On the basis of the evaluation it makes, particular neurochemicals are released throughout our entire body-mind system, to
ensure a coordinated response to our current situation. When the hypothalamus is in overactive mode, this in turn leads to an over- functioning of the body's autonomic, immune and endocrine systems. The result is the production of the
classic symptoms of extreme fatigue, muscle aching and pain, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, difficulties with memory and concentration, sleep disturbances, changes in resistance to infections etc.
Given the often-times debilitating effect these symptoms can have upon a person's life, it is entirely normal for mood to be adversely affected. While some people may have pre-existing or concurrent symptoms of depression and/or anxiety,
it is important to note that the symptoms of CFS/ME and FMA are not caused by depression.
According to MBT, symptoms are viewed as the way our body communicates with us.
A simple example of this is when we have not eaten or taken fluids for hours - our body will signal us its needs by sending the symptoms of thirst and hunger - rumbling tummy, headache etc. If we choose to ignore these, then it will ramp
up the intensity of these symptoms in order for us to take notice. However once we listen and then respond to them the symptoms dissipate very quickly.
Their purpose has been served. Exactly the same is true with the symptoms of CFS/ME, FMA and IBS. Rather than trying to get rid of or mask our symptoms as many conventional approaches endeavour to do, instead we accept their presence,
explore their true meaning and respond to them. Paradoxically, our symptoms are our friend and are always trying to point us in the right direction. We
don't want to either shoot or rage at the messenger! Underlying and prior to the body sending physical symptoms to alert us of its needs, it will have tried to gain our attention by using a more subtle form of messenger - an emotion. As
Dr. Candace Pert in her pioneering work "The Molecules of Emotion" has shown, emotions are purely physical and are not the esoteric and psychological phenomenon we have considered them to be. They are in fact chemicals, known as
neuropeptides, which are released throughout our entire body-mind and governed by the functioning of our hypothalamus. Over 300 different neuropeptides have
thus far been discovered - each one corresponding to a different emotion. They are the body's natural means of communication and as Dr. Pert says, the "bridge between spirit and body". Sadly for many of us we have been conditioned to
hold in or hide our emotions in some way. The result is that these chemicals and their attendant energy, becomes trapped in our body and they keep trying to message us of their intentions.
In the case of people with CFS/ ME, FMA etc, it leads to a heavy and uncomfortable set of symptoms. For others it may lead to the symptoms of Depression and Anxiety as well as manifesting in other physical ways.
In MBT we reframe our symptoms/emotions as being the body's innate mechanism for trying to protect and serve us. We facilitate your capacity to listen to, honour and respond to your symptoms/emotions. As you develop in your ability to
do this, the body is then able to let go of its need to produce symptoms and overtime, full health can be restored. It is important to note, that this
approach is entirely present time focused. The body retains a memory of all prior events through the mechanism of state dependent memory. When we place
ourselves in a similar situation to one that was not completed in the past, our body will reactivate the same state we were in at that time. The emotions associated with this state, in the present time, are the very means through which
we are being helped to rewire/heal our past. The ultimate goal of the process is to provide you with the tools to maintain your long-term health.
What does treatment involve? One to one consultations lasting up to 1.5
hours – these may be face-to-face or conducted by telephone/ email. Sessions are arranged with variable intervals between - the average being 2–3 weeks. The length of therapy varies according to the individual needs. |
