Is the Mind-Body Connection Real?
We’ve all heard the phrase “mind over matter,” but it turns out that there may be some truth to this old adage. In recent years, medical research has been uncovering more and more evidence of a link between our mental state and physical health. This connection between our mind and body is known as the mind-body connection.
When Headaches are More Than Pain
We had a client, let’s call her Julie, whose story is a great example of this phenomenon. She was experiencing severe stress and anxiety, which manifested in physical symptoms like headaches and chest pain. After seeking help from a therapist, engaging in daily relaxation techniques, as well as regular massage sessions, she was able to reduce her stress levels. The headaches and chest pains went from a disabling pain on a daily basis to normal occasional headaches once in a while.
Humans Have Explored the Connection Between Mind and Body for Centuries
This is just one example of how our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and attitudes can affect our physical health. The idea of a mind-body connection isn’t new. For centuries, healers and therapists have been exploring the relationship between mental and physical health. But only recently have scientists begun to understand how our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and attitudes can affect our bodies in tangible ways.
How the Mental and Physical Effect Each Other
The mind-body connection works by a feedback loop between your body and your mind. The way that you feel influences the way that you think and vice versa. This means that if we are feeling stressed or anxious, it can lead to physical problems like headaches or chest pain. Likewise, if we experience chronic pain or other physical ailments, it can lead to emotional distress such as depression or anxiety.
