Trypophobia. lotus seed life force

This term (trypophobia) appeared relatively recently - in 2005. Officially, trypophobia is understood as the fear of clusters of holes, or, as they say, “cluster” holes.

In some cases, the same term refers to the fear of holes, cavities, abscesses on the skin, etc. official medicine has not yet officially recognized this phobia.

Not much research has been done on trypophobia. So far, the most famous is the work of Jeff Cole and Arnold Wilkins, who studied the reactions of the body when such a violation appeared.

The result of their work was the conclusion that this phobia is one of the most common and in fact represents one of the evolutionary advantages of man.

From this point of view, it is not difficult to explain the subconscious fear of many holes - primitive he was also afraid of wasps, poisonous animals and insects that live in holes.

The "scheme" of responding to such objects was laid back in those days when almost any hole in the ground, rock or tree could hide a danger to humans.

Well, a bee hive or wasp nest in general is a kind of “sample” of cluster holes.

Features and manifestations of trypophobia

Like other forms of phobias, trypophobia causes a person severe discomfort or even uncontrollable fear. At the same time, fear itself can be directed both at a living being, and at an object, or just a photo of such an “irritant” (in this case, holes).

Symptoms in this case may appear very different - a person may experience dizziness, nausea, feel the urge to vomit, lose coordination of movements, experience itching. Usually an attack of such a phobia manifests itself as a kind of obsession which causes uncontrollable fear and general nervousness.

Trypophobia is "undemanding" to objects that can cause such a reaction in a person - it is not so important where exactly a person sees cluster holes, the reaction in most cases will be the same.

So, there are yeast pores on the cut of bread and on pancakes, there are holes in cheese, seeds in vegetables and fruits can also become an impetus for the development of another attack.

But we are talking about very common food products. Holes can also become an object of fear. natural origin- corals, for example.

But the most serious object, in which trypophobia is fully manifested, are various holes in human tissues or in other living organisms.

A feature of this phobia is also the fact that a person often begins to project this condition onto himself, which leads to itching, allergic reactions, sweating, redness and the appearance of bright spots on the skin, etc.

At the same time, all of the listed symptoms are based on self-hypnosis, therefore, they largely depend on the level of empathy and emotional mood.

At acute attacks fear due to the sight of the object of the phobia on skin a person (even a photo is enough in some cases) may also experience trembling, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing and a feeling of disgust.

Like most of these disorders, trypophobia often manifests spontaneously and is inherited.

The reasons for the development of such a violation are often explained in terms of cultural perception or psychology, since in most cases this is the result of exposure to a very specific situation.

Trypophobia can be exacerbated during age-related crises, with problems in relationships with others, but at the same time, it can completely disappear in the absence of such stimuli. Age also affects this phobia - over the years, a person experiences various situations, which can contribute to the accumulation of fears.

How is this condition treated?

Since trypophobia is not recognized as an official diagnosis, it is classified as an obsessive condition and fear, using appropriate methods. psychological correction. The task of the doctor in this case is to restore normal psychiatric and physical condition in a patient at the sight of a stimulus.

The most common technique is quite simple - a person is shown a pacifying picture for some time to consolidate the state of rest, after which they show a photo of an object with cluster holes (irritant).

Also, the course of treatment is complemented by relaxing and breathing exercises. In the process of treatment, the feeling of disgust and fear gradually disappears, the state of internal comfort is restored and no longer depends on the type of stimulus.

But if the patient has psychosomatic disorders, then such therapy will not be enough - in this case, antiallergic drugs and sedatives are prescribed.

If the disease becomes severe and symptoms such as cramps appear, headache, convulsions - should be carried out intensive therapy in a hospital with the use of anticonvulsants and sedatives.

There are many phobias in the world, some of them, like the fear of heights or the dark, are quite common, while others make you wonder how you can be afraid of such a thing. One of these is the fear of holes and holes, and some are only afraid of depressions in the body, while others are trembling at the sight of honeycombs.

Fear when there are a lot of holes, what kind of phobia?

