I have always enjoyed the Superman introduction... "more powerful than a locomotive; faster than a speeding bullet; able to leap tall buildings in a single bound !!" While this describes the powers of Superman, to me, it also describes the power and speed of the mind-body connection. In my practice, I continue to be amazed at the amazing degree of havoc that can be wreaked when the mind is out of control and unharnessed. Last week I worked with a very kind, smart lady who was having full bowel obstruction symptoms after periods of prolonged diarrhea. The expression "feel it in the gut" captures this capacity of the body to experience mind chaos. Her scenario quickly resolved when she became aware of the tie between her mind and gut and she was able to remedy the life situation that was sending her into a tailspin.
She is not alone in this situation. As a primary care doctor, every day brought in many people with other manifestations of this powerful circuit. Body pain (headaches, back pain, fibromyalgia), insomnia, gastroesophageal reflux, fatigue, chest pains, raised blood pressure are only the tip of the iceburg of conditions that people present with when stressed, depressed or angry. Even major conditions (heart attacks, cancer, multiple sclerosis to name a few) are exacerbated and initiated by emotional stressors. The body does not live separate from the mind. Ignoring the role and power of the mind is convenient and easier but "feelings buried alive never die". Body symptoms are very often an indicator of emotional distress.
So why am I bringing up what we all already know? This is not a new revelation. The reason I bring it up is that there is so much that can be done with this understanding. Yes, the mind can make us sick but also, the mind can make us well. This very same mind-body connection can be utilized, harnessed and put into action in the pursuit of healing. People can get well when their mind is their friend again. Healthy solutions can be created and put into action once an individual
becomes aware of this connection and consciously uses it to bring health and well-being. Hypnosis can often "re-wire" errant thoughts that are sabotaging good health. Fortunately, using the unconscious(hypnosis) is not often necessary to make healthful changes. Once people become aware of a negative pattern or thought process, they can frequently change that perception or belief and magically life opens up and body healing happens.
Letting go of toxic emotions, resolving chronic conflict, forgiving ourselves or another who has hurt us all can open new doors. Speaking openly can be freeing. Letting out swallowed tears relaxes the body in ways that even the best massage cannot. Finding peace through conflict resolution, forgiveness or by becoming aware can provide one with a whole new lease on life. There are many, many ways that the body can heal without(or with) medicines when negative emotions(anger, depression, fear) give way to positive emotions(joy, peace, fun, happiness, connection, compassion). This is not "woo-woo" stuff--this is real, everyday life and possibility.
I am fortunate to be seeing it in my practice. I attribute my witnessing of these exciting shifts to being able to spend more time and "go deeper". In the end, the mind-body connection is our kryptonite or it can be our savior. Which way will it be be for you?
She is not alone in this situation. As a primary care doctor, every day brought in many people with other manifestations of this powerful circuit. Body pain (headaches, back pain, fibromyalgia), insomnia, gastroesophageal reflux, fatigue, chest pains, raised blood pressure are only the tip of the iceburg of conditions that people present with when stressed, depressed or angry. Even major conditions (heart attacks, cancer, multiple sclerosis to name a few) are exacerbated and initiated by emotional stressors. The body does not live separate from the mind. Ignoring the role and power of the mind is convenient and easier but "feelings buried alive never die". Body symptoms are very often an indicator of emotional distress.
So why am I bringing up what we all already know? This is not a new revelation. The reason I bring it up is that there is so much that can be done with this understanding. Yes, the mind can make us sick but also, the mind can make us well. This very same mind-body connection can be utilized, harnessed and put into action in the pursuit of healing. People can get well when their mind is their friend again. Healthy solutions can be created and put into action once an individual
becomes aware of this connection and consciously uses it to bring health and well-being. Hypnosis can often "re-wire" errant thoughts that are sabotaging good health. Fortunately, using the unconscious(hypnosis) is not often necessary to make healthful changes. Once people become aware of a negative pattern or thought process, they can frequently change that perception or belief and magically life opens up and body healing happens.
Letting go of toxic emotions, resolving chronic conflict, forgiving ourselves or another who has hurt us all can open new doors. Speaking openly can be freeing. Letting out swallowed tears relaxes the body in ways that even the best massage cannot. Finding peace through conflict resolution, forgiveness or by becoming aware can provide one with a whole new lease on life. There are many, many ways that the body can heal without(or with) medicines when negative emotions(anger, depression, fear) give way to positive emotions(joy, peace, fun, happiness, connection, compassion). This is not "woo-woo" stuff--this is real, everyday life and possibility.
I am fortunate to be seeing it in my practice. I attribute my witnessing of these exciting shifts to being able to spend more time and "go deeper". In the end, the mind-body connection is our kryptonite or it can be our savior. Which way will it be be for you?
Comments
Qigong kept me strong in many ways: it calmed my mind--taking me out of the fight-or-flight syndrome, which pumps adrenal hormones into the system that could interfere with healing. The deep abdominal breathing pumped my lymphatic system—a vital component of the immune system. In addition, qigong energized and strengthened my body at a time when I couldn't do Western exercise such as weight-lifting or jogging--the chemo was too fatiguing. And it empowered my will and reinforced it every day with regular practice. In other words, I contributed to the healing process, instead of just depending solely on the chemo and the doctors. Clear 14 years and still practicing!
Bob Ellal
Author, ‘Confronting Cancer with the Qigong Edge’