A Russian doctor has come up with a bizarre treatment to help people with addictions – literally beating them with a stick.
Patients with a range of issues – including sex addicts and workaholics – can now see a counsellor to receive up to 60 lashes on the buttocks with a cane.
The theory is that corporal punishment ‘counteracts a lack of enthusiasm for life which is often behind addictions, suicidal tendencies and psychosomatic disorders.’
Patients in Russia with a range of issues – including sex addicts and workaholics – can now see a counsellor to receive up to 60 lashes on the buttocks with a cane, in a bizarre form of psychotherapy
Now, the unusual therapy has been declared a breakthrough in psychology by experts during trials in Siberia, Russia.
At an appointment patients are given the extreme treatment before having a more conventional session simply talking and expressing their feelings.
The treatment has been pioneered by Dr Sergei Speransky, director of Biological Studies at Novosibirsk Institute of Medicine, who admitted undergoing a flogging as an antidote to his own bouts of depression.
He told The Siberian Times: ‘Patients see that the treatment is working when everything else has failed.
‘It worked for me. I’m not sadistic, at least not in the classical sense – but I do advocate caning.’
Now Dr Speransky’s work has been continued by psychologist Dr German Pilipenko, who with fellow practitioner Professor Marina Chukhrova, has treated more than 1,000 patients.
The pair claim that in a sample of 30 patients given the treatment, the majority are responding well and may be overcoming their addictions.
The theory is that corporal punishment ‘counteracts a lack of enthusiasm for life which is often behind addictions, suicidal tendencies and psychosomatic disorders’
Dr Chukhrova said: ‘We cane the patients on the buttocks with a clear and definite medical purpose – it is not some warped sado-masochistic activity.’
Russians pay 3,000 roubles – nearly £50 – for a session of counselling and beating.
Practitioners insist the treatment is not about punishment or humiliation- but about releasing endorphins, known as ‘happiness hormones’
They are expected to undergo two beating sessions a week for three months – with follow-up visits every four weeks for the next year.
The ages of the patients – men and women – range from 17 to 70.
Serious addicts, including those addicted to heroin, typically receive 60 lashes, while those with alcohol or other addictions normally face 30.
Willow branches are used as they are flexible and won’t cause bleeding.
Patients also undergo an electrocardiogram to make sure the beating doesn’t cause heart problems.
Dr Pilipenko and Professor Chukhrova claim they have had success with showbiz clients and boast they could help stars like singer Peter Doherty, who has had little luck beating his addictions with conventional treatments.
They claim foreigners have begun to fly to Siberia to undergo the treatment too. And while the treatment may seem violent, they insist it is not about punishment or humiliation.
The treatment works because corporal punishment stimulates the brain to release endorphins – known as ‘happiness hormones’ – which addicts lack, Professor Chukhrova explained.
- Treatment includes being beaten with a cane and talking to a counsellor
- Heroin addicts receive 60 lashes whereas alcoholics receive 30
- Theory is that addicts lack happiness and enthusiasm in their lives
- Corporal punishment releases ‘happiness hormones’ which can help
- Doctors claim treatment has worked where conventional methods failed
- Practitioners claim foreigners are flying to Siberia for the treatment
Source: dailymail.co.uk