A very strange fear that appears at the sight of a cluster of holes is called trypophobia. Not all people experiencing discomfort at the sight of holes, they can explain what specifically scares them. Some people think that holes can completely absorb them, while others tremble at the thought of darkness inside such holes. While trypophobia research is on initial stage Therefore, it is not yet possible to accurately determine the causes of such fears. British scientists suggest that the phobia of holes and holes is caused by an evolutionary fear of poisonous animals. As a result of the test, it turned out that the coloring of some animals causes similar sensations in trypophobes with the contemplation of various holes. Other researchers believe that the phobia of holes in the body is caused by a natural fear of various diseases, and the abundance of holes does not look healthy.

Do not confuse the usual disgust at the sight of holes and trypophobia. The latter is characterized by the appearance of tremors, dizziness, nausea, impaired coordination and decreased performance. Also, the appearance of irritants can lead to increased sweating, the appearance of allergic formations and blanching. Such sensations can be caused by holes in products (bread, cheese, honeycombs, bubbles on the surface of coffee), pores on the skin, freckles, caterpillar passages, wormholes, holes in plants, etc.

It should be noted that trypophobia is not considered separate disease, including it in the section obsessive states and . Therefore, they treat it with methods of psychocorrection. In the case of trypophobia, desensitization is often used, replacing disturbing images with other, brighter ones in a state of deep relaxation. Also, if necessary, a specialist can prescribe antidepressants, sedatives and anti-allergic drugs. In addition to individual classes for the treatment of trypophobia, group classes and independent exercises are used. In rare cases, very severe forms disease, there is a need for enhanced medical treatment.

Everyone has certain fears, for example, many are afraid of heights or spiders. But sometimes it happens that fear turns into a real phobia, and life becomes simply unbearable. In 2005, scientists introduced a new concept into the medical literature - trypophobia, or the fear of many small holes.

Scientists at Oxford University came to grips with the study of trypophobia in the early 2000s. They tried to establish the signs of trypophobia and the reasons that contribute to its occurrence. People suffering from this disease cannot calmly look at the multiple holes in the sponge for washing dishes, the holes in the cheese or a bar of aerated chocolate. All objects with cluster holes cause a feeling of discomfort, and in advanced cases, panic fear.

Causes of fear of cluster holes

It turns out that the phobia of holes is not such a rare occurrence. According to statistics, about 10% of the inhabitants of our planet experience a fear of holes. In our country, trypophobia is considered a type of mental disorder and requires special treatment. In the course of treatment, the psychotherapist must not only eliminate the fear itself, but also identify the causes of trypophobia.

An unequivocal opinion about the appearance of fear of the accumulation of small holes does not yet exist. Most often inadequate reaction cause the following types holes and openings:

  • Enlarged pores and acne marks, acne and other holes on the human body.
  • Many food products with many holes: bread, pasta, cheese, coffee foam. by the most a prime example that provokes the occurrence of trypophobia are honeycombs.
  • Some plants and algae that resemble a sponge.
  • Geological rocks having a porous structure.
  • Multiple tunnels in the ground, which appeared in the ground as a result of the work of insects and small rodents.

During scientific research it was revealed that the disease trypophobia originates in the ancient past, when round holes were associated with dangerous poisonous animals. Test subjects were shown photographs of objects with holes and blue-ringed octopus that were unpleasant for trypophobes. As it turned out on the test, the octopus also evokes a feeling of fear, like the rest of the images. Presumably, the fear of cluster holes in a person can also arise for another reason: the association of small holes with various diseases on the human skin. For example, numerous ulcers or acne scars cause few sympathy.

Symptoms

Like other types of phobias, the fear of repeated holes brings a lot of inconvenience to its owner. A person's fear is directed both at the objects with holes themselves and at their image. Depending on the degree of the disease, symptoms can range from mild anxiety to real panic attack. The most common symptoms of trypophobia are:

  • Cardiopalmus;
  • Dizziness;
  • Nausea, often accompanied by vomiting;
  • Feeling of goosebumps on the skin;
  • Trembling of limbs;
  • increased sweating;
  • General nervousness.

