions to draw from the following study. The literature points out some complications that can arise from the use of hypnosis and it seems that all established writers and researchers do suggest the importance of the knowledge of the working of the mind and applying the rule: THAT IF A PERSON CANNOT TREAT A PROBLEM WITH NON-HYPNOTIC TECHNIQUES, HE SHOULD NOT TREAT IT WITH HYPNOSIS. This is taken from Clinical Hypnosis by Crasilneck and Halls, one of the standard recognized textbooks on hypnosis. The same authors report also that hypnosis can, under certain circumstances, be dangerous not only to the client but also to the hypnotist and to the idea of hypnosis itself.

Dangers and Complications of Hypnosis

While the hypnotic trance itself may occur comfortably and easily, Dr. Thurman Moct reports complications occurring:

1. Following amateur hypnosis

2. When a symptom is removed by a direct command

3. When hypnosis is used in the treatment of a condition that the hypnotist is not trained to treat without the use of hypnosis

4. When an inadvertent post hypnotic suggestion has been given

To take this further, in Hypnosis Complication: Risks and Prevention, a research article by MacHovec, in The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 1988, he lists about 50 complications associated with hypnosis and reports that this is only a partial list. The author grouped the complications into five categories:

1. The psychotic symptoms or acute panic attacks

2. Depression with the possibility of suicidal behavior

3. Symptom substitution

4. Symptoms resulting from inadvertent suggestions

5. Masking physical pathology

Dr. MacHovec defines hypnotic complications as “unexpected unwanted thoughts, feelings or behaviors during or after hypnosis which are inconsistent with agreed goals and interfere with the hypnotic process by impairing optimal mental functioning with no prior incidents or history of similar mental or physical symptoms.”

Summary list of complications associated with hypnosis:

•anergia and fatigue •antisocial acting out •anxiety, panic attacks •attention deficit •body/self-image distortions •comprehension/concentration loss •confusion •coping skills, impaired •decompensation, psychotic-like delusional thinking •depersonalization •depression •de-realization •dizziness •dreams •drowsiness, excessive sleep •fainting •fear of fearfulness •guilt •headache •histrionic reactions •identity crisis •insomnia •irritability •medical emergencies •memory impaired, distorted •misunderstood suggestion •nausea, vomiting •obsessive ruminations •over dependency •personality change •phobic aversion •physical discomfort, injury •psychomotor retardation •psychosis •regressed behaviors •sexual acting out •sexual dysfunction •somatization •spontaneous trance •stiffness, arm or neck •stress, lowered threshold •stupor •symptom substitution •tactile hallucinations •traumatic recall •tremors •weeping, uncontrolled

The same researcher described risk factors as most frequently involving repressed materials or unconscious needs; personality dynamics such as resistance, regression, secondary gains, misunderstood suggestions, attitudes and expectations. He also adds the risk factor to the hypnotist, which he describes as falling into two categories:

1. Professional risk factors related to a deficiency or weakness in education, training or knowledge, skill, ability or experience, which impair judgment or proficiency

2. Theoretical bias which limits awareness of other factors or dynamics.

Kleinhauz, M and Beren, B., in an article entitled Misuse of Hypnosis: A Factor in Psychopathology, published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis,talk about a client who came for smoke ending and became extremely agitated and depressed and experienced suicidal thoughts. In my own practice, and I have mentioned this at some of my workshops, I had worked with a man who came for smoke cessation and after he was relieved from the habit, he went into a severe depression. He was one of the cases that prompted my own feeling about the importance of an assessment prior to any hypnotic protocol.

Four Case Studies

Kieinhauz and Eli, reported four cases of "deleterious effects of hypnosis used in the dental setting."

* The first was a woman successfully treated with dental hypnosis for removal of apprehension and analgesia. She asked her dentist to use hypnosis to help her stop smoking and she too developed in a very short time an anxiety-depressive reaction with obsessive thoughts and was unable to cope with everyday activities.

* The second one, a woman with dental phobia preventing dental treatment for ten years, received five sessions of relaxation and anxiety reduction. Finally she decided to begin dental work and “although the patient was in deep relaxation and showed no tension whatsoever, the moment local anesthetic injection was attempted she manifested a spontaneous abreaction with uncontrollable weeping and hyperventilation”.

