| 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. |
