Vous êtes sur la page 1sur 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

Mind-body medicine Overview


What is mind-body medicine? Mind-body medicine uses the power of thoughts and emotions to influence physical health. As Hippocrates once wrote, "The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well." This is mind-body medicine in a nutshell. What is the history of mind-body medicine? Most ancient healing practices, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, emphasize the links between the mind and the body. Western medical views were shaped by systems of thought that emphasized the opposite -- the mind and body are separate. In 1964, psychiatrist George Solomon noticed that people with rheumatoid arthritis got worse when they were depressed. He began to investigate the impact emotions had on inflammation and the immune system in general. The new field was called psychoneuroimmunology
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 1 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

("psycho" for psychology; "neuro" for neurology, or nervous system; and "immunology" for immunity). In the 1960s and early 1970s, a physician named Herbert Benson, who coined the term "relaxation response," studied how meditation could affect blood pressure. More understanding of the mind-body link came in 1975, when psychologist Robert Ader showed that mental and emotional cues could affect the immune system. Today, there is renewed interest in age old traditions such as yoga and meditation. No longer viewed with suspicion, mind-body programs are now established at prestigious medical schools in the United States and around the world. What are mind-body techniques? The key to any mind-body technique is to "train" the mind to focus on the body without distraction. In this state of "focused concentration," a person may be able to improve their health. Some of the most commonly used techniques include: Biofeedback: With biofeedback, people are trained to control certain bodily processes that normally occur involuntarily, such as heart rate or blood pressure. These
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 2 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

processes can be measured and displayed on a monitor that the person watches. The monitor provides feedback about the internal workings of your body. You can then use this display to gain control over these "involuntary" activities -lowering your blood pressure, for example. Biofeedback is effective for a number of conditions, but it is most often used to treat tension headache, migraine headache, and chronic pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy: This technique is used to help people recognize and change harmful thoughts. For example, people with phobias might deliberately expose themselves, under the direction and guidance of a therapist, to what they are afraid of. Or people who are depressed can learn to counter negative thoughts and feelings with positive ones. Relaxation techniques: There are 3 major types of relaxation techniques: Autogenic training: This technique uses both visual imagery and body awareness to create a deep state of relaxation. You imagine a peaceful place and then focus on different physical sensations, moving from your feet to your head. For example, you might focus on feeling
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 3 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

that your arms and legs are heavy and warm; on your breath; or on a calm heartbeat. Progressive muscle relaxation: This technique involves slowly tensing and then releasing each muscle group in your body, starting with your toes and finishing with your head. Meditation: The 2 most popular forms of meditation in the U.S. are transcendental meditation and mindfulness meditation. In transcendental meditation, students repeat a mantra (a single word or phrase). In mindfulness meditation, students focus their attention on their moment by moment thoughts and sensations. Hypnosis: During hypnosis a person's body relaxes while their thoughts become more focused and attentive. In this state of deep concentration, some people are highly responsive to a hypnotherapist's suggestions. Many mental health professionals use hypnosis to treat people with addictions, pain, anxiety disorders, and phobias. Spirituality: Researchers have been studying how spiritual beliefs, attitudes, and practices affect health. In a recent study on people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), for example, those who had faith in God, compassion toward others, a sense of
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 4 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

inner peace, and were religious had a better chance of surviving for a long time with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) than those who did not have such faith or practices. Research suggests that qualities like faith, hope, and forgiveness, and using prayer and social support, have a noticeable effect on health and healing. Does mind-body medicine work? While phrases such as "mind over matter" have been around for years, only recently have scientists found solid evidence that mind-body techniques actually do fight disease and promote health. In 1989, for example, a clinical study by David Spiegel, M.D. at Stanford University School of Medicine demonstrated the power of the mind to heal. Of 86 women with late stage breast cancer, half received standard medical care while the other half received standard care plus weekly support sessions. In these sessions, the women were able to share both their grief and their triumphs. Spiegel discovered that the women who participated in the social support group lived twice as long as the women who did not. A similar clinical study in 1999 showed that in breast cancer patients, helplessness and hopelessness are associated with lesser chance of survival.
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 5 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