* The third case was a woman treated in four sessions for dental phobia. it was suggested to her that her “unusual good hypnotic response would occur whenever she would come for dental treatment”. She arrived at the next session feeling confused; she felt in a trance from the time that she left her house. She was responding literally to “the precise suggestion given so her the week before." The suggestion was changed to “the moment that she sat in the dental chair” and there were no further incidents.

* The fourth case was a young woman treated with dental hypnosis for analgesia because of hypersensitivity to local anesthetics. She reported “feeling dizzy riding her motorcycle home” and it became apparent that the de-hypnotization was too quick and incomplete.

In the literature, authorities have been urging caution in the use of hypnosis for over 100 years. As far back as 1887, Bjornstrorn cautioned of the possible injuries and fatal effects. Janet, one of the forefathers of hypnosis, in 1925, recommended that “awakening should be postponed if a morbid symptom of any sort should intervene during the hypnotic state.” Weitzenhoffer warned about special care in avoiding the adverse effects of hypnosis and related those to the “competency and integrity of the practitioner.” In 1961, Meares expressed concern about premature termination. Also, Weizenhoffer warned against inappropriate symptom removal “before symptoms are suggested away some of the functions they serve should be determined.”

Side Effects of Hypnotism

Numerous mild side effects occur during a hypnotic induction and at times these mild reactions might also occur following a post hypnotic suggestion.

Dr.Thurman Mott reports “numerous mild side effects occur during inductions”. These are usually not reported and have not been studied systematically; however, although they do occur usually during the first induction, they might be expected to reoccur with psychiatric patients. The most common of these side effects during the induction could be the increase of anxiety frequently related to fears of loss of control and excessive crying and sobbing. At times patients feel dizzy and develop various degrees of nausea during the induction. Spontaneous regression to a traumatic event or period of life, although rare, does happen.

In my own practice, one of my clients during an interview, went into trance with her eyes open and relived spontaneously an earlier sex abuse experience. Most of the side effects can usually be alleviated quickly by discontinuing the induction or by proceeding with the induction and usually the side effects will disappear as the hypnotic state deepens. An appropriate technique should be applied.

The concern of symptom substitution was one danger of hypnosis reported by many practitioners. Symptom substitution currently, because of the better training of hypnotists, has been replaced by symptom modification which then permits the patient to retain the symptom if it is dynamically important to do so.

Inadvertent Suggestions

Patients under hypnosis tend to accept suggestions concretely, if not literally and this might result in adverse reactions which may come as a surprise to the therapist.

For instance, Crasilneck and Hall in their text Clinical Hypnosis: Principles and Applications, discuss the case of a burned patient. While working on improving the patient's nutrition, the patient was given the suggestion that he could eat everything on his plate. One day the patient became ill and vomited on his plate and was later discovered eating the vomitus.

Masking physical pathology could also be a very delicate outcome of hypnosis where the patient has pain because of a physical condition and is now completely controlled by hypnosis. The reason for the physical discomfort is now totally overlooked thus creating other problems. Dr. Fromm, in her book Values in Hypnotherapy: Theory, Practice and Research, describes hypnosis as a state of decreased vigilance resulting in a vulnerability which involves dangers if a patient is in the hands of a poorly trained incompetent therapist using hypnosis.” She states, “Most of the complications related to hypnosis occur when hypnosis is misused and these complications may be prevented by the following:

1. Hypnosis should be performed by a trained person

2. Avoid authoritarian symptom removal

3. Use uncovering techniques cautiously in borderline or psychotic patients. Hypnosis may be a useful technique with severely disturbed patients but should be used only by well-trained therapists.

4. Never use hypnosis to treat a condition that you would not be qualified to treat without hypnosis. Hypnosis has the potential of facilitating treatment in many clinical areas.

5. Accurate diagnosis is necessary for treatment to be started.

6. It is a myth that hypnosis is not a beneficial intervention with psychotic or borderline patients, however certain guidelines and caution should be observed. These are patients have fear of loss of control; fear of closeness and fear of giving up their negative self-Images. It is important In working with such a population to use hypnosis In a manner that facilitates feelings of self-efficacy and self-control.

7. Patients may be taught self-hypnosis to reduce anxiety and give them a sense of mastery and self-control and strengthening procedures are generally beneficial and hypnosis may also be employed to foster insight."

