Recent research documents the age-old belief that there is a strong relationship between a happy mind and a healthy body. For most of the 20th century, modern medicine assumed that the brain's ability to absorb new concepts and ideas peaked in childhood. Scientists have now proven this theory untrue. People are able to change the way they think at any age. It just takes more work.
Although there are many reasons for suffering and disease, most people accept the notion that stress and negativity are contributing factors in the course of almost any illness. Fortunately, there are ways of learning to increase the states of mind that are associated with happiness.
TEN IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE MIND AND BODY
The brain is much like a computer. To change its "software" requires consistent practice.Brain scans show that meditation actually strengthens the circuits in the brain, leading to feelings of empathy and compassion.Research indicates that people who meditate have lower rates of high blood pressure, respiratory tract infections, and diabetes.Meditation reduces cortisol, a hormone released when people are afraid or angry, and increases serotonin, a hormone that increases feelings of well being.Mindfulness, or living in the present moment, allows the mind to relax by letting go of worry about the past or the future.An invisible energy system, centered along the spine, encloses and overlaps the physical body. Different disciplines call this by different names: the chakras in Reiki, the meridians in EFT, and Kundalini in yoga.Modern medicine recognizes this area as the central nervous system and confirms its relationship to physical and mental health.Trauma and negative thinking create blockages in the body's energy channels and prevent the circulation of vital life energy, or life force.Energy work - such as meditation, breathing techniques, yoga, Reiki, massage, EFT, and acupuncture - break up blockages and restore the body's natural flow of energy.The mind is happier and the physical body is healthier when its energy is flowing smoothly.
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH
Many medical doctors recommend alternative medicine for maintaining good health and for coping with illness. Now provided at leading cancer centers as a complement to traditional treatments, energy work also helps patients deal with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
As benefits of energy therapy infiltrate mainstream medicine, online websites are responding to public demand for information. One of these is the Mesothelioma Alliance, a group that advocates for people who have cancer caused by asbestos exposure. While they make no claims that these therapies increase mesothelioma life expectancy, their information makes it clear that there is a connection between the mind and the body. An understanding of that connection can improve the lives of all cancer patients.
For more information on alternative health, check out The National Institute of Health for relatable topics. Natural Choice also provides an abundance of information on natural health and mind and spirit connections.
Melanie Bowen is an advocate for natural health and cancer cure initiatives. You will often find her highlighting the great benefits of different nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those with illnesses in her efforts to spread awareness.
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