Other clinical studies also show how meditation affects mood and symptoms in people with different conditions (such as high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer). It also improves quality of life. How does mind-body medicine work? When you are physically or emotionally stressed, your body releases stress hormones that can affect all your systems and organs. For example, stress related to hostility and anxiety can result in disruptions in heart and immune function. Similarly, depression and distress may diminish the body's natural capacity to heal. Certain emotions have been associated with disease. For example, hostile attitudes may increase your risk for coronary heart disease, obesity (especially around the waist), insulin resistance (which can lead to diabetes), and abnormal cholesterol (specifically, high triglycerides and low levels of high density lipoprotein or HDL -- the good kind of cholesterol). There is no evidence that negative emotions actually cause disease. But research shows that being stressed and having negative emotions can be unhealthy. One study found that unconsciously being defensive or stifling feelings may
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 6 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

result in medical consequences, such as high blood pressure. High blood pressure is also associated with feelings of hopelessness. How a person deals with emotions may also affect how long they survive with a chronic illness. The goal of mind-body techniques is to get the body and mind to relax and to reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body, so that your immune system is better able to fight off illness. What is mind-body medicine good for? Mind-body techniques can be helpful for many conditions because they encourage relaxation, improve coping skills, reduce tension and pain, and lessen the need for medication. For example, many mind-body techniques are used along with medication to treat pain. Symptoms of anxiety and depression also respond well to mind-body techniques. Mind-body techniques may help treat many different diseases, including: Cancer High blood pressure Asthma
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 7 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

Coronary heart disease Obesity Pain and nausea/vomiting related to chemotherapy Insomnia Diabetes Stomach and intestinal problems (including indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, heartburn, and Crohn's disease) Fibromyalgia Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, and irritability Mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression In an analysis of mind-body studies, researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy is the most long lasting treatment for tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Relaxation techniques, hypnosis, and biofeedback also helped. Some researchers believe that chronic fatigue syndrome, which affects the immune system, can be treated with mind-body medicine. Is there anything I should watch out for? Mind-body medicine should not make you feel that your
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 8 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

attitude is the cause of your illness. Mind-body medicine is generally very safe and works well when combined with usual medical care. Each mind-body technique may have its own risks and side effects. Talk with your health care provider about any concerns you may have. How can I find more information on mind-body medicine? Biofeedback: Specialists who provide biofeedback training include psychiatrists and psychologists, nurses, dentists, and physicians. The Association for Applied Psychology and Biofeedback (www.aapb.org) is a good resource for finding qualified biofeedback practitioners. Relaxation: Many clinics and hospitals around the country have included relaxation techniques in their health care programs. Contact the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, ( www.umassmed.edu/cfm/mbsr) for a list of the health care facilities in 38 states that offer information on and training in relaxation techniques.
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 9 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

Hypnosis: Most hypnotherapists are licensed medical doctors, registered nurses, social workers, or family counselors who have received additional training in hypnotherapy. For example, members of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) must hold a doctorate in medicine, dentistry, podiatry, or psychology, or a master's level degree in nursing, social work, psychology, or marital/family therapy with at least 20 hours of ASCHapproved training in hypnotherapy. For a directory of hypnotherapists near you, contact: The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis: www.asch.net The Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis: www.sceh.us

References
Affleck G, Apter A, Tennen H, et al. Mood states associated with transitory changes in asthma symptoms and peak expiratory flow. Psychosom Med. 2000;62(1):61-68. Baranowsky J, Klose P, Musial F, Haeuser W, Dobos G, Langhorst J. Qualitative systemic review of randomized controlled trials on complementary and alternative
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 10 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

medicine treatments in fibromyalgia. Rheumatol Int. 2009 Aug 12. [Epub ahead of print] Broderick JE. Mind-body medicine in rheumatologic disease. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2000;26(1):161-176, xi. Bryson KA. Spirituality, meaning, and transcendence. Palliat Support Care. 2004;2(3):321-8. Carlson LE, Ursuliak Z, Goodey E, Angen M, Speca M. The effects of a mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction program on mood and symptoms of stress in cancer outpatients: 6-month follow-up. Support Care Cancer. 2001 Mar;9(2):112-123. Chen KW, Liu T, Zhang H, Lin Z. An analytical review of the Chinese literature on Qigong therapy for diabetes mellitus. Am J Chin Med. 2009;37(3):439-57. Review. Cotton S, Humenay Roberts Y, Tsevat J, Britto MT, Succop P, McGrady ME, Yi MS. Mind-body complementary alternative medicine use and quality of life in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2009 Aug 24. [Epub ahead of print] Epel E, Daubenmier J, Moskowitz JT, Folkman S,
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 11 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