Hypnosis must be used permissively, allowing patients to determine when hypnotherapy is used. Guidelines and methods for working with severely disturbed patients are discussed by Murray-Jobsis in Clinical Hypnosis: A Multidisciplinary Approach and by Baker in A Hypnotherapeutic Approach to Enhance Object Relatedness in Psychotic Patients in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 29.136- 147.

In summary, hypnosis, when properly used, is one of the safest tools in the healing profession. As clinicians using hypnosis to help with treatment we need to be aware of the adverse effects when hypnosis is misused. It is necessary for any organization and any training program to promote not only the teaching of safe hypnotic techniques but also the restrictions of the use of hypnosis to the areas of competency of the practitioner.

As health care professionals in the public eye we work with habit control frequently, it is not safe to assume that anyone coming for smoke ending or weight loss is simply coming with that symptom alone. Anyone we see for hypnosis is coming with a whole baggage of attitudes, difficulties, adjustments reactions and so on. Some assessment technique needs to be used and I will take the liberty here to suggest to the reader becoming acquainted with my books Human Figure Drawings: A Screening and Evaluative Tool in Hypnosis and DAPTH: Accessing the Unconscious in the Practice of Hypnosis and Counseling which are both simple and accessible in this regard.

Hypnosis: Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN I AM HYPNOTIZED HOW AM I GOING TO FEEL? WILL I KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON? WILL I BE ASLEEP?

You certainly will not be asleep or unconscious. If you were asleep, you would not be able to have a dialogue with your hypnotist. As a matter of fact, during hypnosis you are even more aware of what is going on around you than you would ordinarily be but you can be selective about it (which you can’t do in the waking state). While under hypnosis, you are in a very relaxed and pleasant state.

IS HYPNOSIS SAFE?

Hypnosis is safe when a competent and qualified hypnotist practices it. (see Possible Dangers and Complications)

WHAT DOES HYPNOSIS FEEL LIKE?

Hypnosis is a term derived from the Greek word for sleep. Hypnosis is very relaxing. However, you never lose awareness during hypnosis. When you are hypnotized, you continue to be aware of your surroundings. Everyone has experienced hypnosis. For instance, you may be watching a commercial that you have seen many times and you find yourself very engrossed in it to the point that should a fly land on your nose you will feel lethargic and give yourself plenty of time to decide if you want it away from you. Daydreaming is also a hypnotic state.

IS HYPNOSIS IN YOUR OFFICE LIKE STAGE HYPNOSIS? WILL YOU MAKE ME DANCE LIKE A CHICKEN?

Hypnosis as used in a doctor’s office is a healing or investigative process. The client's welfare is the sole focus of the procedure and the work is geared towards helping the client. Stage hypnosis is a show where people perform acts that are used to entertain an audience. Since the purpose is usually to hold the audience’s interest and to entertain them, the subjects are carefully selected and screened before the stage demonstration begins.

WILL I REMEMBER ANYTHING AFTER THE SESSION IS OVER?

You will remember everything unless the hypnotist has valid reasons to delay the recall until he/she feels it is safe and beneficial to the client. (This would be particularly true of uncovered early memories of abuse or other traumas.) Usually, you will remember only what you are ready to remember. You may be asked to describe images or sensations or sounds as they come to you. You will be encouraged to avoid explaining or making any sense out of these impressions. You may report these impressions, but this is not the time to make any sense out of them.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO ME AFTER THE SESSION IS OVER?

There is a good possibility that after the session is over and in the days to come, images or memories will surface spontaneously to your awareness. These images could be upsetting, but remember you can always call your hypnotist.

WHAT IF I DO NOT COME OUT OF HYPNOSIS?

Everyone comes out of hypnosis. Remember that you went into hypnosis willingly. So, just as you decided to go into hypnosis, by the same token, you will decide to come out of it. There are, on few occasions, some people who enjoy it so much that they resist coming out. But all experienced and well-trained hypnotists have knowledge of many different ways to bring the person around. Since the hypnotist keeps the person under hypnosis, with the person’s realization that the hypnotist’s voice is no longer heard, the person will return to the present. I have been asked: what happens if anything happens to me during this period? After a while, the client will drift off into a natural sleep and reawaken.

IS ONE ASLEEP OR UNCONSCIOUS WHILE UNDER HYPNOSIS?

During hypnosis, one looks asleep but is not. One is relaxed, but mentally alert. The person retains at all times a level of awareness to the direct environment

CAN I BRING A FRIEND WITH ME?

