We all usually think of our bodies and minds as different entities. However, we also instinctively know that this is not the case. Today, there is no doubt that there is an integral relationship between the body and mind in health psychology. Mind-body relationship in health psychology has, in fact, been established by Medical Science very firmly. Spirituality is also based on the mind-body relationship in health psychology. In fact, the entire health and wellness field now is based on and propounds the mind-body relationship in health psychology. Various exercise regimens, Meditation, yoga, the science of diet and nutrition, alternative therapies, and medicine are also based on the mind-body relationship in health psychology.

This mind-body relationship in health psychology stems from the reasoning and idea that our mental health and condition affect our physical health as well as vice versa. Today, medical science confirms this with doctors pointing out emotional and mental reasons and causes for physical ailments. Being a Reiki practitioner, I am also aware of the effect our emotions can have on our bodies, as Reiki is based on the premise that cleansing and activating the aura and chakras helps remove energy blocks, which have positive effects on the body.

Mind-body integration

Mind-body relationship in health psychology sees mind and body as one single functioning unit and not as two separate entities. The mind is seen as influencing the body, while the body is seen as influencing the mind. The intimate connection between the mind and the body cannot be ignored

Mind and Body

Our emotions, thoughts, and feelings don’t entirely live in our minds. Have you heard “you are what you think,” or “Power of thoughts,” or “You can manifest what you think”? Well, this is all true. Today, spirituality and science (which I believe are two sides of the same coin) both establish these. Our thoughts give rise to emotions and hence feelings. All our emotions and feelings, whether positive or negative, like anger, hot-headedness, butterflies in the stomach(nervousness), fear, jealousy, joy, happiness, peace, anxiety, depression, all have physical manifestations at some level and act like physical ailments and pains at a neurochemical level. Various diseases are known to have psycho-emotional root causes.

Today, a lot of research has been and is carried out to see and understand the physical presence of emotion. Various scientific studies today map emotions to understand their effect on physical health and well-being. Each emotion we experience has a different representation in the body. Various emotions adjust not only our mental states but also our bodily states. For example, sadness and despair, as well as depression, can lead to a heavy feeling in the head and chest, anxiety can lead to pain in the chest, heart, and lungs, and happiness can lead to heightened activity of various body organs and a state of readiness.

Body and Mind

The effect of the body on the mind can surely not be disregarded. We are all aware of the effect of good and proper food and diet on our bodies and, further, on our minds. Similarly, exercise not only helps us maintain the health and fitness of our bodies but also of our minds. Certain body postures can also have certain specific effects on our minds and emotions. Physical sensations like pain and stress are bound to have a corresponding effect on our mood, emotions, feelings, and thoughts.

Further, today, there are also studies and research pointing out the effect of our physical actions and behaviours on our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Routines, rituals, and habits, for example, clapping your hands, jumping out of bed in the mornings, etc., can help develop positivity and motivation and a sense of readiness or of ‘bring it on’.

Approaches and techniques in the mind-body relationship in health psychology

Mind body medicine focuses on treatments that help in promoting health and includes techniques and approaches like meditation, deep breathing, relaxation, hypnosis, yoga, biofeedback, visual imagery and more. Today Mind body medicine also provides evidence that it can aid in treating various illnesses and diseases. This integrative medicine approach is far from new and the age-old tenet that good health depends on a balance of mind and body has been around forever.

So, today there is no lack of evidence that mental and physical health are related to each other and of mind body relationship in health psychology. In fact today mind body integration has become particularly important and most correctly so. I personally believe we all should take care of not only our bodies but also our minds while taking care of the body in form of exercises etc helps keep the mind alert and aware. Being mindful of our body and physical sensations can help in calming down our thoughts while being mindful of our thoughts and feelings can help is in preventing various physical ailments. So try and me mindful of both your mind and body in a holistic way. We all can surely play a greater role in our well-being by understanding the vital role of mind body relationship in health psychology.