How the soul heals the body

The question of whether and how body and soul influence each other has occupied people ever since there has been written evidence of illness and health. Psychosomatic explanations for the development and progression of illnesses have long pointed to connections between the mind and body. Until a few years ago, however, one could only speculate about the biochemical prerequisites for such connections because too little was known about the functioning of the immune, nervous and endocrine systems. Treatment approaches from natural medicine were quickly pushed into the esoteric corner and ridiculed by conventional medicine. That has now changed.

Psychoneuroimmunology: connecting soul, body and defences

With the realization that there are simply no physical causes for some complaints, interest in the psychological causes grew. This has meanwhile developed into its own branch of research, PsychoNeuroImmunology (PNI). The PNI connects the soul (psycho), the nervous system (neuro) and the body’s  defenses  (immunology). Psychoneuroimmunological research findings impressively document that these three systems are in close information exchange with each other.

This biochemical network is the experimental basis for investigating how behavior affects the  immune system  . While the psychological component of some diseases has long been accepted – for example in the case of  stomach ulcers  or  high blood pressure  – only  cancer  and  HIV have  led to a real change in thinking. There are two approaches to activating the self-healing powers of humans:

• For existing illnesses, relaxation and visualization techniques are used.
• Treatment approaches from psychoneuroimmunology should ensure that diseases do not develop in the first place.

Mind-Body Medicine: Help for the mind and soul

The practical implementation of the PNI research results is the so-called mind-body medicine. Here spirit, soul (mind) and body (body) are treated together. The beginnings of these therapy approaches lie in the USA, where, for example, relaxation and anti-stress programs have been shown to have a positive influence on the stress levels and immune system in HIV patients. Relaxation programs can also help if you are unable to have children. Many women become pregnant when they relieve themselves of the pressure of having a child.

Stress has   a very important meaning for the body. It puts the body on alert, so to speak, and puts it into an increased mode of attention. Adrenaline levels rise, heart rate and  blood sugar  soar. This mechanism, which since time immemorial has increased the chances of survival in dangerous situations, has gone haywire in modern society. Instead of wild mammoths, appointments, lack of money and time, career aspirations and other excessive demands are chasing us today. Where the stress level used to only rise for a short period of time, today it is the order of the day. And here lies the research terrain of the PNI.

First model tests in Germany

While mind-body medicine is practiced relatively frequently and intensively in the USA, access to this field of work is still being sought in Germany. In a pilot project at the Knappschaftskrankenhaus of the Essen-Mitte clinics, department of naturopathy and integrative medicine, a concept was developed that combines conventional medicine, naturopathy and American mind-body medicine. According to this approach, illness always has three causes:

• A biological cause (e.g. a special genetic disposition or a virus)
• A psychological component (e.g. stress or problems with one’s personality structure)
• A social component (e.g. family situation or problems at work)

“Order” in spirit and soul

During the treatment, the patients should above all learn to activate their self-healing powers. In addition to conventional medical measures, for example, physiotherapeutic treatments, naturopathic approaches or  acupuncture  are used.

One of the cornerstones of the treatment is the so-called order therapy: here the patients learn to bring “order” into mind and soul. Because every serious illness requires a reorientation of life, this is an approach to revising thought and behavior patterns. This approach is also used in cancer treatment.

These therapies are supported by exercise and a conscious diet. Accordingly, anti-stress programs can also be carried out at home. Since stress is inevitable in life, one should learn to deal with it positively. The tips from the experts are as simple as they are effective:

• Lower the claims. You don’t always have to do everything perfectly! Anyone who has this claim puts themselves under constant pressure.
• Think positive! The question of whether the glass is half full or half empty is an assessment with different results. A positive attitude towards yourself helps to cope better with stressful situations.
• Release frustration and stress. Sport is simply good for you. The physical movement relieves tension and releases “happy hormones”.
• Laughing is healthy. Humor helps with relaxation, laughter stops the release of stress hormones. In connection with targeted breathing training and “breathing away” from stressful situations, the heartbeat can be slowed down and the muscles relaxed.
• Live and enjoy consciously. This includes eating healthy – fruits,  vegetables , whole grains and low alcohol consumption. Sleep a lot and well: Those who have had a good night’s sleep can cope with many problems more easily.