Mind-body Therapies Can Improve Health
Popular techniques that help prevent and treat chronic illness
Your body responds to the way you think and feel. This mind-body interaction can sometimes trigger illness—such as the influence of stress on headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure or ulcers. But it may also be used to cure or heal an ailment when channeled in positive ways.
Past and present civilizations have developed a number of techniques to do this. And modern science has confirmed in numerous studies that many of these mind-body therapies are effective. Today they’re used to treat certain disorders, often in combination with conventional medical care.
For health and safety reasons, always keep your physician informed when you’re using mind-body routines. Here are some of the most popular types.
Progressive muscle relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups throughout your body in an orderly sequence. Progressively relaxing your muscles helps to release both physical and mental tension.
Meditation
Meditation is a way of focusing your mind for a period of time on a thought, word, sound, mental image, or body sensation such as breathing. The technique quiets your mind and helps promote better relaxation.
Yoga
Yoga is a practice that includes physical exercises, postures, balancing, breathing techniques and meditation. Studies show yoga can improve your sleep, energy, self-esteem and sense of well-being.
Tai chi
Tai chi is a system of slow, gradual exercises combined with breathing, eye movements, martial arts and mental concentration. Doing tai chi regularly can strengthen and relax your whole body.
Guided imagery
Guided imagery is what you see in your mind’s eye. Research indicates that the same parts of the brain become active when people imagine something or actually experience it. These changes in brain activity can alter heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels and immune function.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis means inducing a trance-like state of inward concentration and focused attention. Positive imagery and suggestions are used to help improve mental and physical health.
This newsletter is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment; before adhering to any recommendations in this newsletter consult your healthcare provider.