It would seem that ordinary objects for others, whether it be porous bread or seeds in vegetables and fruits, can cause an uncontrollable panic attack in trypophobes. But the most serious manifestation of trypophobia is the fear of cluster holes on the human body or other living organisms. In addition to disgust, a trypophobe experiences disgust and fear of contracting an unknown disease. contemplation a large number skin holes causes itching, sweating and increased blood pressure.

Scientists note that very often trypophobia on the skin is inherited. human brain has not yet been fully studied, and it is impossible to say exactly for what reasons this or that fear arose.

Treatment

cluster holes occur in the human body different reasons. Punctures for wearing earrings and piercings, acne and acne scars, enlarged pores on the skin and much more. A trypophobe is afraid to find these small holes not only in himself, but also in his loved ones. Before treating a mental disorder, it is important to understand whether a person simply feels disgust or disgust at the sight of small holes, or they cause him a storm of emotions that interfere with a normal life.

The so-called fear of opening holes is not common disease, so the methods traditional treatment this phobia does not exist. Measures to eliminate the disorder are strictly individual in nature, depending on psychological characteristics specific person.

Today, specialists use a combination of drug treatment and psychotherapy. Drug treatment involves the use of the following drugs:

  • Calming agents. Depending on the severity of the course of the mental disorder, the patient is prescribed mild sedatives or tranquilizers and barbiturates.
  • Antihistamines. These drugs relieve irritation from the places of scratching, redness.

Listed medications able to somewhat improve the quality of a fearful person, but they will not be able to completely eliminate the cause of the phobia. Only by finding out the cause of the fear of large and small holes, we can talk about a complete cure.

Together with drug treatment, the problem of how to get rid of trypophobia is solved by a psychotherapist. The main task, in addition to finding out the cause of the phobia, is to restore normal physical and mental state the patient in a collision with emerging cluster holes. The simplest and most common way to deal with mental disorder called trypophobia is as follows: the patient for a long time show soothing pictures and videos that a short time are replaced by images of objects that he is afraid of. After that, calm and positive pictures appear again. The therapy is accompanied by special breathing exercises that help to consolidate the state of rest. After several sessions, the patient reacts less painfully to any kind of accumulation of multiple holes. Subject to all the recommendations of the doctor, the effectiveness of treatment becomes noticeable after two months.

The emerging fear of cluster holes should not be ignored, and it is better to contact a specialist with a problem. Numerous holes are present in a person's life almost everywhere, from food to soap suds on the hands. Therefore, at the first signs of a phobia, it is urgent to deal with its elimination, otherwise the quality of life of a trypophobe will deteriorate significantly. If necessary, the attending physician in addition to psychological help prescribes medication.


We all have fears, some of them have big influence on our life. But when a simple fear develops into a phobia, then living with it becomes unbearable. One such fear is trypophobia, the fear of clustered holes.

Often the subconscious mind plays cruel jokes with us, and one of the manifestations of such cruel games is numerous phobias which everyone must have. And if many people are afraid of heights, darkness and spiders, then the fear of numerous holes is a rarer phobia. What is the fear of holes or trypophobia and whether it really is a phobia - we will try to figure it out in this article.


Not so long ago, in the early 2000s, in scientific circles they started talking about a new phobia called "trypophobia". The problem interested pundits so much that experts at Oxford University took up its study, wanting to establish the causes and factors influencing the occurrence of this disorder.

Trypophobia - fear of clustered holes

Trypophobia- fear of multiple holes. It is characteristic that a person suffering from a phobia feels a number of unpleasant symptoms at the sight of holes in cheese, a washcloth, enlarged pores on the face, honeycombs and even a bar of aerated chocolate!

All objects that have numerous cluster holes in their structure, represent a huge discomfort for trypophobes.

Trypophobes are afraid of:


holes on the human body holes on plants and animals holes and multiple holes on foodstuffs holes on inanimate objects: fossil, household, hygienic. cluster holes formed as a result of human and animal life (earthworm passages) graphic and digital images multiple holes

Honeycombs are a typical example of clustered holes.

