The Mind-Body Health Connection

	For information on how the Mind/Body health connection can help you overcome stress see Exercise and Stress.

What is the mind-body health connection?

Through the mind-body health connection, our thoughts and emotions can play a central role in all aspects of our health. Research shows that by taking care of our psychological well-being we can sometimes prevent medical illness and often speed our recovery when we do get sick.

Whom does it help?

Awareness of the mind-body connection may improve the quality of life of healthy, active people as well as those who have long-term or life-threatening illness. Call the Michigan Psychological Association today at (800) 270-9070 to get in touch with a psychologist in your community.

How does the mind-body health connection work?

The mind and body are closely linked, and their relationship can exert a positive influence on health and quality of life. Attitudes, beliefs, and emotional states ranging from love and compassion to fear and anger can trigger chain reactions that affect blood chemistry, heart rate, and the activity of every cell and organ in the body - from the stomach and digestive tract to the immune system. Emotions can also affect your body's reaction to stresses and strains, which can cause head and backaches and other physical problems.

We can help ourselves stay healthy by paying attention to our emotional and mental status - including our worries, outlook, and moods.

What does improving the mind-body health connection involve?

Many psychological therapies make use of the mind-body connection through stress management, support groups, individual psychotherapy, biofeedback, hypnosis and relaxation techniques. These are designed to improve both emotional and physical well-being. Psychologists often use one or more of these methods to help people live healthy lifestyles and to provide support and guidance to those who are sick.

Treatment that increases the awareness of the mind-body connection can help with:

• Stress
• Weight control
• Smoking cessation
• Substance abuse
• Chronic pain
• Fatigue

How can the mind-body health connection help me?

The mind-body connection treats the whole person by addressing the stresses we face, particularly when illness occurs. Psychologists use the mind-body connection to work closely with other health care providers to assess the lifestyles, attitudes, and family support of those who do become ill. They can help us understand that nature and treatment of our illness and create a plan to help maximize psychological well-being.

Psychologists work with us so that we can be active in our own health care choices and decisions. Awareness of the mind-body connection may be helpful in:

• Reducing missed time from work
• Speeding recovery from illness
• Lessening pain and discomfort
• Shortening hospital stays
• Enabling patients and families to better cope with illness
• Increasing mental alertness and activity

You may also want to visit the American Psychological Association's website at: www.apa.org for additional information on the mind-body connection.

For More Information

Familydoctor.org
Information about the mind/body connection from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

The Mind-BODY Connection: Granny Was Right, After All
An article by neurobiology researcher David Felton that explores the connection between the nervous system and immune system.

Mind/Body Medical Institute
Researchers at The Mind/Body Medical Institute in Boston, Massachusetts base their work on the inseparable connection between the mind and body.

 
Source: The Michigan Psychological Foundation, http://www.mpafoundation.org