The Mind-Body Connection: Psychoneuroimmunology
by Miyo Sakatani ND, RN

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is an exciting field of scientific research that shows us how our thoughts and health are intimately connected, and how within each of us is the source of all healing. Although these concepts have been around for millennia, PNI finally provides the scientific evidence for the mind-body connection.

In the early 1970's, Dr. Robert Ader of the University of Rochester conducted a groundbreaking experiment on rats using classical Pavlovian conditioning, that documented the first hard clinical evidence of a physiological link between the mind and body. (Ader is credited as the research pioneer who coined the term "psychoneuroimmunology")

PNI research helps us understand the physiological interactions between mental and emotional states, immune system functioning, and ultimately our health. Over the last three decades, there have been many exciting discoveries including the biochemical connections between the mind, neuro-endocrine and immune systems.

Today, there is a wealth of well documented scientific studies by many notable mind-body research scientists on how attitude, emotions, touch, love and laughter have a profound affect on our healing system and the body's natural tendency toward wholeness. While the impact of this new science has not yet been fully realized, it does add credibility to alternative therapies and mind-body approaches such as meditation, prayer, imagery, clinical nutrition, spiritual healing and the energy medicines.

But regardless of the form of therapy we choose, the power of the mind in healing cannot be underestimated. Deepak Chopra M.D. says "belief has a role to play in any form of therapy whether chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or alternative medicine". Clearly, if mind states have such an important part to play in the origin and perpetuation of disease states, this needs to be addressed with at least as much importance as the physical manifestation.