Breaking New Ground: IEMT Shows Promise for Autoimmune Conditions Like Psoriasis

Exploring the Mind-Body Connection in Healing

What if the key to managing certain autoimmune conditions lies not just in topical treatments or medications, but in how our brain processes stress and trauma? Early research into Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) is exploring exactly this possibility, with fascinating preliminary results for conditions like psoriasis.

The Research Story

Led by researchers Andrew T. Austin and Joanna Harper, a ground breaking preliminary study investigated whether IEMT could help people with persistent psoriasis—a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects millions worldwide. The study's foundation rests on two key observations:

Psoriasis flares are strongly linked to stress states

IEMT has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing stress-related conditions

The research team hypothesised that by addressing the underlying stress patterns in the brain, they might be able to influence the physical manifestation of psoriasis on the skin.

Understanding the Approach

IEMT works on the principle that our eyes are directly connected to the visual cortex at the back of our brain, which records and stores our experiences. Sometimes, behavioural and stress response patterns established earlier in life become outdated and counterproductive. The therapy uses specific eye movement patterns to help reprogram these unhelpful responses.

For psoriasis patients, the process involved:

Identifying the origin: Helping clients recall when their physical reactions first occurred

Exploring triggers: Understanding what circumstances surrounded the initial onset

Processing emotions: Using IEMT techniques when emotional responses surfaced

Reprogramming responses: Gradually reducing the intensity of stress associations

The Study Parameters

The research maintained rigorous standards to ensure meaningful results:

25 participants with persistent psoriasis lasting over 5 years

Photographic documentation with rulers and dating to track physical changes

Medical oversight requiring all participants to have prior professional diagnosis and treatment

Qualified practitioners supervised by approved IEMT trainers

Multiple sessions allowing the brain time to integrate new response patterns

What Makes This Research Significant

This study represents a shift in thinking about autoimmune conditions. Rather than viewing psoriasis purely as a skin problem requiring topical treatment, the research explores it as a manifestation of deeper stress patterns that can be addressed through neurological reprogramming.

The approach acknowledges what many psoriasis sufferers already know: their condition is deeply connected to stress, emotional states, and life experiences. By targeting these root causes rather than just symptoms, IEMT offers a potentially transformative approach to treatment.

The Bigger Picture

While this preliminary research focused specifically on psoriasis, the implications extend far beyond a single condition. The study opens doors to understanding how other autoimmune conditions might respond to stress-pattern interventions, potentially revolutionising how we approach chronic health challenges.

The research also highlights the sophisticated connection between our mental and physical states—a relationship that conventional medicine is increasingly recognizing as fundamental to healing.

Looking Forward

This preliminary research represents just the beginning. As we continue to understand the intricate connections between brain patterns, stress responses, and physical health, approaches like IEMT may become valuable tools in comprehensive treatment plans for autoimmune conditions.

For those living with psoriasis or similar conditions, this research offers hope that addressing the root causes of stress patterns might provide relief beyond what traditional treatments alone can offer.

This research was conducted under proper medical supervision with participants who maintained their existing medical treatments throughout the study. IEMT should be considered as a complementary approach rather than a replacement for established medical care.

Research