(657) Psychokinesis: A Proposal for the Treatment of Vaginismus

Introduction The use of mental capacity in the treatment of diseases dates back to ancient civilizations (Egyptians, Chinese, etc.). In 1970, the oncologist Carl Simonton developed the method of guided imagination still used as a therapeutic complement. The Greek term psychokinesis (psyche = mind, kinesis = movement), coined by the biologist Bertold P. Wiesner, is today understood, in light of neuroscience, as the mind's ability to modulate voluntary and involuntary bodily responses through motor imagery, directed intention, and psychophysiological self-regulation. Evidence indicate that mental practice activates brain areas related to movement and body perception, even without physical action, which favors the voluntary control of specific muscles. Psychokinesis can be useful in the management of vaginismus (involuntary contraction and pain upon penetration), by enabling modulation of pelvic floor muscle tension (PFM) and adequacy of the sexual response without initial physical touch. Objective To elaborate and propose a therapeutic protocol based on psychokinesis for the treatment of vaginismus. Methods The protocol will be applied individually to cisgender women, in the age range between 18 and 40 years, conducted by a pelvic physical therapist and, when necessary, also by a psychologist specialized in sexuality. With an initial duration of 24 sessions, of 50 minutes each, with continuous reevaluation. The first session will include: explanation of the protocol; anamnesis (clinical history); and the application of the questionnaires KVIQ20-P, WHOQOL-bref, and QS-F (reapplied in the last session). And the VAS pain scale at the beginning and end of each session. The psychokinetic techniques will encompass: • Intentional breathing to modulate the autonomic nervous system; • guided body and perineal motor imagery for global relaxation and muscle perception; • internal mental biofeedback, with conscious regulation of pelvic floor tone without touch; • symbolic imagery to create sensory metaphors (flowers opening); • imaginary touch, based on mirror neurons, for gradual desensitization. Pilot Study. Cisgender woman, 31 years old, single, executive. Rigid, anxious, controlling, conservative personality, shy about sexual matters, with primary vaginismus and tokophobia, low body awareness, generalized body aches, reported an episode of abuse in adolescence. In the first session, the VAS score was 10. Results When the pain reduced to VAS = 2, she allowed her partner's penile penetration; the act was interrupted when it reached 1/3 of the vaginal canal due to VAS = 4, for fear of a recurrence. After continuing the exercises according to the protocol, the pain returned to VAS = 2. This study showed that the method was effective, the results were progressive and consistent. Quality of life improved, and pain, stiffness, anxiety, and behavioral control decreased. Conclusions Psychokinesis represents an innovative, non-invasive, and integrative therapeutic alternative that may promote conscious motor control, emotional regulation, and (re)connection with female sexual function. The method provides a safe and welcoming environment, especially for patients with a history of trauma or difficulty adhering to conventional treatments, by allowing the process of body re-education to occur progressively, autonomously, and without initial touch. Preliminary results suggest consistent benefits and indicate potential for expansion and clinical validation of the protocol. Disclosure No