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The impact of a new emotional self-management program on stress, emotions, heart rate variability, DHEA and cortisol
This study examined the effects on healthy adults of a new emotional self-management program, consisting of two key techniques, Cut-Thru and the Heart Lock-In. These techniques are designed to eliminate negative thought loops and promote sustained positive emotional states. The hypotheses were that training and practice in these techniques would yield lowered levels of stress and negative emotion and cortisol, while resulting in increased positive emotion and DHEA levels over a one-month period. In addition, we hypothesized that increased coherence in heart rate variability patterns would be observed during the practice of the techniques.
Forty-five healthy adults participated in the study, fifteen of whom acted as a comparison group for the psychological measures. Salivary DHEA/DHEAS and cortisol levels were measured, autonomic nervous system function was assessed by heart rate variability analysis, and emotions were measured using a psychological questionnaire. Individuals in the experimental group were assessed before and four weeks after receiving training in the self-management techniques. The experimental group experienced significant increases in the positive affect scales of Caring and Vigor and significant decreases in the negative affect scales of Guilt, Hostility, Burnout, Anxiety and Stress Effects, while no significant changes were seen in the comparison group. There was a mean 23 percent reduction in cortisol and a 100 percent increase in DHEA/DHEAS in the experimental group. DHEA was significantly and positively related to the affective state Warmheartedness, whereas cortisol was significantly and positively related to Stress Effects. Increased coherence in heart rate variability patterns was measured in 80 percent of the experimental group during the use of the techniques.
The results suggest that techniques designed to eliminate negative thought loops can have important positive effects on stress, emotions and key physiological systems. The implications are that relatively inexpensive interventions may dramatically and positively impact individuals’ health and well-being. Thus, individuals may have greater control over their minds, bodies and health than previously suspected.
Activation of Immune Function By DHEA in age-advanced men
Researchers, Khorram O, Vu L, Yen SS. from the Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine conclude: Administration of oral DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) at a daily dose of 50 mg to age-advanced men with low serum DHEAS levels significantly activated immune function. The mechanism(s) to account for the immunoenhancing properties of DHEA are unclear. Consideration is given to the potential role of an increase in bioavailable IGF-I, which by virtue of its mitogenic effects on immune cell function, may mediate the DHEA effects. While extended studies are required, our findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits of DHEA in immunodeficient states.
Enhanced autonomic nervous system balance as measured by HRV, reduced cortisol levels and increased DHEA
(McCraty R., et al. Integrative Physiol Behav Sci. 1998; 33(2): 151.)
Improved immunity (Rein G, Atkinson M, McCraty R. J Adv Med. 1995; 8(2):87.),
DHEA =Immune Function
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9008662
Longevity magazine article on benefits of increased DHEA with references
DHEA - Cortisol link to HRV
45 healthy patients, 15 control, salivary cortisol and dhea was measured before and after. Patients underwent training in eliminating negative thought lops and increasing positive emotional states, which increased their heart rate variability. Results showed 23% drop in cortisol and 100% increase in DHEA in experimental group as compared to controls. The experimental group also experienced significant increases in the positive affect scales of Caring and Vigor and significant decreases in the negative affect scales of Guilt, Hostility, Burnout, Anxiety and Stress Effects, while no significant changes were seen in the comparison group. http://www.springerlink.com/content/7550154027235396/