What Is the Connection Between the Mind & Body?
Traditionally, western medicine separated the physical body from the non-physical mind, believing in their independent existence. Today, western medicine accepts a possible link between the mind and body, supporting alternative methods that integrate mind/body treatments.
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Features
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A mind/body approach suggests that the mind and body work in concert to produce your current state of health. Thus, thoughts and emotions effect your physical state. In turn, your physical state effects your mental outlook.
Benefits
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Empirical evidence suggests that the mind can stimulate healing. According to Larry Dossey, M.D., since the 1960s, over 300 controlled studies demonstrate the power of the mind to affect change.
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Significance
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Mainstream medicine continues to accept mind/body healing treatments. These treatments include meditation, visualization, body work, prayer, biofeedback and hypnosis.
Warning
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Medical professionals caution against focusing on mental treatments alone such as prayer and meditation, without accepting the biological component. Remember, a holistic approach treats both the mind and body in concert.
History
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Since the seventeenth century, science embraced a mechanistic view; this divided the body into parts. Today, quantum physics provides a platform for a unifying theory that connects the body and mind.
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References
- Healing Words; Larry Dossey, M.D.; 1997
- A Practical Guide to Vibrational Medicine; Richard Gerber M.D.; 2001
- Journal of Counseling and Development; Quality of Life of Persons with Medical Illnesses: Counseling's Holistic Contribution; Shirley A. Roberts, Mark S. Kiselica, Susan A. Fredrickson; Volume: 80. Issue: 4; 2002