It is noteworthy that trypophobes are not afraid of absolutely all objects that have cluster holes. So, a person suffering from a phobia may be afraid of a washcloth, but react quite calmly to holes in cheese or bread.

Experts say that this feature is due to the fact that trypophobes are only afraid of those things and objects from which danger is expected, which is directly related to certain causes of fear.

If at the sight of multiple holes and openings you experiencing the following sensations, then you are among the 10% of the world's inhabitants suffering from trypophobia:

skin itching feeling of goosebumps a feeling of disgust disgust panic fear that someone lives in the holes increased sweating allergic reactions on the skin shortness of breath pallor dizziness nausea

With trypophobia, viewing multiple holes causes a range of negative reactions.

Despite the fact that the fear of holes exists, it was not included in the list of phobias and disorders by members of the authoritative American Psychiatric Association One of the psychologists named Jeff Cole he himself diagnosed trypophobia and began an intensive study of it. The scientist came to the conclusion that this fear is based on biological disgust and the fear that someone can live in the holes and carry a certain danger. Many psychologists suggest that, as such, the fear of multiple holes every person has. According to them, some show this fear, while others may not even be aware of it.

For the manifestation of a phobia, a special push which, in fact, can be anything. These reasons may even include family troubles.

There are many versions regarding the causes of trypophobia. Some scientists cited as the main reasons are:

heredity influence negligible life experience(in children) cultural factors traumatic events (bee sting, in comb examination)

Psychologist Jeff Cole went much further than his colleagues and brought more global causes such a phenomenon as trypophobia. Through numerous experiments on various experimental groups of people, Cole detected trypophobes in almost every one, who previously did not even think about the existence of such a phobia in themselves.


Trypophobes are afraid of holes only on those objects that are related to the occurrence of a phobia.

According to the scientist, the fear of cluster holes is one of the mechanisms of self-defense, which has remained in our subconscious since primitive times. After all, numerous holes and spotting are certainly present on the body of the most poisonous creatures on the planet and in their habitats. Our ancestors, as the scientist explains, determined the danger by these signs, and subconscious fear stopped them from taking a fatal step. In addition, the stories of many people experiencing trypophobia make researchers tend to think that all fears come from childhood So, one of the respondents said that in childhood he was bitten by a bee and his skin was so swollen that he saw every pore, and the other told how his parents were killed with a knife, the handle of which had cluster holes

Holes and a pattern resembling cluster holes are often present on the body of dangerous animals.

The human brain is understudied and talk about fame today exact reason the occurrence of trypophobia and fears in general is not necessary. At the same time, scientists do not dismiss the theory that such feelings as fear and disgust can be interconnected and are triggers for each other.


Explaining trypophobia in disgust, we can say that the cluster holes represent the wrong picture, they speak subconsciously about deformity, which is reminiscent of many skin diseases.

Many, due to their ignorance, believe that trypophobia is skin disease, which consists in the formation of various holes on the human body. It's actually a mental disorder. is not a disease and formations on the body due to a phobia do not appear.


Trypophobia doesn't cause holes in the body - it's a myth

On the other hand, holes on the body, such as acne, enlarged pores, mechanical damage in the form of multiple holes or even holes for earrings and other punctures - for trypophobes are objects of fear and disgust.

It is important to distinguish between simple disapproval, squeamishness or dislike for minor skin defects and trypophobia, in which, in addition to an increased feeling of disgust, there are also accompanying unpleasant symptoms described above.


Cluster holes in the skin are disgusting, because they are often associated with diseases.

Psychologist sessions will help eliminate trypophobia

The work of a psychologist with a trypophobe is not only in eliminating fear but also to find out the underlying causes of its occurrence. Usually, psychotherapy may include the following activities:

demonstration of visual images (alternating images or videos showing pleasant images and those that cause fear) breathing exercises facilitating relaxation reception visualization of fear

These actions are designed to eliminate the emergence of a subconscious association of holes with something unpleasant and repulsive, after which the phobia itself disappears.


