The mind-body connection

The mind-body connection presented itself when we were little. Sitting in the school office with a fever waiting for mum or dad to come and pick us up.  To take take us home to our comforting bedroom.  To eat homemade soup and watch TV. It wasn’t until they arrived and said “everything’s going to be alright” — and we believed it— that we started to feel better.

The power of the mind over the body is undeniable. When we swap our anxiety, fear, and negative feelings with positive thoughts of safety and security, it’s amazing how much better our physical bodies can feel. Likewise, the power our bodies holds over our minds. There is an undeniable gut-brain connection which shows itself in our day to day lives. Whether it’s a rash coupled with extreme anxiety, or eating a trigger food leading to subsequent depression, the connection is ever apparent.

What Is Mind-Body Connection?

Mind-body connection is the complex relationship between our minds and bodies. It is scientifically based – in the Western world of medicine we describe it as a connection of body systems including the endocrine, immune and nervous systems, and each organ of theses systems communicating through a chemical language. In the Eastern world of medicine the body is a complex ecosystem of electrical currents and climates. Every part of the body is part of the whole mind-body-soul experience.

What is Mind Therapy?

Mind therapy addresses the issues of both the mind and the body by starting with the symptoms of the mind. Feeling super anxious today? Have work responsibilities become too overwhelming? Or maybe it’s depression that has you bogged down with the weight of the world on your shoulders.

There are a myriad mind therapies that have been proven to address both mental and physical health issues:

Examples of Mind Therapy

• Yoga, Prayer, Meditation
• Tai Chi, Qigong
• Creative Arts (Music, Art, Dance, Performance)
• Relaxation, Guided Imagery, Biofeedback
• Support Groups, Group Activities (Sports)
• Therapy

These mind therapies address psychological, spiritual, social, expressive, and behavioural needs. As human beings we have a wide array of paths to mental and physical health. It’s not just through healthy eating, or exercise or therapy. It’s addressing the needs of every facet of our being.