Mind body medicine is a term that refers to a variety of treatments that can be utilized to treat health problems. The mind-body connection refers to the concept that our feelings, attitudes, thoughts and beliefs can affect our physiological functioning. This concept goes back centuries. Our mind can play a role in our physical and emotional health. Alternately, when we exercise, eat healthy and do other things that are good for our bodies, we can impact our mental and emotional health. It is an interrelationship between mind-body. In my description, I am referring to the mind as our thoughts, beliefs, attitudes and images. Our emotional and mental states are either conscious or unconscious. We have emotional reactions to things than occur (as in positive or negative emotions) and there is evidence that shows that our bodies react to it. Reactions could be anything to change in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, fear and many others. Eventually this causes other negative states in our bodies.
But, when we create awareness of our reactions, we can utilize treatments and build new ways of dealing with our feelings. Being a registered nurse I was trained in the medical model and being a doctoral psychology student I learned more about the mind-body connection. I believe in both models. Traditional medicine has given us the foundation for advances in medical care, including surgery, trauma care, medications and complex life saving technology. But, with the complex nature of health care today we need to take advantage of all resources to act more holistically; that is to look at the whole body and mind. Mind-body therapy could include such things as meditation, guided imagery, yoga, pilates, tai chi, biofeedback and hypnosis. Learn more about the mind-body interaction by going to my blog.
Many times the body is treated but the heart and mind also need to be part of the treatment plan.
Body centered coaching, guided imagery, meditation, stress management and mindfulness training are some ways coaching can help you to use these tools.