Visualization of fear helps to get rid of a phobia

If the phobia manifests itself allergic reactions or other states(convulsions, paralysis, convulsions), then it is already necessary to contact a specialist with medical education, and not just a psychologist, in order for you to be assigned sedatives, anticonvulsants. More severe cases are subject to hospitalization and treatment in a hospital under the guidance of a psychiatrist.

If you suspect that you have trypophobia, you should contact a specialist immediately. Even if fear does not cause you serious discomfort, in the future, under the influence negative factors, it can be transformed into more significant mental disorders for which treatment may no longer be effective.

Incredible Facts

Have you ever heard of trypophobia?

If not, then perhaps after viewing the following images you will have it.

Trypophobia is irrational fear of a cluster of holes such as honeycombs, anthills, corals.

Images of holes often evoke a feeling fear, discomfort and anxiety.

Read also:Trypophobia, or why people are afraid of holes

At the same time, the reaction can be quite strong for fairly harmless things.

Some experts believe that people are instinctively afraid of these images, as they are associated with danger, illness or injury.

The following images contain small holes in the skin, small holes and other strange things. And if you suffer from trypophobia, we strongly recommend that you do not scroll below.

1. Skin from a chicken foot

2. Lotus seed pod

3. Acorns in a tree


4. Stretch marks on the body

5 Plucked Pheasant Neck


6 Jaw of a Drummer Fish

7. Dents on the body left after frozen peas


8. Pink coral

9 Shed Tarantula Skin


10. The mucous membrane of the stomach of a cow

11. Baked garlic


12. Spaghetti

13. Pumpkin seeds


14. Dents left on the legs after a slap

15. Close eye


16. Sandstone wall

17. Lion tongue


18. The girl who stuck plastic eyes on her face

19. Unusual mushrooms


20. Honeycombs

21. Bubbles forming on pancakes


22. Water bubbles that look like eyes

23. Cat licking paw with tongue


24. These images are the work of Photoshop



25. Never touch a hot cup

(This image was taken with photoshop)

Sometimes human fears take on a truly bizarre shape. An example of such an unusual fear is trypophobia. Of course, trypophobia is much more than a simple fear. The word phobia itself means that this fear is uncontrollable, very intense, and in fact it destroys the life of a person suffering from a phobia. There are still discussions in medicine about whether everything that is called a phobia is a phobia. Such a discussion did not pass and this situation. However, the reaction of people to the subject of fear speaks in favor of the fact that there are still signs of a phobic disorder. More on this later.

The term was first introduced in medical practice in 2004. Trypophobia is panic fear so-called cluster holes (phobia of holes in the body, on other objects). Cluster holes are small repeating holes on a small surface. The most common things for humans, like a sponge or coral, cause genuine horror in trypophobes.


Trypophobia - fear of various holes and openings, reaching horror

The study of such a phobia as the fear of holes and openings was carried out by British research institutes. The researchers Jeff Cole and Arnold Wilkins paid special attention to the reasons for the occurrence of such a reaction. In their article, they focused on the fact that the panic reaction carries in itself not so much signs of real fear as of strong disgust.

The state of phobia is characterized by the strongest changes in the habitual way of life, therefore it is quite natural that a person suffering from such fear wants to find its cause and eradicate it. There is still no unanimous opinion about the causes, many researchers question even the very existence of such a phobia.

A vivid emotional and physiological reaction to repeated holes is usually caused by holes:

in living tissue of animals and humans, acne eruptions (acne, demodectic rash), acne scars, necrosis of the skin surface with holes, open holes of many glands; small repetitive holes in food, for example, honeycombs, holes in bread, pasta , foam on coffee; on plants - seeds, spongy algae; natural geological cavities and porous rocks; tunnels dug by animals and insects.

Returning to the research of Cole and Wilkins, it becomes clear that the phobia of holes is caused by a rudimentary fear, that is, it is a relic of evolution. The thing is that our brain historically associates such holes with poisonous animals. A simple test led scientists to a similar conclusion, during which the subjects were shown photographs of multi-colored poisonous animals, in particular the color of the blue-ringed octopus, interspersed with photographs of objects typical of trypophobia. At some point, one of the subjects noted that the sensations from these objects are as unpleasant as from the image of the color of the blue-ringed octopus.


