The Body/Mind Connection

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The Body/Mind Connection

by Medhi Khosh, N.D.

 

In the last thirty years, scientists have begun to explore the

complex interconnections between mind and body. Mood, attitude, and

belief can affect virtually every chronic illness: fear, cynicism,

as well as a sense of hopelessness and helplessness, can have a

detrimental effect on health; whereas courage, good humor, a sense

of control, and hopefulness can all be beneficial. Optimistic people

are less likely to become ill and, when they do become ill, tend to

live longer and suffer less. Studies at Yale and Rutgers

Universities indicate that the opinion of one's health status-how

well one thinks one is-may be the best predictor of well-being and

future health.

 

In the 1970s, great advances in the study of the immune system

helped to clarify the relationship between body and mind, which gave

rise to the field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). Researchers found

that naturally occurring substances known as peptides or

neuropeptides (messenger molecules made up of amino acids), could

cause alterations of mood, pain, and pleasure. Among the first of

these substances identified were endorphins, which is shorthand for

endogenous morphines, meaning " the brain's own morphine. " When

endorphins are released they produce pleasurable responses, similar

to those associated with opiates.

 

Neuropeptides and their receptors are the biochemical correlates of

emotions. These neuropeptides are released during different

emotional states. The astounding revelation is that these endorphins

and other chemicals like them are found not just in the brain, but

also in the immune system, the endocrine system, and throughout the

body. When people discovered that there were endorphins in the brain

that caused euphoria and pain relief, everyone could handle that.

However, when they discovered they were in the immune system, as

well, it just didn't fit, so these findings were denied for years.

The original scientists had to repeat their studies many, many times

to be believed.

 

Emotions, previously thought to be purely psychological, could now

be linked to specific chemical processes taking place throughout the

body, not just in the brain. Likewise, these peptides were seen to

affect the functioning of all the systems of the body, including the

immune system. Some scientists believe that viruses use the same

receptors as a neuropeptides to enter into a cell, and depending on

how much of the natural peptide for that receptor is around, the

virus will have an easier or harder time getting into the cell. So

our emotional state will affect whether we'll get sick from the same

loading dose of a virus.

 

http://www.kcwellnessmagazine.com/kansas_city_wellness_august_2003026

..htm

 

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