The Mind/Body Connection

Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of the effect of the mind on health and resistance to disease. It suggests that illness is influenced by the way we think and feel, and displays a relationship between the mind, the emotions, and the body. The nervous, endocrine, and immune systems are now known to be connected, which contrasts previous beliefs that displayed these systems as independent of one another.

There are different parts of our bodies that have different mind-body connections. Scientists and doctors have been studying these today and have done key experiments to find more information.

*the central nervous system is linked to the bone marrow and the thymus- where immune system cells are produced.

*the spleen and lymph nodes-where the immune system cells are stored.

*there are nerve endings in the tissues of the immune system.

*changes in the brain and spinal cord affect how the immune system responds.

*emotions trigger the release of hormones into the system- adrenaline, noradrenaline, endorphins, glucocorticoids, prolactin, and growth hormones.

*the body's immune response can be influenced by stress

*the body's immune response can be "trained"

*immune function can be influenced and changed by psychoactive drugs.

The Major Components

The brain- In the Middle Ages, the scientists regarded the brain as the seat of the soul. But today, we realize that it sends information to various parts of teh body by masterminding nerve impulses that are carried throughout the body.

The immune System- a complex system consisting of about a trillion cells called lymphocytes.

From a personal experience/perspective...

From my own personal experience, I have come to understand the vital connection between the mind and body. Throughout my teenage years, I experienced a lot of health problems and was exposed to a variety of treatments. After years of trying different medications and seeing various specialists, I realized that the most effective treatment would have to balance my physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being. This could not be done by medication alone, nor could it be done just by positive thinking and a healthy lifestyle. I had to combine different ‘treatments’ in order to recover from my illness, including: medication, improving eating habits, physical activity, lifestyle, spirituality, and changing my thought process in order to be more positive, selfless, and optimistic about my situation. Through this experience, I learned to recognize the power of the mind in connection with the body and how they can work together to either improve or deteriorate one’s health.


In conclusion: The field of PNI has come a long way in the last decade. Robert Ader said, "Is not nature itself, but nature exposed to our method of questioning." He is saying that even the funding of research takes places within a limited system. Thoese certain barriers may keep us from finding the most stunning discoveries.