We group together under the name ofbody-mind approaches a host of techniques and therapies that focus on the interactions between pansies, the emotions, psyche and the body physical. The study of these interactions gave rise to a discipline called psychoneuroimmunologie. She explores the complex links between consciousness (psycho), the nervous system (neuro) and the body’s defense mechanisms against infectious agents and aberrant cell division (immunology).

In English, it is commonly called mind-body medicine. However, it is not strictly speaking a medical technique. It is rather a more or less well-defined concept which proposes to take into account, in some therapy whether it is not only the strictly physical or material aspects, but also what comes under the ” conscience ».

The great physicians, philosophers and thinkers of Antiquity asserted that the mind influences health (Mens sana in corpore sano – and vice versa). However, it was not possible to scientifically verify this notion until the second half of the XNUMXth century.^e century, with the appearance of specialties such as Neuroscience. It was then that we began to study, among other things, the influence that thoughts, beliefs, emotions and feelings could have on the mobilization of defenses. immune by the body.

It was first observed that an excess of stress clearly had a negative influence about health. Studies in vitro, animal studies and human observations have suggested that stress, whether physiological or psychological, can contribute to weakening or disrupting the immune system. This hypothesis has not yet been absolutely demonstrated. However, there is now sufficient evidence to build some consensus within the scientific community. So the chronic stress (related to work, interpersonal relationships, the physical or social environment, financial problems, etc.) would have a significant impact on the appearance and development of many maladies. Among these: infectious diseases, arthritis, asthma, heart problems and cancer^1-20 .

Various studies, however, conclude that it is difficult to measure the real effect of stress management on the incidence of disease, the prevention of various disorders or a better prognosis for survival. In addition, the mechanisms that would be involved are far from being well understood.^21-29 . Despite this, the evidence that there is a significant link between “theinterior condition ” and the maladies – between body and mind – continue to accumulate. For example, a retrospective study was carried out in 2004. It involved 11 patients from 119 countries who had suffered from a myocardial infarction, compared to 52 similar subjects, but without heart problems. The researchers concluded that the risks of cardiovascular disease were clearly associated with the level of stress to which the subjects had been subjected during the previous year.³⁰. The role of stress in the incidence of this type of disease has been found to be much greater than previously believed. Stress, as a risk factor, although not as severe as that associated with smoking, is comparable to that caused by hypertension or abdominal obesity.

Several researchers have hypothesized that, conversely, a good stress control and functions of the psyche could have beneficial effects on theimmunity, which is the very foundation of psychoneuroimmunology and body-mind approaches^31,32. By acting on the mind, the intellect or the emotions, we could directly influence the physiological mechanisms involved in the prevention and cure of diseases (see Therapeutic applications).

Many hypotheses are currently being studied in an attempt to understand the very complex relationships between the bodies andmind. The track most often mentioned establishes a link between “state of mind” and the secretion of various substances (hormones, proteins, neurotransmitters) which modulate multiple physiological functions.

For example, it has been discovered that stress and thoughts or negative emotions could stimulate cytokine production. These small, very powerful proteins are secreted by white blood cells (which have the function of defending the body against infections) and are responsible for regulating blood immune response and intercellular communication. But if the stress is too intense, or becomes chronic, there may be overproduction of cytokines. This would contribute to aggravate various inflammatory processes associated with a large number of diseases (cardiovascular disorders, osteoporosis, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, frailty in the elderly, gum disease and various degenerative disorders)^33-37 .

According to recent research, the positive effects of body-mind approaches on the immune system could be due to the influence that consciousness (thoughts, beliefs, emotions, feelings) would have on the endocrine system. This system comprises 4 main glands (thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland and pituitary gland) which secrete various hormones which have a considerable influence on the organism. the endocrine system regulates, among other things, the mechanisms of temperature, hunger and thirst, and regulates sleep, sexual activity as well as emotions and instinctual activities. It would play an interface role between the central nervous system and the immune system^38-48 . However, we are still a long way from understanding all the mechanisms that govern body-mind approaches.

Here we present an account of the research that has been done on the most notable effects of body-mind approaches. To learn more about a particular approach, see the corresponding sheet.

 Treat many health problems. Various approaches associated with psychoneuroimmunology have shown good results in the treatment of depression⁴⁹, faecal incontinence^50-52 , hypertension⁵³, attention deficit disorder^54,55, diabetes^56,57, obesity⁵⁸, irritable bowel syndrome^59,60 and cardiovascular disorders^61,62. Recently they have also participated in the relief of symptoms of menopause^63,64, insomnia^62,65,66, anxiety⁶⁷ and pain^68,69, especially in cases of rheumatoid arthritis⁷⁰, osteoarthritis^71,72, headache⁷³back pain^74,75, fibromyalgia⁷⁶, and chronic pain^{74, 77-80}. They have also been associated with interventions surgical⁸¹ or other medical treatments. They are also used to improve the quality of life people with serious illnesses, including cancer^82-86 . Finally, a few randomized clinical trials, published in 2009, raise the possibility that yoga interventions⁸⁷ and relaxation^88,89 can help in the treatment of asthma.

The results of a meta-analysis carried out in 2002 indicate that the supported subjects’ awareness of their illness was significantly associated with improvement in physiological indicators of health. In contrast, the denial disease or adopting an attitude that does not appeal to active consciousness leads to a deterioration of the state of health⁹⁰.

In a 2003 trial of 148 people with AIDS, it was observed that subjects who participated in a relaxation group based on a cognitive-behavioral approach performed better on quality of life tests than those in a support group, or those waiting for this type of treatment⁹¹.