Trypophobes are even afraid of images of holes

The arguments are dubious, but have been confirmed by several similar studies. Indeed, even a person who has not been overtaken by such a phobia - the fear of holes - experiences somewhat unpleasant sensations at the sight of such holes on the skin. This is natural, not a pathology.

One more probable cause phobias of holes, is their possible association with diseases and skin lesions. But the above studies of scientists return even this fear to the fact that it is a vestige from our ancestors. It is also worth adding a certain social context that underlies this disease. The fact is that aesthetic appeal in modern world plays very significant role. And many unattractive phenomena that have a strong emotional coloring for a person are instantly tried on for themselves. Trying on numerous unpleasant-looking holes (associated with ulcers, for example) causes a corresponding reaction.

From the point of view of psychology, trypophobia, like many other fears, is a manifestation of anxiety disorder. And the accumulation of cavities is the trigger that triggers the output of this alarm.

Among the factors causing

If most phobias are characterized common features manifestations panic fear, then trypophobia brings us back to the theory that it is caused rather by disgust. This is supported by a special physiological picture that develops in people with a fear of cavities and holes.


Holes in the body cause real horror in trypophobes

The physical symptoms of a phobia, the fear of holes in the body or other surfaces, are:

feeling of chills and trembling at the sight of multiple holes; “goosebumps” on the skin; severe nausea and feeling of lightheadedness, sometimes accompanied by vomiting; feeling as if something is moving and crawling on the skin and inside it; itching on the body and scratching on the skin; reactions like allergic on the skin, inflammation; a sense of danger at the sight of holes.

A person who has experienced very intense experiences and the symptoms described above will naturally avoid contact with the stimulus. If the experience was excessively intense, a full-fledged phobic reaction develops - respiratory failure, shortness of breath, sweating of the palms, dizziness, loss of control over one's body, excessive sweating.

A few cases have been noted when an attack of disgust, and this is how one can describe the manifestation of a phobia in the form of a fear of holes and holes in this case, was accompanied by spasms, compulsive movements, convulsions, loss of consciousness - such cases require serious medical attention.

Contains edible seeds healing properties which have been actively used in Chinese medicine for several centuries in a row. Traditionally, the seeds are harvested in August-September and then dried in the sun. They have a neutral, slightly sweet taste.

Many healing herbal preparations, in miraculous powers which the followers believe oriental medicine, include in one form or another lotus seeds. But since we are reasonable people, we will try to separate the wheat from the chaff and find scientific evidence useful properties this exotic medicine.

lotus seeds - good source protein, as well as mineral healers: magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.

They are free of saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol.

lotus seeds contain kaempferol- a natural flavonoid that prevents tissue inflammation. This fact makes this product Chinese medicine a truly valuable cosmetic component.

Sabhati Dharmananda, Director of the Institute Traditional Medicine, focuses on the protein component of seeds. That is why this product is actively used in traditional Chinese cooking as one of the key ingredients in soups.

This fact has made many cosmetic companies fall in love with lotus seeds and include them in their anti-aging products.

Beneficial features

  1. Lotus seeds have astringent properties, are good for the kidneys and help restore vital energy organism.
  2. They can also be considered as a mild aphrodisiac that enhances sensuality and passion.
  3. According to Chinese medicine, lotus seeds are able to stop diarrhea, cope with irritability, insomnia and anxiety. According to its biochemical composition, this product is a vegetable depressant, much more effective than commonplace valerian.
  4. Some doctors believe that lotus seeds are good for the heart due to the content of bitter, astringent and cooling substances. The bitterness of this Chinese remedy is given by isoquinoline, an alkaloid endowed with antispasmodic and sedative properties. This plant component expands blood vessels and thus reduces blood pressure.
  5. Useful lotus seeds can be used not only as independent remedy, but also as an important ingredient in medicinal herbal preparations prepared according to all the rules of Chinese medicine. These oval seeds are found in medicines to improve digestion, fight diarrhea, treat prostatitis and urinary tract infections.