Post by anthony asquith on Nov 28, 2004 15:20:35 GMT -5
Andrew Cain and I run workshops around the UK teaching dental surgeons how to work more effectively with anxious patients.
One of the techniques that we teach is called the 7/11 technique and it is utilising the human ability to influence our physiology using breathing. Several of our customers often report that not only is it a good way to control their own stress when confronted with an anxious patient but also works very well on reducing the intensity of the gagging reflex in patients when instruments are placed in their mouths.
Very simply, you begin by breathing in through the nose to the slow count of 7 so that you inflate your stomach, chest and as though you couldnt inhale any further. Then slowly, very slowly release the air by opening your mouth and breathing out very slowly to the count of 11.
The in breath influences the sympathetic nervous system which revitalises the person however, the outward breath influences the parasympathetic nervous system which induces an unconcious relaxation response in the person/patient or dentist, depending on who is doing it.
I reccommend that you repeat this procedure at least 10 times, usually with your eyes closed to allow you to keep your concentration and best practiced around 2.30/3.30 when you get the usual afternoon dips in energy.
Works wonders also when your feeling stressed or tired.
Take a look at our web site www.fearfreedentistry.co.uk
for details of what we do in the UK!
Thanks for looking
Anthony
One of the techniques that we teach is called the 7/11 technique and it is utilising the human ability to influence our physiology using breathing. Several of our customers often report that not only is it a good way to control their own stress when confronted with an anxious patient but also works very well on reducing the intensity of the gagging reflex in patients when instruments are placed in their mouths.
Very simply, you begin by breathing in through the nose to the slow count of 7 so that you inflate your stomach, chest and as though you couldnt inhale any further. Then slowly, very slowly release the air by opening your mouth and breathing out very slowly to the count of 11.
The in breath influences the sympathetic nervous system which revitalises the person however, the outward breath influences the parasympathetic nervous system which induces an unconcious relaxation response in the person/patient or dentist, depending on who is doing it.
I reccommend that you repeat this procedure at least 10 times, usually with your eyes closed to allow you to keep your concentration and best practiced around 2.30/3.30 when you get the usual afternoon dips in energy.
Works wonders also when your feeling stressed or tired.
Take a look at our web site www.fearfreedentistry.co.uk
for details of what we do in the UK!
Thanks for looking
Anthony