Yes, you can bring anyone with you if you need the reassurance and if that makes you comfortable. However, you need to understand that, should your therapist suggest that it is best for you to be alone, you must respect his/her recommendation and have him/her clarify that decision. Keep in mind that you are in control and feel free to have your request heard.

CAN ANYONE BE HYPNOTIZED?

Everyone can be hypnotized provided that they want to be. Anyone who wishes to be hypnotized can be. Even people with short attention spans can be hypnotized but the procedure requires special skills on the part of the hypnotist.

UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD SOMEONE NOT BE HYPNOTIZED?

There are some individuals who may run some risks if hypnotized. This is where the evaluative skills and clinical training of the hypnotist are essential. (see Possible Dangers and Complications)

I AM TOLD THAT I AM VERY BRIGHT. CAN I BE HYPNOTIZED?

Concentration is essential for hypnosis. People with a wide range of intellectual giftedness or limitations can be hypnotized. Almost anyone can be hypnotized, even children as young as three. Old people can also be hypnotized. The ability to enter hypnosis frequently depends on the training and expertise of the hypnotist.

DOES EVERYONE ENTER HYPNOSIS EASILY?

If you have had positive experiences with hypnosis, it will naturally facilitate your re-experiencing it. If you are concerned that under hypnosis you might reveal some deep personal secrets, you should not be. You will reveal only what you wish unless the hypnotist is using unethical techniques, such as using mechanical devices or drugs to unearth or implant suggestions.

WHAT IF I CAN NOT GO DEEPLY ENOUGH?

A light hypnotic state may be sufficient to accomplish the goals of the session. Most people can achieve a trance deep enough to allow for the process. Hypnosis is one of many tools and techniques used to uncover information or to work out problems.

CAN A PERSON FABRICATE EXPERIENCES WHILE UNDER HYPNOSIS?

Hypnosis is not a truth serum. There is no guarantee that all information obtained under hypnosis is accurate. Some people under hypnosis have been known to fabricate and lie. As a matter of fact, one can even lie after an injection of truth serum. The serum is a chemical administered to reduce inhibitions so that the subject reveals freely solicited information. However, if there is some deep information that the person chooses not to divulge or if it is information that is not consciously known, frequently, the subject will not reveal it. Hypnosis can bring back information that has been repressed or forgotten. The skilled hypnotist will have techniques to determine if the subject is lying.

HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT MEMORIES REVEALED UNDER HYPNOSIS ARE REAL?

Hypnosis is not a totally reliable way to recall accurately disturbing memories.

WHAT IF I AM NOT READY TO "KNOW" ABOUT MY EXPERIENCES? ISN’T FORCING THE ISSUE UNHEALTHY?

This issue should be left to the discretion of the therapist.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE THOUGHTS IMPLANTED IN MY MIND?

The capacity to influence people to do something against their will exists. There is no doubt that people can be manipulated into doing things against their will and even against their systems of value and belief. Although techniques of brainwashing exist, they are not in the realm of clinical hypnosis and the ethics as practiced in clinical situations. It is known that people have done things against their will when mechanical devices have been employed.

WHAT IS THE "FALSE MEMORY SYNDROME"?

The idea some people can be coaxed or fooled into "remembering" events that never happened has become the platform for some groups to diminish claims of childhood sexual abuse that surface sometimes during psychotherapy or hypnotherapy. It seems that the False Memory Syndrome Institute was created by parents facing charges of abuse by their adult offspring who had undergone therapy. These parents felt they had been falsely accused and claim that the accusations stem from ideas or suggestions implanted in their minds by the therapists.

ARE HYPNOTICALLY RECALLED EXPERIENCES REALLY THE SUBJECT’S OWN OR MERELY SOMETHING THEY HAVE READ ABOUT OR SEEN? IN OTHER WORDS, HOW MUCH OF THE SUBJECT’S MEMORIES MAY NOT EVEN BE THEIRS?

Hypnosis is not an omnipotent tool that guarantees the factual revelation of the experiences of hypnotic subjects.

HOW DOES HYPNOSIS DIFFER FROM SLEEP, MEDITATION OR GUIDED IMAGERY?

