The Body: When the Body Speaks for the Mind
The mind-body connection is an essential component of health and happiness. Psychological health and physical health are equally important and both are vital to our well being. When we’re unhappy, it’s hard to feel well and when we’re sick, it can be difficult to feel happy. Physical disturbances may result from physical illness, but may also be a manifestation of emotional issues. Recognizing the mind-body connection is the first step toward healing ourselves and improving our lives. The Mind-Body Connection The scientific connection between the body and the mind is the autonomic nervous system. Divided into two components, the sympathetic nervous system regulates the “fight or flight” response and the parasympathetic nervous system helps us to “rest and digest.” Nerves travel from the brain to organs such as the stomach, intestines, bladder, heart and muscles that regulate breathing. Through these involuntary circuits, the brain can affect digestion, urination, heart rate and respiration, as well as secretions from eyes and salivary glands. Positive emotions such as happiness and excitement can result in teary eyes, facial flushing and decreased appetite. These physical manifestations are usually minor disturbances and last only for brief periods. In contrast, negative emotions may be associated with more serious and persistent health concerns. Somatization is the unconscious process of expressing psychological distress through physical symptoms. For example, panic attacks result from high levels of anxiety leading to sweating, dry mouth, shortness of breath, restlessness, increased heart rate or even heart palpitations. Anger and depression may be related to gastrointestinal problems, muscle pain and fatigue. Stress may be associated with tension headaches, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite and decreased immunity leading to frequent infections. Symptoms may present in isolated episodes, they may be transient, or related to chronic and progressive disease. Culture Clash Cultural values and traditions impact the mind-body connection. Physical manifestation of emotional symptoms may be more severe in cultures that discourage expression of emotions such as fear and sadness. When these feelings are denied or suppressed they surface in other ways and sometimes make us sick. When physical illnesses are identified, it becomes more permissible to make lifestyle changes. For example, in the United States stress has become virtually unavoidable and related physical symptoms can be considered common and normal. Chronic-fatigue syndrome may affect people overwhelmed by stressful schedules and a diagnosis may be permission to take the time needed to heal. Of course, fatigue may be related to conditions more serious than the need for rest, so it’s important to have health concerns checked out by a doctor who can rule out physical disease. Mind Your Body There are no absolute rules to the mind-body connection and emotional symptoms may manifest differently in different people. The best way to identify mind-body symptoms is by keeping a daily journal. Track emotional and physical symptoms independently and observe any relationship between the two. Take time to feel your emotions and address difficult issues. Learn to release negative feelings and make positive changes in your life. Refrain from self-diagnosis and seek professional help if you need it. Establish a relationship with a doctor who addresses emotional as well as physical symptoms. The mind-body connection should always be considered when addressing health concerns and may be especially significant when symptoms remain vague, confusing and unresolved. Understanding the relationship between the body and the mind can get you on the road to better health and a happier life.
Posted by richardhackworth 
The "No B.S." Health & Wealth Success Blog 