Exploring the Mind-Body Connection

The Mind-Body Connection in Holistic Healing
As our Western understanding of health and wellbeing develops, we are becoming increasingly aware that the mind and body are interconnected and inseparable. This understanding underpins the perspective held by holistic approaches to healing, and is very present within holistic therapy. In this article we will explore the mind-body connection in more depth, discussing how this knowledge can be used to promote health and wellbeing, and how you can use this knowledge in your day to day life. 

What is the Mind-Body Connection?
The mind-body connection describes the intrinsic connection that exists between our thoughts, beliefs, emotional state and physical health. Research in fields such as psychoneuroimmunology has demonstrated that our mental and emotional states can significantly impact our physical health, immune function, and overall wellness.

Our brain and body communicate on a physiological level through a complex array of signals such as neurotransmitters, hormones and neural pathways. During times of stress or anxiety, our body releases stress hormones including cortisol and adrenaline. These stress hormones trigger a myriad of physiological responses such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, suppressed immune function, changes to digestion and even to vision and visual capacity. During times of stress or anxiety, the body perceives threat and sends energy only to the essential functions. Intermittent or small amounts of stress can be beneficial (think being chased by a mammoth), but if the stress is prolonged and the body does not get a chance to reset into a state of homeostasis, stress can lead to health issues. On the other hand, when positive emotions such as love or gratitude are felt, the body responds by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which puts us into a ‘rest and digest’ state. We then experience a number of ‘feel good’ hormones that also reduce inflammation, increase the immune system and positively impact cardiovascular health. Here, we can begin to understand how the body and mind are in constant communication and affecting each other. This connection is worth examining, as it holds an important key to how our emotional and physical states participate in our overall experience of wellbeing.

How can a holistic approach help you?
A holistic approach to healing recognises that addressing both the mind and the body are essential to the healing process. Instead of purely treating symptoms, a holistic approach tends to look for the underlying issues and works to attend to any imbalances that may be present in one’s mental, emotional or physical state. The holistic approach is not limited to simply the body and the mind, instead it includes all aspects of being. For example, one’s spiritual health may also be taken into account and can be an important consideration for many. 

If an individual is experiencing recurring pain or illness, it is often worthwhile to not only attend to the physiological experience but to also consider whether there are any mental or emotional factors that may be contributing to this issue. It has been shown that people who experience trauma or PTSD, are more likely to experience somatic concerns and illness. Holistic approaches operate on the premise that the body and mind are inseparably connected, with mental health having the capacity to improve physiological health. Therefore, practices such as meditation and mindfulness are considered to be valuable tools in supporting overall wellbeing. Meditation and mindfulness techniques have been shown to be highly effective in stress reduction and in restoring balance in one’s mental, emotional and physiological functions. Other modalities such as yoga, Tai Chi, massage and bodywork, movement and therapy have also been shown to be helpful for overall well being of the body and mind.

In Conclusion
The mind-body connection is a valuable way to perceive wellbeing, as it means that we are less likely to overlook important or persistent issues or areas that need change. Allowing our perspective of wellbeing to encompass the entirety of our experience also empowers us to make choices that support us long-term, rather than getting caught in cycles of symptom reduction without taking time to attend to the underlying cause. If we are able to give importance and tend to our mental, physical and emotional health with consistency, we are well-equipped to notice and address any issues that may arise along the way. 

I hope that this article was helpful to you and has helped you develop an understanding of the importance of the mind-body connection and its role in a holistic approach to wellbeing. As always, please reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss how holistic counselling may benefit you.