Hypnosis is best described as an altered state of consciousness, a changed state of awareness, concentration and perception. During the experience of hypnosis, the person remains in complete control and should they ever feel uncomfortable because of the experience, they can always reopen their eyes and terminate the intervention. Everyone at some point or another has experienced hypnosis. One experiences hypnosis when one misses an exit while driving or when one is so engrossed watching TV or reading a book that even a person talking will nor distract one from one’s activities.

Although some hypnotists use the word sleep as a suggestion to enter deep relaxation, hypnosis is not sleep. Sleep is defined as a "natural periodic suspension of consciousness during which the powers of the body are restored." During sleep, the individual is not aware of what is happening.

Meditation involves focusing one’s thoughts, engaging oneself in inner contemplation or reflection. Meditation techniques vary, but what most of them have in common is the relief of suffering and the promotion of healing.

It is generally known that there are four different kinds of meditation. One is based on body control in order to unite body and mind as in Yoga. A second technique of meditation is based on control of the mind and requires concentration, contemplation and visualization. Concentration is accomplished by focusing on an object. Contemplation is achieved through continuous repetition of a word or a syllable. A third approach to meditation is based on letting go of the body, using techniques to achieve relaxation of muscle tensions. The fourth meditative technique focuses on letting go of the mind. The mind remains open to whatever enters it thus obtaining insight.

There is a fine line between meditation and hypnosis. Meditation and self-hypnosis can be induced in similar ways. Both techniques may begin by the person being asked to stare at a certain point, breathe in a prescribed way or listen to chants or rhythms. Meditation has been most effective in changing behavior.

Guided Imagery is the use of mental images to bring about changes usually related to health problems.

All the above techniques share relaxation as part of the procedure, but that is where the similarities end.

Panic Disorder problems after a decade of Yoga and Meditation. Yoga teacher, MBA, Singapore. 28th January 2010.

I happened to visit your website http://www.dangeryoga.com/ and read the victims' stories and thought of writing my own experience. I got a Panic Disorder problem after practicing Yoga and Meditation for a decade.

I am 32 years of age and I am from India-Bangalore. I now live in Singapore. I started Yoga and meditation in the year June 1996 and I practiced for a decade. I did Hatha yoga and Ashtanga Yoga. I used to practice for an hour everyday. I used to teach yoga-Hatha yoga one/two classes in a day four times a week, but I stopped since October 2008.

I started my day by doing yoga asanas and pranayama for an hour, and meditated used to be/ at night for 1-2 hours everyday. First, I used to relax my whole body for 5-10 minutes, observe my breath. I used to practice meditation for 2-3 hours a day-sometimes in the morning, afternoon and night. I saw colours and I used to have OBE often.

I used to get uneasiness and nausea after practicing advanced Hatha yoga. Frequent and disturbing anxiety attacks and floating sensations were the first bad experiences I had after yoga practice. Three years ago, I realised that I used to feel really weak after meditation and was unable to comprehend why.

Since I was ignorant about the adverse effects of yoga and meditation, I continued practicing further.

Gradually, I started getting mild to extreme anxiety attacks after meditation/Yoga since March 08, and since Sep 08, I was completely off the track. With the medication also, I was not in the right track. I have been going through some weird stuff since October 2007 but never knew that things could get out of control.

The symptoms what I was experiencing were quite abnormal. According to doctors, it was panic disorder. Panic disorder has a series of intense episodes of extreme anxiety: like rapid heartbeat, perspiration, dizziness, dyspnea, trembling, uncontrollable fear, hyperventilation, hot/cold flashes, numbness, tingling sensation, electric shock like sensation, nausea, constriction on the spine, head and chest. I had these entire symptoms one after the other and it were quite painful and scary.

Gradually, I started developing so called "Agoraphobia" and it was one of the most horrible experiences I had to deal with. I couldn't even understand my own feelings many times. It was like a terrible swing. Many times, I felt like a robot and felt like as if I was weightless. Sometimes, I thought of ending my life because I couldn't do my day to day activities.

I wanted to be left alone many times after this episode. I feel as if I am isolated from people and want to be with the nature-like gardening, rain, water and walking on the grass early morning. Many times, I felt and sensed that I could understand what the other person was thinking. My ears and my smell were very sharp until medical intervention.

Almost all the time, I could feel and hear that someone within me was guiding me and used to intervene when things were not right for me. Few times, I used to ignore and many times, I used to listen. This voice was loud few times before my episode started. But, I ignored it completely because I couldn't comprehend. I did meet up with few people who understood the problem but they failed to give me any guidance.