The results of observations carried out in 2003 with a group of 42 subjects suffering from acute cardiovascular disorders revealed that patients whoseattitude was generally hostile or who had recently been exposed to stressful situations had high monocyte counts. Monocytes are mononuclear white blood cells that researchers increasingly associate with unstable blood platelet activity, which is responsible for various cardiovascular disorders. Conversely, subjects who felt emotionally supported by those around them had a lower level of monocytes.⁹². Researchers believe that subjects with lower monocyte counts would have better chances of survival, but this remains to be demonstrated.

 Stimulate immune functions. With regard to the general strengthening of the immune system, the results of numerous study reviews are puzzling. It seems that we cannot, for the moment, say with certainty. Indeed, the results of preliminary tests indicate that certain interventions of a psychological nature could have positive effects on immunity.^93-95 . On the other hand, the authors of a meta-analysis of more than 85 studies pointed out, in 2001, that the data collected to date only provided modest evidence the clinical effectiveness of such interventions on the parameters of immunity⁹⁶.

In a comprehensive review published in 2002, Australian researchers identified 6 trials, the results of which indicate that various interventions of a psychological may have a beneficial effect onimmunity. They stress, however, that the evidence in this regard is clearly insufficient to draw definitive conclusions and develop treatment protocols whose effects would be clearly predictable.⁹⁷.

However, in 2002, American researchers reported having observed an increase in the number of natural killer cells in patients treated for breast cancer and who had been offered visualization and self-hypnosis sessions.⁹⁸ (see our hypnotherapy sheet).

In 2003, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 48 students during the school exam period. The results indicated that the use of stress management techniques significantly countered the weakening of theimmunity (decrease in the number of killer cells) associated with stress during exams⁹⁹. Similar results had been obtained in 2 similar trials conducted previously, as well as in trials with subjects with genital herpes or HIV infection.^101-104 .

 Reduce student stress and anxiety. In 2009, 2 small studies were carried out with university students in medicine (14 people) and nursing (32 people). After 16 weeks of yoga¹⁰⁵ or 8 weeks of meditation¹⁰⁶, their levels of stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms were significantly reduced.

Research on body-mind approaches is still very young. Even if there is no longer any doubt that they are “good for health”, it is difficult to know precisely to what extent and to know the exact effect of such an approach on such specific element of health.

To choose a particular approach, we can first ask ourselves whether we want to use it in a spirit of a change. or to tackle a specific one-off problem. To prevent maladies or promote the well-being, we can use techniques that allow stress management, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi or autogenic training. In the event of illness, whether to contribute to healing or to improve the quality of life, more “specialized” approaches such as psychotherapy, hypnosis or biofeedback can be used.

It is interesting to note that most organizations for research and information on cancer suggest that patients take – in addition to conventional treatments – a personal approach that can use their inner resources of cancer.healing. This advice can certainly be applied for any other illness, serious or mild.

The D^r Alastair Cunningham, in his book Living with Cancer – Paths to Recovery, suggests going first towards an approach that interests us and that we will find satisfactory in itself, regardless of the problem to be solved. This way, we will have a better chance to persevere, which is fundamental. Indeed, the effects of these approaches generally take a long time to appear. It is therefore better to try to find the maximum of fun to undertake such a step.

Remember that psychoneuroimmunology is not a therapeutic technique in itself, but that it encompasses several approaches and even life habits. It is used to prevent illnesses, to aid in their healing or to improve one’s well-being – whether one is sick or healthy. From this perspective, interventions are often associated with a program ofphysical exercises and a good diet.

There are plenty of books on body-mind techniques specific, but less on the general concept of psychoneuroimmunologie. For a credible presentation of the approach, the works of D^rs Larry Dossey and Herbert Benson are particularly interesting and well documented. Here are a few.

Benson Herbert, Proctor William. The principle of spark, Tchou, France, 2008.

Benson, a 30-year professor at Harvard University, offers a simple and practical tool for healing and wellness. Free sample: www.editions-tchou.com

Benson Herbert, Proctor William. Relaxation Revolution: Enhancing Your Personal Health Through the Science and Genetics of Mind Body Healing, Scribner, United States, 2010. (Available June 2010.)

Benson Herbert et Casey Aggie. Mind Your Heart: A Mind/Body Approach to Stress Management, Exercise, and Nutrition for Heart Health, Simon & Schuster Trade, United States, 2004.

Dossey Larry. Medicine reinvented, Vivez Soleil, France, 2002.

Dossey Larry. The Extraordinary Healing Power of Ordinary Things: Fourteen Natural Steps to Health and Happiness, Three Rivers Press. United States, 2007.

Cunningham Dr Alastair J. Living with cancer – the paths to recovery, Yva Perret Editor, Switzerland, 1996.

One of Canada’s foremost cancer experts reviews the different methods – including body-mind approaches – which people with the disease can appeal to, and what they can expect from each of them. He brilliantly manages to strike a balance between the conservatism of modern Western medicine and the radicalism of new age thought. For anyone with or interested in an illness, not just cancer patients.

Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine

Website of the organization founded by D^r Herbert Benson who presents, among other things, the Relaxation Response. Well documented, especially in terms of scientific research.

www.massgeneral.org

Fetzer Institute

An amazing organization that studies the links between science and spirituality and promotes love, compassion and forgiveness as a means to improve the lot of individuals and of society.

www.fetzer.org

Institute of Noetic Sciences

A Californian organization which devotes itself with great scientific rigor to the study of the concrete manifestations of “consciousness”, including its influence on health.

www.noetic.org