074: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

Are your ideas, emotions, experiences, senses, and desires things that happen in addition to all the physical processes in your brain, or are they themselves just a few of those physical processes? 

What exactly is meant by the word "mind?" It's important to note that "mind" is not one and the same with the brain. Instead, in our description, the mind comprises of mental states such as beliefs, feelings, attitudes, and images. The brain is the vessel, the tool, that allows us to experience these mental states.

Have you heard of placebo effect? The placebo effect is well-defined as an occurrence in which an individual or group of people experience a benefit after the administration of an inactive "look-alike" substance or treatment. This substance, or placebo, has no known medical effect. Sometimes the placebo is in the form of a pill (sugar pill), but it can also be an injection (saline solution). 

Why do people experience actual transformations because of bogus treatments? The expectations of the patient can play a substantial role in the placebo effect. The more a person expects the treatment to be successful, the more likely they are to exhibit a placebo reaction. This concept is a perfect introduction to the Mind-Body Connection we’re going to examine today! 

Quote: Happier thoughts lead to essentially a happier biochemistry. A happier, healthier body. Negative thoughts and stress have been shown to seriously degrade the body and the functioning of the brain, because it's our thoughts and emotions that are continuously reassembling, reorganizing, re-creating our body.

Because emotions reveal themselves in the body as physical sensations, it follows that physical sensations can produce subsequent emotions. Your brain generates substances that can enhance your health. These substances include endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and gamma globulin, which strengthens your immunity. Studies show that what substances your brain creates depends in part on your ideas, emotions, and anticipations. 

If you physically feel like shit but are optimistic about recovery and keep a generally positive outlook, your brain is more likely to product chemicals that will enhance your body’s ability to heal itself. On the flip side, fostering negatives emotions can restrict your brain from producing those same chemicals necessary to a speedy, full recovery. Obviously, some illnesses are FAR beyond our control, but nonetheless, your state of mind can be leveraged as a resource to improve your condition. 

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