Altistusterapia

Altistusterapia is a term used in some circles of complementary and alternative medicine to describe a therapeutic approach that uses alternating sensory stimulation coupled with structured exposure methods to influence autonomic arousal, attention, and mood. The underlying idea is that rhythmic or alternating patterns of stimuli can modulate physiological responses and cognitive processing in ways that support regulation and coping.

In practice, altistusterapia is described as a clinician-guided process that blends elements of exposure therapy, mindfulness, and multisensory stimulation. Therapists may employ paced breathing, sequential or alternating sensory inputs (such as sound, light, or touch), and graded activity or exposure tasks. The pace, intensity, and modality of stimuli are typically adjusted to the individual’s tolerability and therapeutic goals, with emphasis on gradual progression and self-monitoring.

Indications for altistusterapia are described in some CAM sources as addressing anxiety, sleep disturbances, chronic pain, headaches, and related stress-related symptoms. However, there is limited high-quality evidence to support these uses, and most available data come from small studies, case reports, or theoretical discussions. As a result, altistusterapia is not widely recognized as a standard treatment in mainstream medicine, and its adoption varies by region and practitioner.

Safety considerations include the general potential for discomfort or overstimulation, and, in some cases, risks associated with sensory inputs (for example, photosensitive reactions). It is typically advised that such therapy be conducted by trained professionals and that individuals with seizure disorders or significant sensory processing issues seek medical guidance before participating.

See also: exposure therapy, sensory integration, mindfulness-based approaches.