Method and apparatus for measuring and controlling the level of hormones in an animal circulatory system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It has been discovered that the concentration of immune-regulating hormones, such as IL-1, in the blood stream over time can be measured accurately and does vary in accordance with behavioral action caused by external stimuli.
This offers the possibility of influencing the immune function of an animal by the application of external stimuli.
In particular, it offers the possibility of influencing the immune function of a human being through the use of guided imagery and suggestion in order to reduce the likelihood or effect of disease.
The present invention takes advantage of the aforementioned discovery by providing a method and system for accurately measuring the concentration of immune-regulating hormones in the blood stream over time in relation to the application of known sensory stimuli, and for controlling the concentration.
Samples of blood are taken from the subject periodically at known times.
While the samples are being taken, one or more selected stimuli are supplied to the subject, also at known times.
The concentration of a selected immune-regulating hormone in each sample is measured.
The amount of the selected hormone in the samples is correlated with the time of occurrence of the selected stimuli supplied to the subject to identify the relationship between the stimuli and the level of the selected hormone.
Thereafter, to control the level of the selected immune-regulating hormone in the subject's body, the stimuli are applied in such a manner as to produce the desired effect on the concentration of immune-regulating hormone in the blood stream.
Where the stimuli are guided imagery, the subject may be trained to form the influential images mentally, i.
e.
, without external stimuli, and thereby control immune response so as to reduce the likelihood of disease.
During the measurement and control of the concentration of immune-regulating hormones, relaxation techniques are employed to increase the subject's concentration on the stimuli.
This may be accomplished through biofeedback techniques, hypnosis, or other appropriate measures