How Mind-Body Practices Improve Health

Many ancient healing practices emphasize the strong bond between the mind and the body, and within the last century there has been renewed interest in the power of thoughts and emotions for promoting physical health. This mind-body connection harnesses the power of consciousness to influence how the body acts and responds to stress.

Mind-body techniques aim to calm and reduce stress in order to promote the healthy functioning of the body. Psychological factors have been shown to directly and significantly affect health and well-being. Stress hormones are released when you feel strained, such as with anxiety, hostility, and depression. These stress hormones negatively influence the way the body’s organs and systems function over time; stress hormones hinder digestion, growth, and immunity while increasing blood pressure and heart rate. These conditions are associated with numerous diseases and ailments, and mind-body practices can reduce stress to improve these health issues.

Various mind-body practices can be used to create feelings of empowerment, happiness, comfort, and serenity, which have been recognized for improving people’s health. Meditation is a very popular mind-body practice for creating different modes of consciousness and can be performed in a variety of ways. Some methods focus on clearing the mind completely, while others focus on obtaining a sense of calmness. When you think about a particular experience, mental and physical responses similar to those you had at that time of the memory are recreated. For example, if you imagine a happy memory, you are likely to have the same feelings of calmness and contentment you felt during the actual experience, and your body will most likely become relaxed. Conversely, if you recall a time you were afraid, your heart may start to race and your hands may become sweaty. Mind-body exercises focus on experiences and emotions that release stress and relax the mind and body.

Though some people still have their doubts, clinical studies have demonstrated that mind-body techniques do, in fact, combat disease and improve health. This connection has been used for many purposes throughout history, and its therapies have been recently proven to be beneficial in a multitude of ways.

Research has established that mind-body practices can be used for:

• Strengthening the immune system

• Reducing postoperative side effects

• Shortening recovery times after medical procedures

• Helping treat diseases, including:

  • Cancer

  • Obesity

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • Asthma

  • Coronary heart disease

  • Insomnia

  • Stomach and intestinal problems

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Mental health issues

Now that you know some of the many benefits of mind-body practices, stay tuned for another blog coming soon on how to put the mind-body connection to use. Although mind-body practices are a great supplemental treatment, patients with serious conditions should always consult with a doctor before beginning any new treatment techniques.

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