The Lightning Process

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The Lightning Process is a 3 day training program designed by osteopath Phil Parker, principle of the European College of Holistic Medicine.[1] Founded in the late 1990's, The Lightning Process has created interest in the effects it is reported to produce in cases of chronic illness, and especially in regard to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) (more commonly referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)).[2] The system combines osteopathy, hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and life coaching,[3] but rather than focusing on modifying behavioural patterns, the technique is used to treat physical illnesses.[1] In the case of ME, the process is claimed to work by breaking the "adrenaline loop"[1] - it is argued by proponents of The Lightning Process that ME/CFS is "an illness that affects the body's capacity to deal with adrenaline",[4] and that the cure is to modify the brain's thought patterns to generate endorphins instead of stress-related hormones.[1]

While the treatment has had a number of high profile successes, (including the daughter of Esther Rantzen,[4] and wife of rugby union player, Austin Healey), there has been criticism of The Lightning Process. Some have commented on the high cost of the three-day course,[5] while others have pointed to the inconsistency of the results, with some patients reporting "less than positive" outcomes,[1] or suffering from relapses after the conclusion of the treatment.[6] Both the treatment and the theory that ME is connected to adrenaline are unproven.[1] A pilot open study, non-blinded and with no placebo or control group, by neurologist Leslie Findley into the effectiveness of The lightning Process is underway..[6]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Felstein, Roma. "Could ME be caused by too much adrenaline?", The Daily Mail, January 9, 2007. 
  2. ^ "Young ME sufferer Anna thanks her 'cool' headteacher", Mid Sussex Times, April 14, 2008. 
  3. ^ Cormier, Zoe. "'Talk Therapy' Takes On Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Coming Soon To Canada", The Globe and Mail, March 8, 2008. 
  4. ^ a b Rantzen, Esther. "Saved from a living death", The Daily Mail, February 6, 2007. 
  5. ^ Kinnes, Sally. "Coping with ME", The Sunday Times, September 2, 2007. 
  6. ^ a b Cormier, Zoe. "Lightning Process - Controversial training program comes to Canada", CBC News, April 18, 2008. 
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