Views of yoga teachers

According to yoga books, it was so called "Kundalini awakening". I was unsure what is the problem? These were on a regular basis, sometimes daily or three times in a week, since Jan 08 and lasted as long as half an hour to an hour or until medical intervention (Alprazolam 0.5 mg to 1mg).

Even my teachers weren't anticipating the adverse effects. They often used to say that these spiritual practices don't have any bad effects and failed to give me any scientific answers many times. I spoke to many yoga practitioners and the answer was "Yoga and meditation is linked to pure consciousness and don't have adverse effects". However, all these practitioners failed to answer what is consciousness. They mesmerized the mass and people believed in them.

Last to last year, I met up with 15 different yoga teachers and meditation teachers. Yoga teachers, back in India-Bangalore, didn't even know and the irony was many of them were not practicing Yoga Asana/meditation regularly. They knew the theory quite well but they couldn't understand the changes Yoga could do to someone.

The doctors and treatment

In between, the doctors I consulted in India did their best, but also imposed that these horrible and scary symptoms were created by my imagination. This statement broke me emotionally and physically. I could never ever imagine these scary symptoms in my life. Extensive health check-ups with MRI body scan were done in Bangalore-India. The reports were normal.

Infact, I consulted 12 different doctors in Bangalore and Delhi. One of the doctors in India, prescribed Revotril, Etizolam and the other doctor changed the medicine and prescribed Sertaline HCL (generic form of Zoloft) and Anxit (Xanax Family). Sertaline HCL made me go through hell, rather than stabilizing my body rhythm. I couldn't even stop Sertaline HCL (Generic form of Zoloft) since the medicine had terrible withdrawal symptoms. Doctors in India couldn't understand why it was happening and why I was unable to do Yoga, meditation or any form of exercise: walking/jogging, which I used to do it for many years.

I met the Singaporean doctors on 28th June 2009 and then laser acupuncture (including needle) with acupressure therapy started on 12th August 2009. Oxygen consumption was recorded in each every session. Tapering off from Sertaline HCL 125 mg to 100mg to 75 mg to 50 mg, then to 6mg was a big time nightmare. I started getting tremors and abdominal cramps. Luckily, ZOLOFT is tapering and I am also having terrible withdrawal symptoms. Slowly, I am stabilizing but I still have a long way to go.

My condition now

Indeed, it is my privileged to meet few doctors and (some) acupuncture therapy management group, here in Singapore. Never imagined that they could change my life in a better way, if not the same old one. The disorder had created a havoc in my life and they made me see the sunshine after a long terrible darkness.

I am thankful to doctors and I am seeing the slow gradual changes in myself. My body is stabilizing slowly and I am able to connect my body and soul a bit, though not the same old me. For time being, I am advised to go for walking (mild to moderate brisk walking) for an hour or less. No yoga, meditation, jogging, aerobics.

Still, I get the floating sensation and the sinking feeling. My ears become sharp I am unsure what is the problem because doctors here in Singapore feel that the symptoms are very abnormal as compared to others who have Panic disorder. Generally, they recommend this kind of Panic disorder patient to join yoga/meditation classes.

I don't feel the same old me. I have lost faith in all the things, lost being motivated and inspired. I can feel any body sensation that arises within my body, be it dull muscle cramp or anything and this disturbs me a lot, many times.

I can't sleep on my back, which I used to do. This particular position takes me to trance state and I feel so tired after coming out. This is involuntary meditation as confirmed by Singaporean doctors. I can't do any yoga/meditation/aerobics/jogging but brisk walking in the nature is something which I am very comfortable doing.

I can't go to any room which is absolute silence because I get involuntary meditation symptoms like breath going down, body becoming numb and only my mind becoming sharp. So I carry a mobile that has audio channel facility/upload few songs. No classical ones. Indeed, I am unable to listen to any Indian Classical/Raga. To be honest any Classical music, be it Chinese/Japanese, I get the same symptoms.

I suffered, but no one could understand, except my husband. He broke down a couple of times seeing my condition. I was unable to see the horrible pains in his eyes and I tried my best to go through the symptoms, without informing him sometimes. My husband is trying his best of best to give me the right treatment/meet the right person who can understand and guide me.

For time being, I quit my job. I did MBA-marketing & PG Diploma in Yogic Science.

Anonyme http://dangeryoga.blogspot.com/