Mind-Body Connection: The Influence of the Mind on Disease
BY: Neighbors’ Consejo|
In the intricate tapestry of human health, the interplay between the mind and the body has long fascinated researchers and medical professionals alike. Emerging evidence (as we will see) suggests that the influence of the mind on the body extends far beyond mere psychological wellbeing, delving into the realm of physical health and disease. This phenomenon, often referred to as the mind-body connection, underscores the profound ways in which our thoughts, emotions, and mental states can intricately shape our overall wellbeing.
According to Dr Carlos Durgante, member of the Brazilian Medical Spiritist Association, “the disease can also be caused by chronic dysfunctions in the emotional energy pattern and by the individual’s lack of care for himself”. “Body and mind are interconnected through a nerve pathway called hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal, structures that regulate hormones related to stress and anxiety [1] .”
“It’s a well-known fact that our thoughts and emotions can affect our bodies. For example, have you ever felt a knot in your stomach when you are nervous or stressed? Or how about getting a headache when you are feeling overwhelmed or upset? There are just a few examples of how our mental state can impact our psychical health. But it is not just temporary symptoms that our brains can cause. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to long-term health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune systems [2] .”
Another good example is the article published in The Harvard Gazette [3] , it discusses a recent research from Harvard University that sheds light on the brain’s remarkable ability to influence the body’s response to sickness. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the study reveals that the brain plays a pivotal role in controlling the severity of symptoms during illness, rather than the immune system alone. By examining the neural circuits that connect the brain and immune system, scientists are uncovering how the brain’s signals can modulate inflammation and impact the overall course of a disease.
In conclusion, to avoid it, get more sleep, spend time doing things you enjoy, meditate, check on your physical needs, get some exercise, take a short break, develop a stress management plan, rule out medical causes [4] , and talk with the therapists of Neighbors’ Consejo [5] if you consider you need professional help.
[1]https://www.brainlatam.com/blog/mind-and-body-how-thought-can-make-the-body-sick-1130#:~:text=Therefore%2C%20situations%20that%20lead%20to,contribute%20to%20a%20healthier%20lifestyle.
[2]https://www.thefibroguy.com/blog/can-your-brain-make-you-sick/
[3]https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/06/brain-controls-symptoms-of-sickness/
[4]https://www.healthline.com/health/brain-fog-anxiety#work-with-a-therapist