Researchers from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada reviewed the literature to investigate whether Eastern techniques, such as mindfulness, acupuncture or yoga might be used to improve unsatisfying sexual experiences in women (problems with desire, arousal or orgasm).

The search revealed only two empirical studies of mindfulness, two of acupuncture, and one of yoga in the treatment of sexual dysfunction.  These limited results revealed that mindfulness significantly improved several aspects of sexual response and reduced sexual distress in women with sexual desire and arousal disorders. 

 We got this enthusiastic email about using guided imagery for a hysterectomy a while back:

"I was told about the Successful Surgery CD by an acquaintance and decided to try it before my surgery.

When I was in my 20's I learned self-hypnosis to alleviate my fear and it was invaluable during the labor of my first child. I wish I would have continued practicing it, but once used, I put it aside.

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Medical School offered an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program to menopausal women with severe hot flashes and found it reduced discomfort significantly.

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester did a feasibility study to see if participating in a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program had any effect on the severity of hot flashes and menopause related quality of life.

Researchers from the Mind-Body Cancer Research Program at Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas, launched a pilot study to investigate the effectiveness of hypnosis in reducing hot flashes in 16 breast cancer survivors.

Patients provided baseline data and received 4 weekly sessions of hypnosis that followed a standardized transcript. Patients were also instructed in self-hypnosis. Throughout the clinical care, patients completed daily diaries of the frequency and severity of their hot flashes. Patients also completed baseline and post-treatment ratings of the degree to which their hot flashes interfered with daily activities and quality of life.

Researchers from the University of Miami find that group cognitive-behavioral stress management improves the quality of life in breast cancer patients, the most powerful component being the ability to relax at will.

Researchers from the University of Miami tested a 10-week group cognitive-behavioral stress management intervention among 199 women newly treated for non-metastatic breast cancer, following them for 1 year after recruitment.

A woman struggling with high blood pressure and suddenly sticky, peri-menopausal weight, wants to know what she should listen to in order to get the hypertension down and lose the weight.

Dear Belleruth,

I used your Weight Loss CD back in 2003 and lost 32 lbs. doing the South Beach diet plan. Unfortunately, in the past year or so I have gained all and more of that weight back, while I struggle with the symptoms of peri-menopause (hot flashes) and am presently 40 lbs. overweight. As a result, my MD advised today that at 145/97, my BP is too high and requires medication. He has given me 5 weeks to effect a change before the meds will begin.

Which of your CDs would be best to bring my BP down? Also, I have tried the Weight Loss CD recently and it doesn''t seem to be enough at this point. Are there any dangers in tapes with subliminal messaging like the one you offer in your catalog?

Thanks so much and I am a huge fan. Many people have tried your CDs on my advice and love them!

Belinda