A Meteorologist, a Builder, and a Mechanic: How Emotional Recall Techinques Healed Them

#FamilyMedicine #AlternativeMedicine

What is Emotional Recall Technique (ERT)?

To put it simply, it's just a process of recalling a personal memory of significance or dismay. In the medical space, emotional recall techniques can be a useful way to discover more about a patient's history, aid in the diagnosis, or guide treatment. Many times, doctors are known to treat physical symptoms, but that doesn't necessarily mean the root problem or cause of the chief complaint was even considered. Below are a few stories from my time showing that link emotional recall with clinical care to heal patients effectively.

The Moody Meteorologist

Patient M came into the office a few times before this particular visit. M's main concern was a change in how she felt in her workplace and at home. Initially, M felt a sense of dizziness when on her feet and lightheadedness soon followed.

On the day of the visit, the doctor decided to investigate further into M's occupation and social influences. Patient M explained their quite happy family of a wife and three kids. However, when prompted, M explained withdrawal from previous regular attention and conversation with their family. Often feeling tired, annoyed, and irritable, M felt unable to hold their attention, especially while on their feet. As a TV Meteorologist, M struggled to perform her daily job because of consistent dizziness and uncomfortable standing.

My mentor was able to capitalize on this story to create his diagnosis. He believed that Patient M could be lacking a specific nutrient which was causing lethargy and tiredness. Patient M was given a full-scale nutrient test using blood in comparison to a regular check-up blood test which only concerns specific counts and nutrients. In doing so, the doctor found a severe deficiency of the B12 vitamin(usually untested in their general procedure) and prescribed supplements for Patient M.

Only through careful consideration of M's story and experience did the doctor resolve to go beyond the procedure and test all nutrient levels of M.

The Builder Bladder Situation

This story was narrated to me by the doctor as an example of the power of emotional recall techniques beyond physical diagnosis. Patient B was a prostate cancer survivor. However, a common complication of prostate surgical procedures is Urinary incontinence or lack of bladder control regarding urine release. B's case was severely directly affecting his quality of life.

B was a builder in the Bahamas living in Miami. In the corporate world, B struggled to maintain focus in conference meetings often feeling like urinating or having heavy discomfort. It had gotten worse since the surgery 2 years back and was now at a stage where B couldn't fly to the Bahamas because of the discomfort and constant feeling of urination.

B was administered multiple treatments for his Urinary Incontinence from antibiotics and painkillers but they simply left him feeling drowsy and were ineffective. The doctor decided that he would try ERT to change B's emotional reaction to his urinary urges. Doc created a plan relating to therapy sessions for emotional removal from the situation, suggested meditation and exercise practices, and asked B to try out and record a new sleep pattern. Naturally, I summarized the treatment for ease of understanding but each aspect was specified and detailed to lead B away from current urges.

Within a few months, B had regained some sense of control and was able to perform basic life practices. 7 years later, B is a regular patient of the doctor and has reproached his past self before the prostate surgery years before. Now retired, he thanks the doctor for his healing.

The Misnamed Mechanic

For a couple of months, M started having anxiety and nervousness. He has been prescribed medication by previous doctors, which rid the symptoms but left him in the same place after the medication wore off. When M visited the clinic and told his story, the Doctor immediately decided to dive into ERT to find out the cause of M's concerns.

Patient M was a mechanic of Hispanic descent. As an immigrant, his name was hard to pronounce for many of his current clients and colleagues. Around 6 months ago, M decided by an easier "Americanized" name in the workplace that he believed to make others' lives easier and M wouldn't have to feel the burden of an immigrant name.

The doctor was quick to jump on this knowledge. The doctor analyzed stress levels through energy therapy, an alternative medicine practice based on vital energy flows in body. Doc first called M by his Americanized name; M's energy went up 10%. Then, Doc called M by his real name; energy went up 35%. With repeated variations of this procedure, the doctor was quick to conclude that a simple name change might be an aspect of M's anxiety. Doc explained that the mind can recognize a sense of fear that M felt from losing a key part of his identity in a new country and experience. Verbal communication goes to the brain and then to the mind; the brain acts as a filter of the truth and the par truth.

My thoughts

I have to admit that I had my initial reservations about the validity of Emotional Recall techniques as an alternative medical practice. After all, it still feels like something out of Harry Potter. Nevertheless, with each patient experience, I could see the joy of patients when the conversation and empathy of Doc were utilized to overcome their physical symptoms. Doc has been practicing for over 20 years, and his experience in understanding the true concerns of his patients shines out greatly. There is no doubt that I was inspired by his connection between human emotions with ERT and scientific treatment.