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HomeTopicsMind Body Connection
Holistic Healthcare: The Mind-Body ConnectionHolistic health is a philosophical branch of medical care that emphasizes and studies the connection between one’s mind and body. Although some people consider holistic health treatments to be unscientific, many holistic practices are now being used in mainstream healthcare.
Whereas mainstream medical practices focus more on various parts of one’s physical body and the level of wellness or disease experienced, holistic medicine views a person’s emotional and spiritual well-being (in addition to the physical) as integral factors in a person's overall health. Mind-body healing practices also encourage people to participate actively in their own healthcare.
What is the Mind-Body ConnectionMany people experience the mind-body connection without even thinking about it. For example, think of the many people who suffer from ulcers due to stress. This is a very obvious example of the way one’s body responds to one’s lifestyle and the way one feels.
High blood pressure is another common ailment from stress. Whether it is a short-term bout of anger that elevates your blood pressure or a high-stress job that keeps it elevated throughout the day, the circulatory system responds to the mind and one’s emotions. In this case, practicing stress management techniques is essential to regaining health.
Keep in mind, however, the connection between the mind and body need not only have a negative impact: love, excitement and compassion also cause reactions in blood chemistry and heart rate.
Evidence Supporting the Mind-Body ConnectionPeople who would describe themselves as having poor emotional health more frequently suffer from one or many physical ailments. Some of the problems reported by people dealing with emotional problems include:
The connection between mind and body in our overall health is difficult to ignore. Research leads many doctors and psychologists to believe that attitudes and emotions affect activity of every cell and organ in the human system.
Further evidence proving the connection between the mind and body is the fact that poor emotional health weakens the body’s immune system. People who are experiencing stressful, sad or otherwise emotionally negative periods are more likely to get colds and other infections.
Holistic Healing TechniquesMany groups and foundations accept and base their work upon the connection between the human mind and body. For them, common practice revolves around addressing a person's psychological well being as a way to prevent disease and an unhealthy body, as well as a way to speed recovery.
Support groups are one widely accepted example of this holistic method of healing in popular culture. People who attend overeating support groups or grief and loss support groups acknowledge the affect of their emotional issues on aspects of their daily lives. Such groups provide support for people in dealing with difficult issues and emotions so that they can lead healthier, happier lives.
Affects of Holistic Healing PracticesProponents of holistic healing and alternative therapies argue that their practices can lead to:
Healing techniques vary widely amongst holistic health groups. Some holistic healing practices commonly used today include:
Resources American Academy of Family Physicians (n.d.). Mind/Body Connection: How Your Emotions Affect Your Health. Retrieved April 7, 2008, from the FamilyDoctor Web site: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/mental
/782.html.
Michigan Psychological Foundation (n.d.). The Mind-Body Health Connection. Retrieved April 7, 2008, from the Hooah4Health Web site: http://www.hooah4health.com/mind/mindbody.htm.
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