Blackburn E. Can meditation slow rate of cellular aging? Cognitive stress, mindfulness, and telomeres. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009 Aug;1172:34-53. Review. Esch T, Stefano GB, Fricchione GL, Benson H. Stress in cardiovascular diseases. Med Sci Monit. 2002;8(5):RA93RA101. Gordon JS, Edwards DM. MindBodySpirit Medicine. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2005;21(3):154-8. Habermann TM, Thompson CA, LaPlant BR, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine use among longterm lymphoma survivors: a pilot study. Am J Hematol. 2009;84(12):795-8. Jones JF, Maloney EM, Boneva RS, Jones AB, Reeves WC. Complementary and alternative medical therapy utilization by people with chronic fatiguing illnesses in the United States. BMCComplement Altern Med. 2007;7:12. Keefer L, Blanchard EB. A one year follow-up of relaxation response meditation as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Behav Res Ther. 2002 May;40(5):541-546. Lando J, Williams SM. Uniting mind and body in our
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 12 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

health care and public health systems. Prev Chronic Dis. 2006;3(2):A31. Levenstein S, Smith MW, Kaplan GA. Psychosocial predictors of hypertension in men and women. Arch Intern Med. 2001;161(10):1341-1346. MacDuff S, Grodin MA, Gardiner P. The use of complementary and alternative medicine among refugees: a systemic review. J Immigr Minor Health. 2011;13(3):585-99. Maizes V, Rakel D, Niemiec C. Integrative medicine and patient-centered care. Explore (NY). 2009 SepOct;5(5):277-89. McMillan TL, Mark S. Complementary and alternative medicine and physical activity for menopausal symptoms. J Am Med Women's Assoc. 2004;59(4):270-7. Mamtani R, Cimino A. A primer of complementary and alternative medicine and its relevance in the treatment of mental health problems. Psychatr Q. 2002;73(4):367-381. Mehta DH. Mind/body medicine: a report on a sub-topic of the North American Research Conference on
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 13 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

Complementary and Integrative Medicine on 24-27 May 2006 in Edmonton, Canada. Complement Ther Med. 2007;15(2):149-50. Selhub EM. Stress and distress in clinical practice: a mindbody approach. Nutr Clin Care. 2002;5(4):182-190. Sheng C. Emerging paradigms in mind-body medicine. J Altern Complement Med. 2001;7(1):83-91. Sierpina V, Levine R, Astin J, Tan A. Use of mind-body therapies in psychiatry and family medicine faculty and residents: attitudes, barriers, and gender differences. Explore (NY). 2007;3(2):129-35. Sierpina VS, Kreitzer MJ, Brodsky M, et al. Innovations in integrative healthcare education: mind-body faculty development at UCLA and the symposium for portland area research on complementary and alternative medicine. Explore (NY). 2006;2(6):547-9. Sierpina VS, Kreitzer MJ. Innovations in integrative healthcare education: mind-body medicine training. Explore (NY). 2005;1(5):402-4. Smith JE, Richardson J, Hoffman C, Pilkington K.
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 14 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as supportive therapy in cancer care: systematic review. J Adv Nurs. 2005;52(3):315-27. Ventegodt S, Thegler S, Andreasen T, et al. Clinical holistic medicine (mindful, short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy complemented with bodywork) in the treatment of experienced impaired sexual functioning. Scientific World Journal. 2007;7:324-9. Vitetta L, Anton B, Cortizo F, Sali A. Mind-body medicine: stress and its impact on overall health and longevity. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005;1057:492-505. Xiong GL, Doraiswamy PM. Does meditation enhance cognition and brain plasticity? Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009 Aug;1172:63-9.

Version Info
Last Reviewed on 10/02/2011 Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine Page 15 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch) The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 1997- 2013 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. This page was last updated: August 5, 2013

http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine

Page 16 of 17

Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center

12/11/13 2:25 PM

Average rating (0)

http://umm.edu/Health/Medical/AltMed/Treatment/Mindbody-medicine

Page 17 of 17

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi