The mind has healing powers
You’ve probably heard that the mind is an essential tool in the healing process. Remember the expression mind over matter? You may also have heard of the placebo effect, which is when people get incredible results based on a belief. No matter what you’ve heard, chances are good that you are beginning to understand the powerful abilities of the mind. But even though we’ve heard these things and perhaps even believe, many of us still have doubts. Does the mind really play a role in our well-being? Or is it nothing more than luck? If you’re interested in using the mind to protect, heal, and improve your body, take a look at this guide to the powers of the mind-body connection.
The mind is an incredible thing. Research suggests that when a person wholeheartedly believes in something, that thing is more likely to come true. If you believe that you’re going to be healed from a particular ailment, your mind can send your body in the right direction. It’s a matter of “putting your mind to it.” Does this mean that your mind is a miracle worker? Not exactly. It simply suggests that your mind has a significant impact on the manner in which your body performs and functions — whether it’s well, injured, or ill.
What is the mind-body connection?
Your mind and body are powerful allies. How you think can affect how you feel. And how you feel can affect your thinking.
An example of this mind-body connection is how your body responds to stress. Constant worry and stress over jobs, finances, or other problems can cause tense muscles, pain, headaches, and stomach problems. It may also lead to high blood pressure or other serious issues.
On the other hand, constant pain or a health problem like heart disease can affect your emotions. You might become depressed, anxious, and stressed, which could affect how well you treat, manage, or cope with your illness.
But your mind can have a positive effect on your health, too. Having a positive outlook on life helps you better handle pain or stress and stay healthier than someone who is less hopeful.
How do your thoughts and feelings affect your health?
Your brain produces substances that can improve your health. These substances include endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and gamma globulin, which strengthens your immune system.
Research shows that what your brain produces depends in part on your thoughts, feelings, and expectations. If you’re sick but you have hope and a positive outlook and you believe that you’ll get better, your brain is likely to produce chemicals that will boost your body’s healing power.
Negative thoughts and emotions can keep your brain from producing some of the chemicals that help your body heal. But this doesn’t mean you should blame yourself for getting sick or feeling down about a health problem. Some illnesses are beyond your control. But your thoughts and state of mind are resources you can use to get better.
How does stress affect you?
How you handle stress has an effect on your health. When you’re stressed or anxious, your body reacts as if it is under attack. Your body releases hormones that speed up your heart rate and breathing, increase blood pressure, and make your muscles tense. This physical reaction is called the fight-or-flight stress response.
This stress reaction is good if you need to avoid a problem or other danger. But if you constantly feel stressed, your body’s natural fight-or-flight response lasts too long and your blood pressure may stay high. This is bad for your heart and whole body in general. Stress can also affect your emotions. It can make you feel moody, tense, upset, or depressed.
But when you are able to relax your mind and body, your body stops producing the hormones that create stress. The feelings of stress ease, and you return to a state of calm, both physically and mentally.
In conclusion
So can the mind really heal the body? In a way, yes. When you keep a positive outlook and attitude, the body is more likely to heal from various kinds of ailments. Attitude is everything! But it’s also important to balance your mind with the medical advances that we have today. The real key? Balance! Use your resources and get your mind on board. With this combination, you have a recipe for better health and healing in your life.
The mind is so incredible. We don’t truly understand all of its power just yet. But we know that the right attitude can greatly affect physical health. Focus on improving your attitude and mindset, and you may find that your health improves like never before.
Think healthy thoughts.
Adrienne
xo
More info in this book. If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with MS, you’ll make their day when you pass it along.
