Recently I was asked to do a talk about the mind and body connection. As I researched what areas I’d like to focus on, I remembered learning about the history of the “mind and body problem” and how the mind and body are inseparable. When studying Psychology in college, I hung onto this idea and I think it has shaped my future and belief in the ability for us to determine our health and wellness and heal ourselves.
Our mind effects how our bodies are. Our mind is our mental state - our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, attitudes, and images. Each mental state has a physiology associated with it, and positive or negative effects can be felt in the physical body. For example, a state of anxiety in the mind produces stress hormones in the physical body. These stress hormones can then cause other physical ills such as adrenal fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, skin irritation, memory and concentration problems, interference with sleep, headaches, and upset stomach. So instead of taking a pill to mask the symptom, we must get to the cause, in this case anxiety, and reduce anxiety through mind and body healing therapies.
Doctors, scientists, and philosophers have pondered the mind and body connection for centuries. Until the 1800’s and before the advent of pharmaceutical drugs, and other medications, it was standard for people to take care of themselves using the mind and body connection. Getting out into the sunshine, fresh air of the mountains, or to seaside resorts, using hot springs, relaxing with nature, spending enjoyable time with loved ones and friends, and using good food as health tonics were often recommended by doctors.
Over the past 20 years, science has documented the benefits of mind and body therapies for issues such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, headaches, and coronary artery disease. Mind and body therapies have also shown to help the immune systems’ ability to fight infection, defend against disease, ease symptoms of chemotherapy, and help lessen localized pain in cancer patients. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) now recognizes the mind body connection and related therapies.
The most widely popular and growing mind body therapies include yoga and meditation. Others include biofeedback, Tai Chi, Qigong, relaxation, hypnosis, and creative arts such as music, dance, and art therapy, guided imagery, patient support groups, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Programs are popping up all over, and some are even being covered by health instance.
What are you doing for your mind and body connection and how has it helped you? I’d love to know so leave a comment.