Psychoneuroimmunology is still a fairly young science. It deals with the consequences of the mutual influence of body and soul on health. Even in ancient times, people were aware of the interaction of emotions and physical health. However, it is only in the past 25 years that the influence of feelings and thoughts on the body and especially the immune system has been studied in more detail.
Psyche, nervous system and immune system
During evolution, humans have learned to fine-tune their biological responses to create a well-balanced equilibrium between environment, psyche, hormonal and immune systems.
For example, the immune system is able to respond to signals from the nervous and endocrine systems. Conversely, the immune system is able to influence the function of the nervous and hormonal systems. If this balance is disturbed, metabolic disturbances occur and, as a consequence, diseases can occur.
Immune system, nervous system and psyche influence each other
It has now been proven that psychological and physical stress negatively affect the functions of the immune defense system, increasing susceptibility to infections. Long-term stress in particular can lead to a sustained weakening of the immune system’s defenses. Depression, fear of failure or loneliness can also weaken the immune system. Conversely, joie de vivre, serenity, cheerfulness and love strengthen the immune functions.
The immune system is therefore also influenced by our feelings, emotions and thoughts. This can be measured using various methods of brain, stress and hormone research. Paying attention to one’s mental balance is, on the one hand, preventive health care and, in the case of physical illnesses, an important contribution to recovery and quality of life. Especially chronically ill people should pay attention to a balanced soul life.
Mind-Body Medicine
Psychoneuroimmunology researchers have been able to scientifically prove that thinking and feeling influence our body. From this, a therapeutic option has developed – “mind-body medicine.” This therapy direction is a new term for an old form of therapy in which the spirit (mind) and body (body) are treated equally. Sick people train to take their well-being into their own hands. Natural mechanisms that specifically support the self-healing powers are used and so-called healing blockages are released. Essential elements of mind-body medicine:
- Bring order to the rhythm of life.
- Learning relaxation responses. Suitable techniques are yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, visualizations or autogenic training.
- Further therapy component of mind-body medicine is exercise as well as a conscious diet. As the basis of the healthy diet is the Mediterranean whole foods with a high proportion of vegetables, fruits, grains, fish and olive oil.
