an A-Z of alternative therapies

Since the beginning of the 1950's, some hypnotherapists and psychotherapists have used regression techniques to allow patients to express memories of earlier lives.

There are now actual Past Life Therapists, who specialise only in traumas relating to a previous incarnation.

When a problem, such as a fear or phobia cannot trace its origin to a current life, then there is every chance that it may originate in a past incarnation, and have been inappropriately "carried through" into the current one.

By regression to the past life, it is possible to relive the event and so exorcise it from the current life, putting it firmly in its place and negating any emotion it may have generated in the current existence.

Although the condition resembles normal sleep, scientists have found that the brain-wave patterns of hypnotised subjects are much closer to the patterns of deep relaxation.

Light hypnosis is usually the tool for reaching and dealing with past life issues and problems.

At the first session, the practitioner asks you about your physical and mental health and your motivation to solve any problem.

Hypnosis may not begin until the second session.

The therapist will use a technique to induce a light trance. It should be noted that at all times, you are in full control, you will be aware of your surroundings, you will be able to open your eyes and end the procedure at any time, if you feel so inclined. Under hypnosis, contrary to popular opinion instilled by the stage hypnotist, you cannot be made to do anything you do not want to do.

The usual technique for inducing a mild trance is something like the following:

• You lie on a reclining chair or couch and the practitioner talks to you in a slow, soothing voice. You may be asked to visualise a walk down a country road, to stare at a light or pencil, or to listen to a series of monotonous statements. The practitioner will usually suggest you feel heavy and relaxed and that your eyes are closing. To take you deeper the hypnotherapist may count down from ten to zero or ask you to imagine descending in a lift. You will feel as if you are in a relaxed daydream, but still be aware of your surroundings.
• You will then be asked to return to just before the event that is causing the trauma in the current life. The therapist will talk you through reliving the trauma in the past life, supporting you and assisting you through it. This may be repeated several times, until you no longer feel any emotion over the incident.
• The induction procedure is then reversed, to bring you out of the trance, but you will remember the events, and will usually have great insight into the cause of your problems or be cured of your fear or phobia.

None reported.

Sessions are usually 1 hour, once a week.

Sometimes a double session may be required to run a particularly severe anxiety.

Some treatments are effective after 1 or 2 sessions. Others require up to 15 or 20 sessions.

• You should choose a practitioner that you feel drawn to and at ease with, one with whom you can establish a rapport.
• Avoid past life therapy if you have severe depression, psychosis or epilepsy.