| Mind-Body Medicine Until recent times, traditional Western medicine was based mostly on a belief that the mind and body were separate. In contrast, many ancient healing practices, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine, emphasized a belief in the mind- body connection. Some of these ancient healing practices are now accepted as complementary medicine. The dilemma is that although many of these practices produce excellent results, they usually require time and diligent effort by the patient. Beginning in the 1960s there was renewed interest in the mind-body connection. The psychiatrist George Solomon noticed that people with rheumatoid arthritis got worse when they were depressed. His investigations into the impact of emotions on inflammation and the immune system were the beginning of a new field of study called psychoneuroimmunology. Following this came numerous studies that demonstrated how the "relaxation response," could affect blood pressure. Today we have research demonstrating that for some, techniques like yoga and meditation can be beneficial. A study at Stanford University School of Medicine in 1989 demonstrated the power of the mind to heal. In a group of women with late-stage breast cancer, half received standard medical care while the other half received standard care plus weekly grief support sessions. Researchers discovered that the women who participated in the social support group lived on average twice as long as the women who did not. Many studies since have shown positive results. An essential element of most mind-body techniques is training the mind to focus on the body without distraction. The most commonly used techniques include relaxation therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy or biofeedback. For most, relaxation therapy using visual imagery and body awareness is a good first step. For example, you might focus on your breath as air moves in and out or on your heartbeat. The idea is to imagine a peaceful place and then focus on different physical sensations. Other techniques include progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, hypnosis and spiritual awareness. While many of the problems mind-body therapies address are the result of lifestyle induced stress, they can also be the result of traumatic events such as accidents, hurricanes, tornados, fires, floods, earthquakes, and civil wars. When disaster strikes, organizations like The Center for Mind-Body Medicine often provide the boots on the ground to aid recovery. As it happens, many of the same therapies that help recovery from national disasters can also help with stress in our individual lives. The links below from The Center for Mind-Body Medicine offer a brief introduction to a few self--help techniques that can help improve mental and physical well-being through the use of the mind- body pathways. If you find these techniques appealing, then seek a local group for additional instruction and social support. Getting value from these methods usually requires incorporating them into your lifestyle as routine activities. • Soft Belly Breathing (video) • Guided Imagery (video) • Journey of the Breath (video) • Guided Imagery Exercise (video) • Ease Financial Stress (video) • Running for the Mind • Gratitude and Wellbeing While some alternative and complementary therapies have research to support their effectiveness, most have little or no research to support claims and some are known to be harmful. Before experimenting with yourself ask a health care professional for advice. For advisory warnings read more at www.FDA.gov and “Use Caution With Ayurvedic Products.” As an alternative to complementary medicines, I suggest taking a walk. Giving yourself time to connect with the earth and sun is good medicine. Join me along with your furry four-legged friends. For a comfy winter morning walk, double layer clothes, mittens, hat, and coat are recommended. Nancy Neighbors, MD Huntsville, Alabama |