Learning behavioral medicine techniques for groups from the inside out

In this qualitative study, autogenic training, thermal biofeedback, visualization, imagery, music, and breathing training were combined using an understanding of autonomic nervous system and family systems framework in Mind-Body Self-Regulation Groups (MSG) for people with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. MSG represents a new intervention using a group format with the self-regulation skills which are combined with the group and its therapeutic group factors. A MSG has an educational purpose, and it relies upon a combination of group support and self-regulation skills to effect physiological change.;Behavioral medicine techniques are first described as they were applied to exploring a treatment for chronic post-mastectomy lymphedema of the arm. The use of biofeedback and music-stimulated imagery within a family systems framework led to a reduction in an edema which had been stable for 26 years.;Experiences of members of seven different MSG illustrate the introduction of each of the behavioral medicine techniques. The medical conditions represented were migraine and food allergies, ovarian cancer, post-traumatic back pain, shingles, hypertension, intestinal permeability problem, fibromyalgia, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and colon cancer. Post-treatment interviews with five group participants revealed a lasting impact upon life-style and illness. Participants continued, post-group, to incorporate various techniques learned in the group to lower autonomic arousal and reduce or eliminate symptoms of the illness.;Recommendations are: (a) to adopt MSG as an adjunctive treatment for medical illnesses; (b) to study the effects of MSG on longevity and quality of life with cancer patients; (c) to study the effects of self-regulation techniques in combination with interpersonally oriented group psychotherapy; (d) to collect both qualitative and quantitative data in research on MSG; (e) to encourage the incorporation of family systems theory into the model; (f) to recommend training in MSG skills for therapists; and (g) to investigate the cost-effectiveness of MSG.